Partnership for IFT FIRST 2025 Startup Pavilion

Photo: IFT

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 has partnered with global venture capital firm PeakBridge on the Startup Pavilion at IFT FIRST 2025, being held July 13-16, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

PeakBridge invests in founders with scalable, protectable B2B technologies and positive impact at their core.

“Since day one, our team has been driven by finding practical, smart solutions to increasingly urgent problems across our global food system. That means investing in the best proprietary, science-backed technologies and in food innovation that makes economic sense – and tastes great,” said Nadav Berger, PeakBridge founding general partner.

“Partnering with IFT, an organization of brilliant technologists and scientists, is a perfect match. We’re excited to be more involved in IFT FIRST, the ultimate space to connect food and tech – exactly the heart of our mission.”

The Startup Pavilion connects startups with peers, consulting groups, ingredient providers, business professionals, product developers and food scientists. Every year, up to 100 foodtech startups from more than a dozen countries showcase their innovations while also having the option to participate in a speed pitch competition that awards $15,000 to the winner and runners-up.  

“IFT is thrilled to partner with PeakBridge on the Startup Pavilion at IFT FIRST. They are truly one of the top leaders in FoodTech investment and recognize the urgent need to identify, develop, and support food startups as we seek solutions to address our top food problems,” said IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean.

“The Startup Pavilion has quickly become one of the most popular aspects of IFT FIRST as it not only showcases food innovation from startups in all stages of growth but provides these startups with the platform that they need and the connections that they require to bring their product to market to address those food challenges.”

IFT FIRST convenes food, health, and nutrition professionals across industry, academia, and government to collaborate, innovate, and educate. IFT FIRST features an expo floor that connects global food and wellness companies with buyers, while also offering scientific programming that explores the hottest topics across the science of food. IFT FIRST also offers networking opportunities, food competitions, and interactive experiences to connect, enrich, and empower attendees in their missions to transform the global food system.

Registration for IFT FIRST 2025 opens in March 2025.