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conversations while expanding their networks.
Last year, Helaina, a biotech company with a technology
platform that replicates bioactive functional proteins found
in the body, won The Pitch grand prize of $10,000. SnapDNA,
which developed technology to reduce pathogen detection in
food from days to hours, and unClassic foods, which creates
a plant-based meat substitute from oyster mushrooms, were
selected as runners-up, each receiving $2,500.
" By recognizing and supporting game-changing new
approaches highlighted by participants in the Startup Pavilion,
The Pitch and the Global Food System Challenge, we move
closer to the goal of implementing creative and impactful
solutions that can provide the growing global population
with equitable access to affordable, safe and nutritious food, "
said Seeding The Future Foundation's founder, Bernhard van
Lengerich, PhD.
In partnership with IFT, the Seeding The Future
Foundation also funds the annual Seeding The Future Global
Food System Challenge, which invites scientists, engineers,
innovators, entrepreneurs and multidisciplinary teams
to submit their game-changing innovations that will help
transform the food system. Each entrant in the challenge
is vying for part of the $1 million that is awarded to Grand
Prize, Growth Grant, and Seed Grant winners. At IFT FIRST,
winners from this year's challenge will discuss their winning
innovations with attendees and are invited to join The Pitch
finalists at the founders and funders networking event.
the potential to transform the food system. "
More than half of last year's attendees also visited The
Pitch, a multi-round, rapid-paced pitch competition offering
$15,000 in prizes, courtesy of the Seeding The Future
Foundation. Each round of the competition is judged by a
panel of professionals who represent the entire global food
ecosystem, including those from venture capitalist firms and
startup incubators, innovation leaders, academic researchers,
research and design professionals, and government officials.
Finalists from The Pitch will once again have the opportunity
to attend an invitation-only founders and funders networking
event that connects startups and social enterprises with
potential investors and supporting partners.
The Innovation Lab, an interactive product development
experience where participants are challenged with creating
a new product based on a consumer need, will also be
returning. This year's event will also feature the return
of one of the most talked-about additions to IFT FIRST
last year - the Braindate Lounge. The unique peer-to-peer
learning and networking experience connects problemsolvers
and like-minded food professionals in a fun, casual
environment that allows attendees to engage in meaningful
PRE-EVENT WORKSHOPS
IFT has also unveiled the lineup for its pre-event educational
workshops, formerly known as short courses, that will
officially kick off IFT FIRST, July 13-14 at the Hyatt Regency
Chicago.
Registrants will receive workshop materials and a
workshop certificate worth 14 credit hours. A complimentary
happy hour and networking event for all registered workshop
attendees will be held at the conclusion of the first day.
" The pre-event workshops were created to provide the
science of food community with the resources and skills to
advance their career, as well as provide them with the tools
and knowledge to help them in the workplace, " TarantinoDean
said. " Attendees not only get to learn from top subjectmatter
experts sharing their cutting-edge research insights
while also participating in hands-on practical sessions, but
they also have the unique opportunity to network with other
workshop attendees to foster the collaboration that helps
drive innovation, aligning with this year's theme. "
More details regarding IFT FIRST, including registration
and information regarding accommodations are available on
the event's website, www.iftevent.org.
DAIRYPROCESSING.COM | MAY-JUN 2024 73
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