IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo – Be Part of our Community in the Startup Pavilion Body

IFT FIRST is where science meets application. Where innovation finds its market. Where the global food system comes together to solve what’s next.

Where Food System Innovation Startups Get Seen – and Move Forward

At IFT FIRST, the Startup Pavilion connects early-stage brands with the scientists, suppliers, investors, and decision-makers shaping what’s next in food.

Built for Early-Stage Growth

This isn’t a corner of the show floor – it’s a dedicated environment designed specifically for startups, from pre-seed through growth stage.

• Join the MOST visited area of IFT FIRST
• Engage directly with buyers, R&D teams, and investors
• Validate your product, positioning, and roadmap in real time

Show Up Ready. We Handle the Rest.

Startup Pavilion packages are designed for founders focused on growth – not logistics.

• Turnkey kiosks for easy exhibiting (power, internet, signage included)
• No booth build, furniture sourcing, or setup coordination
• Simple graphics submission – IFT FIRST manages execution
• Two event passes included + additional access available

Translation for founders: Spend your time talking to the right people – not managing a booth.

Startup Pavilion Showcases Open June 17

Put your brand in front of a qualified audience – founders, buyers, and investors alike.

• 40 total presentation slots (20 Monday / 20 Tuesday)
• First-come, first-served for all exhibitors booked by June 17
• Short-format presentations + live audience Q&A
• No added fees to participate

Why it matters:

This is dedicated visibility beyond the booth – a chance to clearly communicate what you do, why it matters, and where you’re going.

Connect Across the Food Ecosystem

IFT FIRST brings together the full food system – from ingredient suppliers to global brands.

• Meet the largest ingredient and solution providers in the industry
• Understand what partners, acquirers, and investors are prioritizing
• Build relationships with fellow founders navigating the same growth stage

Whether you’re refining your formulation, exploring scale, or mapping your exit strategy – this is where those conversations happen.

Pitch Your Vision

Startup Pavilion exhibitors are also eligible for The Pitch!

• Present to top-tier judges (investors, industry leaders, R&D experts)
• Gain exposure, feedback, and recognition
• Opportunity to win up to $10,000

Startup Pavilion Testimonials:

“Our experience has been amazing. We got to meet lots of very forward-thinking people who are willing to take risks, listen to ideas, and take a targeted approach to what they do. We gained valuable leads.” – Director of Sales & Quality, Pack’n Fresh

“I came all the way from Peru to be here, and it was well worth the trip. This is my first time at IFT FIRST, and in just two days we’ve gained strong leads. Being here is going to improve our sales. It’s been a very productive experience.” – Frozen Products Category Manager, Happy Veg

“The Pitch! was a major highlight. We were able to quickly communicate not only what we do, but why it matters. Sharing that message at IFT FIRST—where decision-makers and innovators are in the room— was incredibly powerful.” – Founder, Heray Spice

Not quite ready to exhibit?

Attend IFT FIRST as an attendee – meet top suppliers, partners, and investors across the expo hall. Gain insight into scaling, sourcing, and where your brand fits while building connections that can shape your next stage of growth.