The FMItech Pitch Competition at FMI’s Midwinter Executive Conference gives emerging technology startups a direct platform to showcase innovations to grocery and CPG leaders, driving industry connections, credibility and growth.
By: Doug Baker, Vice President, Industry Relations, FMI
Every major shift in the grocery industry begins the same way: with a new idea. But for emerging technology companies, getting that idea in front of the right audience, the decision-makers who can make it real, is often the hardest part.
That’s why FMI created FMItech and highlights it at the Midwinter Executive Conference, a platform designed to help innovative technology companies connect directly with leaders across retail and consumer packaged goods. At the heart of the program is the FMItech Pitch Competition, where bold new startup companies showcase solutions that can transform how grocers operate and how shoppers engage.
The Pitch Competition journey begins with an application and a short video submission. From there, a panel of industry judges narrows the field to six semifinalists who pitch virtually. Three finalists are then invited to present live at Midwinter—where they don’t just win applause. They win access.
Take Badge, for example. In 2025, this startup took the stage at FMItech with a simple but powerful idea: extending grocery loyalty programs into Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. The result? A low-lift, high-impact way for retailers to drive signups, boost engagement and grow basket size.
When Badge won the FMItech Pitch Competition, they didn’t just walk away with a trophy. They walked away with new customers and partners. As founder and CEO Eric Sen explained:
Going into the pitch, we had no grocery customers in North America. FMI opened the door for us—connecting us with chains and B2B partners who are now becoming customers.
That’s the power of FMItech Pitch Competition—putting emerging ideas in front of the industry’s most influential leaders, creating conversations that matter and providing a launchpad for growth. For startups, this is a chance to shape the future of food retail, build credibility and scale faster than ever before. For grocers, it’s a front-row seat to innovations that can reduce friction, personalize experiences and strengthen shopper loyalty.
Applications for the next FMItech Pitch Competition are open now and due September 5. If your company is ready to spark the next big idea in grocery, this is your moment to step into the spotlight.
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