The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) will host the IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo, July 12-15, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Through cutting-edge scientific programming and multi-disciplinary discussions, IFT FIRST (Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology) addresses the biggest issues impacting the food industry across novel technology and innovation, health and nutrition, sustainability and climate, food safety, and consumer insights.

New in 2026, all scientific programming will take place directly in the Expo Hall, offering attendees the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge sessions at the heart of the event. By integrating scientific discussions and presentations within the expo environment, participants can connect with experts, explore new technologies, and experience the vibrant innovation showcased throughout IFT FIRST.

“By making scientific programming more accessible, we’re ensuring that all attendees can engage with keynotes and breakout sessions and more easily connect what they’re learning with the innovations they’re seeing in the Expo Hall,” said IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean in a statement. “This year, we’re also expanding networking spaces and increasing curated Expo Floor tours — changes that directly reflect attendee feedback and our ongoing evolution to best meet their needs.”

IFT FIRST will host more than 450 research posters and 100 scientific sessions spread out across the dynamic Expo Hall, including a session on how to incorporate AI for faster, smarter, and safer food innovation sponsored by CoDeveloper, IFT’s proprietary AI-powered R&D platform that was unveiled to the public at last year’s event.

IFT is focusing on the future of artificial intelligence in food, in particular, how AI is advancing health-driven food innovation while also addressing sustainability and food security.

The Artificial Intelligence Keynote, “Designing with Intelligence: Practical AI for Faster, Smarter, Safer Food Innovation,” will take place 9:30-10:30 a.m. on July 15 and will feature Alon Chen, CEO and co-founder of Tastewise, sharing real-world use cases where AI is converting consumer signals into science-based decisions for product developers and R&D leaders.

The keynote, which will provide insights around product development, course design, research, policy, and environmental health, will be hosted by Jay Gilbert, PhD, the visionary behind CoDeveloper, IFT’s proprietary AI-powered, science-backed R&D platform.

CoDeveloper was created by food scientists to deliver proven considerations into the product development process, accelerating formula development and overcoming technical roadblocks. The R&D solution seamlessly pairs the computing speed of AI with IFT’s 85-plus years of peer-reviewed research and published content, the association says. Since its debut at IFT FIRST 2025, companies across the food industry have discovered how CoDeveloper supports their teams by accelerating their R&D efforts using trusted science. This year, the CoDeveloper booth will be located in the AI and Technology Pavilion.

“AI is already reshaping nearly every part of the food ecosystem and it’s here to stay. The advantage will go to teams that use it to amplify expertise, not replace it. AI can speed formulation, strengthen quality and consistency with predictive tools, and turn consumer signals into better decisions, but only when it’s built on trusted data, validated by humans, and guided by strong governance,” said Gilbert, IFT director of CoDeveloper and digital products, in a statement. “IFT FIRST attendees will get to experience first-hand what comes next with AI and how can they better leverage it for product development, technical problem solving, insights and operations.”