IFT FIRST announces winner of startup pitch competition
Plantible's Rubi Protein ingredient can replace eggs and dairy ingredients.
The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific organization committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system, announced that Plantible was selected as the winner of The Pitch at IFT FIRST, held July 13-16 in Chicago. The rapid-pitch competition, showcasing product innovations in the early stages, featured six startups from the Startup Pavilion competing for the grand prize in the finale.
A biology company with a supply chain that harnesses the power of plants to produce novel foods, Plantible was recognized for Rubi Protein, its functional and nutritional plant-based protein ingredient. Rubi can enable food manufacturers to replace eggs, dairy ingredients, and synthetic emulsifiers with a single clean ingredient. Highly soluble, it foams, emulsifies, and binds, with the ability to outperform whole eggs, whey, skim‑milk powder, and methylcellulose in commercial food applications. With a complete amino‑acid profile and a Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) of 1, Rubi aimis to deliver high-quality nutrition while remaining free of every major allergen, Plantible says.
Besides sharing the benefits of Rubi Protein at IFT FIRST, Plantible also provided a preview of upcoming ingredient Lemna Leaf Greens, a nutrient-dense green powder containing protein, fiber, and essential micronutrients such as iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamins A, B, C, and E. Its mild taste and versatile functionality reportedly make it ideal for nutrition bars and other usages.
As part of its grand prize recognition, Plantible received $10,000 courtesy of The Pitch competition sponsor, Seeding The Future Foundation.
“Winning IFT FIRST’s The Pitch competition underscores our belief that the food system doesn’t need an alternative—it needs an upgrade,” says Tony Martens, Plantible co-founder and CEO. “We’re growing novel plants and transforming them into next-generation ingredients that deliver better functionality, nutrition, and resilience than today’s staples. We are starting with our amazing Rubi Protein. This recognition is a powerful signal that the future of food will be built on innovation at the supply chain level, because when you start with better building tools, you unlock better food.”
The runners-up, each earning $2,500, were Crush Dynamics, a producer of ingredients derived from naturally fermented pressed grapes from the winemaking processing, and RedLeaf Biologics, a manufacturer of a botanical extract that has demonstrated potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, according to the company. Last year, Scentian Bio, a biotech company utilizing a synthesized insect olfactory receptor biosensor that can reportedly measure smell and taste, took home the grand prize.
“At IFT, we believe innovation is essential to building a healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable food future,” says Christie Tarantino-Dean, CEO of IFT. “The Pitch is a great way to spotlight bold, science-driven solutions that have the potential to transform our food system. Congratulations to Plantible and all the finalists—and thank you to Seeding The Future Foundation for making this platform possible.”
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