“Sponsoring the IFT First startup pitch competition is just one way Seeding the Future Foundation is helping empower visionary entrepreneurs whose ideas have the potential to deliver meaningful and lasting impact,” said Bernhard van Lengerich, PhD, founder of Seeding the Future Foundation. “Bold, science-driven innovation is essential to creating a more sustainable, equitable and resilient food system for everyone, and we are honored to support this great IFT initiative.”

The winner of the pitch competition will receive a $10,000 cash prize, and the two runners-up will each receive $2,500 in cash prizes, courtesy of the Seeding the Future Foundation.

Last year’s winner was Plantible for Rubi Protein, a functional and nutritional plant-based protein that allows food manufacturers to replace eggs, dairy ingredients and synthetic emulsifiers with a single clean ingredient.

“The challenges facing our food system require new and creative ideas,” said IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean. “The Startup Pavilion at IFT First highlights entrepreneurs who are creating solutions to those challenges. We’re proud to work with Seeding the Future Foundation to help accelerate that journey and drive meaningful progress for people and the planet.”

Interested startups can reserve their booth now, with Startup Pavilion spots limited to the first 100 on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration for IFT FIRST will be open soon.

Visit the IFT website for more information on the annual event.