Future of AI, Latest Transformative Food and Beverage Technologies and Innovations to be Unveiled at IFT FIRST

CHICAGO – June 17, 2025 – The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific organization committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system, will share the newest technology and innovations in food, health, and wellness at IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo, the annual food research, science, and technology event that is being held July 13-16, 2025, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

A keynote titled “AI Now and Next: Getting Ready for the Future of AI” will explore how companies can create an informed artificial intelligence strategy and how individuals can remain relevant in AI-powered workplaces. Led by Steve Brown, a former executive at Google DeepMind and Intel, the keynote will explain artificial intelligence in accessible terms, demonstrate its latest capabilities, and explain how companies and individuals can prepare to surf the coming AI wave. This keynote will follow a pre-event workshop on “Exploring Artificial Intelligence for Next-Level Food Innovation,” taking place July 12-13, which will provide the science of food community with a deep understanding of artificial intelligence through hands-on exercises, industry use cases, and insights from thought leaders.

IFT will also introduce a groundbreaking, AI-powered R&D tool that serves as your virtual lab assistant — instantly solving challenges and delivering solutions — all backed by IFT's 85 years of scientific and research excellence.

“Innovation in the food system doesn’t happen in isolation—it requires bold ideas, shared knowledge, and cross-sector collaboration,” said IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean. “Artificial intelligence is here to stay, and it’s transforming how we solve problems, accelerate R&D, and bring new products to life. Our keynote and programming this year reflect IFT’s commitment to helping the science of food community not just adapt to these shifts—but lead them.”

IFT FIRST unites top experts throughout the science of food disciplines. Through cutting-edge scientific programming and multi-disciplinary discussions, IFT FIRST addresses the biggest issues impacting the food industry across novel technology and innovation, health and nutrition, sustainability and climate, food safety, and consumer insights. The dynamic expo floor, a celebration of the latest food innovations and technologies, features some of the top food, health, and wellness companies in the world launching or showcasing the products and solutions that will help usher in a new era of food.

In recent years, leading food companies have launched a variety of products at IFT FIRST, including a natural red dye made from non-GMO purple corn; a pea protein optimized for cold-pressed bars; and postbiotics optimized for sleep and skin support. This year, among the new products being launched at IFT FIRST will be a botanical antioxidant produced via plant cell culture that is a sustainable alternative to BHA and BHT; a light-colored prebiotic fiber that is fully soluble and stable in heat and acid with exceptional digestive tolerance; as well as a natural, plant-based, 100-percent vegan gummy that maintains the same texture and taste as gelatin-based products.

Attendees can also experience product innovations in the early stages when they attend the finals of the The Pitch!, a rapid-pitch competition where six startups compete for the grand prize on the Taste of Science stage on Wednesday, July 16 from 11:00 a.m. – 1;00 p.m. Last year, Scentian Bio, a biotech company utilizing a synthesized insect olfactory receptor biosensor that can measure smell and taste, took home the grand prize of $10,000.

This year’s finalists are:

• Apex Compliance, a technology company that offers an analysis tool to help companies de-risk their online presence
• Ayana Bio, an ingredient provider that leverages plant cellular technology to produce bioactive ingredients that support health and wellness
• Crush Dynamics Inc., a producer of ingredients derived from naturally fermented pressed grapes from the winemaking process
• MontBlancAI, a SaaS AIoT company that empowers manufacturers to reduce waste, increase throughput, and make smarter decisions through real-time production intelligence
• Plantible Foods, a biology company with a supply chain that harnesses the power of plants to produce novel foods, starting with a toolkit of better plant-based protein ingredient
• RedLeaf Biologics, manufacturer of a novel botanical extract that has demonstrated extremely potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties

Each finalist in The Pitch!, which is sponsored by the Seeding The Future Foundation, is an exhibitor in the Startup Pavilion, a popular showcase of over 85 global food and food tech startups from pre-seed to growth stage with the potential to transform the food system.

Register for IFT FIRST. Members receive exclusive discount for IFT FIRST. To learn more about becoming a member and taking advantage of networking and education opportunities year-round, email [email protected].

About IFT FIRST

IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo is one of the most influential food technology events in the world as it unites instrumental leaders across the global food system to help shape the future of food. Each year, IFT FIRST (Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology) convenes prominent food, health, and nutrition professionals across industry, academia, and government to collaborate, innovate, and educate. IFT FIRST features a dynamic expo floor that connects many of the top global food and wellness companies with buyers and those with purchasing influence, while also offering cutting-edge scientific programming that explores the hottest topics across the science of food. IFT FIRST also offers valuable networking opportunities, unique food competitions, and engaging interactive experiences to connect, enrich, and empower attendees in their missions to transform the global food system. For more information, go to iftevent.org.

About Institute of Food Technologists

Since 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has served as the voice of the global food science community. IFT advocates for science, technology, and research to address the world’s greatest food challenges, guiding our community of more than 200,000. IFT convenes professionals from around the world – from producers and product developers to innovators and researchers across food, nutrition, and public health – with a shared mission to help create a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible to all. IFT provides its growing community spanning academia, industry, and government with the resources, connections, and opportunities necessary to stay ahead of a rapidly evolving food system as IFT helps feed the minds that feed the world. For more information, please visit ift.org.

Media Contacts

Dennis Van Milligen
Director, External Relations
Institute of Food Technologists
630-853-3022
[email protected]

Frannie Comstock
Manager, PR and Organizational Communications
Institute of Food Technologists
513-374-8900
[email protected]