Showcase your brand at IFT FIRST’s Startup Pavilion

This year’s IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo is expected to attract more than 16,000 attendees including your peers, ingredient providers, business professionals, product developers, food scientists and more.

In 2024, nearly 9,000 people spent time in the Startup Pavilion. It was the hottest area in the expo!

Generate leads, gain access to the science of food community and foster greater visibility for your life’s work as a startup.

Does My Business Qualify as a Startup at IFT FIRST?

Any stage food or food related startups are welcome! From pre-seed to growth stage, we know you and your business will benefit by participating in Startup Pavilion.

Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in The Pitch – a unique opportunity to promote your business among your colleagues, peers, the media, and potential investors.

Don’t wait, space is limited to the first 100 startups accepted to participate. You can win $10,000 if you have the best pitch of IFT FIRST Startup Pavilion! You don’t want to miss this amazing opportunity! Learn more below.

The Pitch!

Fast facts:

• You can win up to $10,000, presented by Seeding The Future Foundation, when you pitch as a startup!
• Winners also receive:
  • Feature in an official press release.
  • Coverage in Food Technology magazine.
  • Interview on an episode of IFT’s Omnivore podcast.
• Get more recognition and attention for your brand.
• The Pitch is open to exhibiting IFT FIRST startups only.
• Participation is optional.

Note: New products or divisions of an established company are not considered startups. If a company exhibits in the main expo with a booth, they cannot participate in the startup pavilion during any subsequent years.