The FMItech Pitch Competition gives emerging technology companies the opportunity to present their solutions directly to food industry leaders. Applications close September 5, 2026.
By: Doug Baker, Vice President, Industry Relations, FMI
Food retailers, wholesalers and product suppliers are evaluating a growing number of technology solutions, often with limited time to separate a strong operating business case from a polished pitch.
The companies that stand out make the problem easy to see, explain how the solution fits into real workflows and show what the customer can measure.
The FMItech Pitch Competition gives emerging technology companies the opportunity to present their solutions directly to food industry leaders. The process starts with an application, continues through a virtual pitch round and culminates at the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference.
Applications for the 2027 competition close September 5, 2026. Here are five things to know before applying.
1. The use case comes first.
FMItech Pitch is open to emerging companies solving problems across food retail, wholesale and consumer packaged goods. Solutions may address store operations, supply chain, pricing, merchandising, workforce, digital commerce, Retail Media, automation, data, food waste, shopper experience or another area where the industry needs better tools.
A strong application should clearly explain the problem, who experiences it, how the solution works and what changes after implementation.
2. Applicants need a working solution.
The competition is designed for companies at Series A or earlier with a working solution and evidence that it can perform in a real operating environment. That evidence may include an active pilot, early customers, measurable results or another clear indication that the product has moved beyond the ideation stage.
Applicants submit a three-minute video for the FMItech Pitch judges to explain where the solution fits, who will use it and what result the customer should expect.
3. Six companies will join the FMItech Pitch Class of 2027.
Six companies will be selected for the FMItech Pitch Class of 2027 and advance to the virtual pitch round. Before pitching, the Pitch Class will participate in a food industry orientation led by food industry advisors, subject matter experts and food industry senior leadership.
The session will provide additional context on how retailers, wholesalers and product suppliers evaluate technology, what they need to understand about a solution and what they expect from an emerging technology partner. The orientation is intended to help each company sharpen its positioning before presenting to the judges.
4. Three finalists will pitch live at FMI Midwinter.
Judges will select three finalists from the virtual round to present at the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference. Each finalist will receive complimentary Midwinter registration and participation in the FMItech Exchange B2B meeting program.
The program gives finalists the opportunity to request meetings in advance with participating retailers, wholesalers, product suppliers and other industry leaders. Meeting availability depends on the interests and schedules of participating companies.
After the three finalists present, Midwinter attendees will vote to select the 2027 winner.
5. The winner stays connected to FMI throughout the year.
The winning company will present on the Midwinter main stage and receive continued visibility through FMI and industry media. The winner will receive one year of FMI industry partner level membership, providing access to eligible FMI events, communities, resources and member conversations.
The winner will also receive access to a series of one-hour advisory sessions during the following year, led by food industry advisors and subject matter experts. The sessions will be shaped around the company’s priorities and may focus on industry positioning, customer conversations, implementation, scaling or another challenge affecting its growth.
The purpose is to give the winner direct feedback from people who understand how technology is evaluated and put to work across the food industry.
Applications close September 5, 2026.
Learn more and submit your pitch
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