IFT and FoodTech Venture Capital Firm PeakBridge Partner on IFT FIRST Startup Pavilion

CHICAGO — 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, announced that it has partnered with global venture capital firm PeakBridge on the Startup Pavilion at IFT FIRST 2025, scheduled for July 13-16, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

“Since day one, our team has been driven by finding practical, smart solutions to increasingly urgent problems across our global food system,” said Nadav Berger, PeakBridge founding general partner. “That means investing in the best proprietary, science-backed technologies and in food innovation that makes economic sense — and tastes great. 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 food technology 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,” said IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean. “They are truly one of the top leaders in food tech investment and recognize the urgent need to identify, develop and support food startups as we seek solutions to address our top food problems. 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.”

Registration for IFT FIRST 2025 opens in March. To learn more or to reserve a spot in the Startup Pavilion, go to www.iftfirst.org.