Pitch Competition

Calling All Early-Stage Innovators

Get ready for another technology innovation showcase at FMI Midwinter, the premier forum for high-impact food industry dialog. The FMItech Pitch Competition highlights exceptional technology solutions geared toward the food industry.

If your cutting-edge, early-stage startup qualifies, seize this opportunity to apply online with your captivating pitch video!  

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

Our esteemed panel of industry judges will carefully evaluate all submissions and choose six semifinalists to complete in a virtual pitch competition this fall. The three most outstanding start-ups will be named finalists and give 5-minute pitches on their groundbreaking applications during the prestigious FMI Midwinter program. The captive audience of executive-level food industry professionals will then vote on their favorite pitch. 

The ultimate pitch winner will then be announced live on the main stage, during the closing keynote session. At this time, the winner will receive the grand prize: pitching live to our full Midwinter audience from the keynote stage.

Finalists Receive

Entry Criteria

  • Received less than $5 million in funding.
  • Complete the online application by October 9, 2023.
  • Submit a three-minute pitch video.

Pitch Session Details

  • Pitches will be shared Friday, January 19 at FMI Midwinter.
  • Three finalist opportunities available.
  • Five minutes of content and five-to-seven minutes for finalist group Q&A.

Your Pitch Competition Judges

Alex Davisson CM

Alex Davisson

Ventures Associate, Plug and Play
Tech Center
Gary Hawkins CM

Gary Hawkins

Founder Co-CEO, Center for Advancing Retail and Technology
Shaveer Mirpuri CM

Shaveer Mirpuri

Founder & CEO, insite.ai
John OReilly CM

John O'Reilly

Head of Retail–Food, Drug, Mass, Google
Chloe Riley CM

Chloe Riley

Executive Editor, Supermarket News
Deborah Weinswig CM

Debora Weinswig

Founder & CEO, Coresight Research

Previous Finalists

Prior FMItech Pitch 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. 

FMItech Pitch 2023