In July, the global food science and technology community gathers in Chicago for IFT FIRST 2026. The event brings together researchers, ingredient companies, technology providers and food industry decision-makers to explore what is moving from laboratory and pilot scale towards commercial application.
Biosafe will attend IFT FIRST 2026 on 12 to 15 July, with Janne Ylärinne, Sales Director, PhD, representing the company.
IFT FIRST is organised by the Institute of Food Technologists. In 2026, the programme brings scientific sessions directly into the expo hall, making it easier for visitors to connect research, suppliers, product concepts and practical development discussions in one place.
Food science meets market access
For companies developing novel ingredients, functional foods, fermentation-derived products, microbial applications or alternative proteins, IFT FIRST offers a useful view of where the market is heading.
The interesting question is not only what new technologies are emerging. It is how those technologies are being turned into products: which ingredients are gaining attention, which safety and quality questions are coming up, how companies are communicating scientific benefits and where regulatory expectations may affect development decisions.
Biosafe’s top picks from IFT FIRST 2026
Sustainable Solutions: Advancing Food Security Through Science and Collaboration
Monday, 13 July 2026 | 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM CT
Many sustainable food concepts rely on new ingredients, microbial processes, fermentation technologies or alternative protein systems. This keynote connects sustainability with food security and science-led collaboration.
Building Trust: Scientific Consensus and Policy for a Safer Food Future
Monday, 13 July 2026 | 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM CT
This session addresses scientific rigour, transparency, policy and public trust. It is relevant for companies working in areas where the evidence base is complex, evolving or difficult to communicate clearly.
Regulatory Frontiers: Navigating Food Safety in a Changing World
Tuesday, 14 July 2026 | 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM CT
A relevant session for companies looking at the US market or comparing regulatory expectations across regions. The keynote focuses on food safety, regulatory science, risk assessment and compliance, with insights from the FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods.
Science Communication in the Age of Misinformation: Restoring Confidence in Food Innovation
Tuesday, 14 July 2026 | 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM CT
New ingredients, processing technologies, biotechnology and health-oriented products all depend on trust. This session looks at how food science can be communicated clearly when misinformation can shape public perception quickly.
Designing with Agentic Intelligence: Faster, Smarter, Safer Food Innovation
Wednesday, 15 July 2026 | 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM CT
AI is becoming part of how food companies identify trends, design experiments and develop products. This keynote looks at how agentic AI could support faster and more structured food innovation.
Startup Pavilion
The Startup Pavilion is a useful place to see which food science and technology concepts are moving towards commercialisation. For early-stage companies, the key questions are often already visible: what evidence is needed, how should the product be positioned and what must be solved before market entry?
Solutions Showcase
The Solutions Showcase focuses on practical ingredient, process and technology solutions. For companies working with novel ingredients, functional foods, microbial applications or new production technologies, it shows how scientific ideas are being translated into product development.
Meet us on 12 to 15 July in Chicago!
If you are attending IFT FIRST 2026 and want to discuss food safety, testing needs, regulatory strategy or market access, let’s talk.
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Janne YlärinneSales Director, PhD |
