IFT to Host Free Webinar on Accelerating Product Development with AI
The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a leading nonprofit dedicated to advancing food science globally, is offering a free webinar focused on how artificial intelligence is speeding up product development cycles. The session will explore AI’s role in improving workflows and increasing efficiency during R&D and formulation phases.
Entitled Leveraging AI for Faster Product Development Cycles, this webinar aims to help professionals discover new opportunities in early-stage development and learn how to apply AI-driven insights to overcome technical challenges and create customized formulations based on consumer data.
Why Attend?
- Understand how AI tools like IFT’s proprietary platform, CoDeveloper, accelerate formula development and break through technical barriers.
- Learn practical applications of AI in product innovation from industry experts.
- Explore ways to integrate AI into your existing R&D processes to improve speed and efficiency.
Christie Tarantino-Dean, IFT’s CEO, stated, “IFT is proud to be at the forefront of AI adoption in food science. We’re excited to support the community in leveraging AI tools like CoDeveloper to create a safer, smarter, and more sustainable food future.”
Webinar Details
Date & Time: August 26, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CDT
Sponsor: CoDeveloper, IFT’s AI-powered R&D platform, which taps into over 85 years of peer-reviewed research to speed product formulation and problem-solving.
Meet the Panelists
- Mohamed Badaoui Najjar, PhD – R&D Senior Director of Digital Transformation & Global Specifications at PepsiCo. With 15 years in the industry, he bridges R&D, supply chain, operations, and IT to design future-ready tools.
- Michael Slater – Technical Director of Consulting at Improving. He has a diverse software development background, including business intelligence and technology consulting.
- Jay Gilbert, PhD – Director of Scientific Programs & Product Development at IFT and product lead for CoDeveloper. Formerly active in IFT’s student association, he now leads new product development initiatives.
Additional Resources
To learn more about CoDeveloper and its capabilities, visit https://codeveloper.ift.org.
For those interested in the broader impact of AI on food product innovation, futurist Steve Brown shared insights at IFT’s recent annual event, IFT FIRST. You can register for the webinar and explore how AI is shaping product development workflows.
About the Institute of Food Technologists
Since 1939, IFT has been the voice of food science worldwide. The organization supports over 200,000 professionals, including researchers, product developers, and innovators across food, nutrition, and public health sectors. IFT provides resources and connections to help professionals keep pace with changes in the food system and contribute to a sustainable, safe, and nutritious global food supply.
For more information, visit ift.org.
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