IFTNEXT Food Disruption Challenge

Applications to participate in the Institute of Food Technologist’s (IFT) inaugural IFTNEXT Food Disruption Challenge competition will remain open through February 8.

The IFTNEXT Food Disruption Challenge is a competition designed to help investment-ready food companies advance the science of food.

“As a non-profit, professional membership organization dedicated to advancing the science of food, IFT is excited to provide professionals developing innovative food products and services the opportunity to showcase them to support IFT’s vision of ensuring a safe, nutritious, and sustainable food supply for all,” IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean, FASAE, CAE said.

Twenty-five semi-finalists will be selected in two stages. From there, six finalists will be selected to participate in a mentoring program, where they will receive guidance from experts. The competition will culminate with the finalists participating in a high-profile pitch event at IFT18 – emceed by Daymond John of ABC’s Shark Tank.

Judges representing influential sectors of the food and related industries will select a finalist to be the recipient of the IFTNEXT Future Food Disruptor of the Year award, including a $25,000 cash prize. Food Disruption Challenge session attendees at IFT18 will be asked to select an IFTNEXT Future Food Disruptor People’s Choice awardee for a cash prize of $5,000. In addition to the cash prizes, other services and products for entrepreneurial advancement will also be included. 

Eligibility criteria to compete in the Food Disruption Challenge can be found here. There is no cost to participate in Stages 1-3 of the competition. Costs may be incurred for finalists attending IFT18. All applications must be submitted no later than 11:59pm (PST) on February 8. For additional information, contact ebehn@ift.org.