The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) 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 being held July 13-16, 2025, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

A keynote on Monday, July 14 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 food science community with an understanding of AI through hands-on exercises, industry use cases, and insights from thought leaders.

IFT will also introduce an AI-powered R&D tool that serves as a virtual lab assistant — instantly solving challenges and delivering solutions — 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 experts throughout the science of food disciplines. Through 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 expo floor features some of the top food, health, and wellness companies in the world launching or showcasing their products and solutions.

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, vegan gummy that claims to maintain 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 am to 1 pm. 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; and
• RedLeaf Biologics, manufacturer of a novel botanical extract that has demonstrated 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 an exclusive discount for IFT FIRST. To learn more about becoming a member and taking advantage of networking and education opportunities year-round, email membershipinfo@ift.org.