Food Industry Pitch Competition

Showcase What's Next
Calling All Early-Stage Innovators

FMI Midwinter is where the food industry’s most influential leaders gather to explore what’s next and the FMItech Pitch Competition puts emerging technology front and center.

Early-stage startups with bold solutions built for food retail, submitted their applications and pitch video to compete live in front of top executives, investors, and decision-makers shaping the future of food.

A Conversation with last year's winner.

Important Dates

Friday, September 5, 2025
Submission deadline

Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Six semi-finalists named

Monday, November 10, 2025
Three finalists named

We can hear it now. “And the winner is…..”

Our esteemed judges will review submissions, selecting six semifinalists for the virtual pitch competition this fall. The top three startups will advance as finalists, delivering 5-minute pitches at FMI Midwinter, where food industry executives decides the winner. The victor will be unveiled live during the closing keynote, and pitch to the entire Midwinter audience from the keynote stage.

Our 2026 Finalists

This year, our panel of judges reviewed more than 55 submissions from companies driving efficiency, shopper engagement, and sustainability in food retail. The six semifinalists rose to the top for tackling real challenges. From streamlining operations to redefining shopper connections, they showed how technology can power the grocery industry forward.

Three will take the stage in January at the FMItech Pitch during the Midwinter Executive Conference.

Finalists Receive

Complimentary registration to the 2026 FMI Midwinter Executive Conference.
Complimentary slot in our exclusive B2B program, the FMItech Exchange.

Entry Criteria

Company must has received less than $5 million in funding.
Submit a three-minute pitch video.
Complete application by September 5, 2025.

Pitch Session Details

Three finalists will share pitches on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at FMI Midwinter.
Each pitch will last five minutes with five-to-seven minutes for finalist group Q&A.

Pitch Competition Judges

Gary Hawkins

Founder Co-CEO
Center for Advancing Retail and Technology

Tom Furphy

CEO & Managing Director
Consumer Equity Partners

John O'Reilly

Head of Retail - Food, Drug, & Mass
Google Cloud

Manish Sharma

Co-Founder and CMO
Think Blue Consulting

Jeff Strasser

General Manager, AI Business
Solutions - US Retail/CPG
Microsoft

Deborah Weinswig

Founder & CEO
Coresight Research

Nikki Laughlin

Emcee

Previous Winners

Prior competitors shared their expertise in automation, workforce solutions, robotics, AI-target loyalty, monitoring, digital receipts and coupons. We look forward to your innovations focused on assisting food industry companies in achieving their business objectives and meeting consumer expectations.

View 2022 Winners

View 2023 Winners

View 2024 Winners

View 2025 Winners

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