Purdue University’s Food Science department is partnering with other departments university-wide to collaborate with the Young Family on a ground-breaking Product Development Competition: the Plant-Based Foods Innovation and Product Development Competition. Each team will be given an allowance of $500 to develop their product. This competition will offer the opportunity for students to learn more about plant-based foods and foster collaboration between departments. Marketing, product development, and other skills will be developed throughout the duration of the competition.
Your final product can be an innovative spin-off of any commercial food product that includes cheese
⚬examples: cheese ravioli, quesadilla, mozzerella sticks, scalloped potatoes, cheesy breads, cheesy snacks, literally anything!
⚬You could choose to make an item with vegan cheese that is sweet (like a cheesecake or cheese danish), as long as cheese is still the star
⚬Every ingredient of your product must be vegan, not just the cheese
⚬There are no requirements for specific health claims, GMO claims, etc. However, you may choose to do this and use it as part of your marketing strategy
Stage 1: The Pitch Video
Each team will create a 2-3 minute video pitch to submit to the panel of judges. The submission is due on December 3rd, 2026 at 11:59PM. The pitch video should include:
- A hook or introduction of the product concept
- Marketing strategy and quick summary of the business plan
- Target consumer
- Be creative and make the video your own! The rubric will be released on October 1st, 2026.
10 teams will be chosen to continue to the product development stage and receive a $500 budget.
Stage 2: Product Development
Teams will have 3 months to develop a delicious vegan cheese product and perfect their business proposal.
- January 11th | Product development begins
- March 10th | Check-In with Program Manager
- March 26th | Final Reports due
- March 31st | Final Presentations Due
Stage 3: Judging Day & Reception
The date for Judging day is Thursday, April 1st from 9am-5pm. Teams will only need to be available for a 30 minute slot during that day. Requirements for judging day:
- 8 small bites of your product and 1 full serving size
- Professional dress
- 20 minute maximum presentation of your business plan with 5 minutes of questions from the judging panel
The reception will take place on Friday, April 2nd from 3:00pm-5:30pm. All teams are required to attend.
- All teams will have a booth with a poster during the reception portion.
- The top 5 teams will be announced during the award ceremony as well as the People's Choice Award and Creativity Award.
- Leadership in Ag and DSB will be in attendance.
Purdue University’s Food Science department is partnering with other departments university-wide to collaborate with the Young Family on a ground-breaking Product Development Competition: the Plant-Based Foods Innovation and Product Development Competition. Each team will be given an allowance of $500 to develop their product. This competition will offer the opportunity for students to learn more about plant-based foods and foster collaboration between departments. Marketing, product development, and other skills will be developed throughout the duration of the competition.
Your final product can be an innovative spin-off of any commercial food product that includes cheese
⚬examples: cheese ravioli, quesadilla, mozzerella sticks, scalloped potatoes, cheesy breads, cheesy snacks, literally anything!
⚬You could choose to make an item with vegan cheese that is sweet (like a cheesecake or cheese danish), as long as cheese is still the star
⚬Every ingredient of your product must be vegan, not just the cheese
⚬There are no requirements for specific health claims, GMO claims, etc. However, you may choose to do this and use it as part of your marketing strategy
Stage 1: The Pitch Video
Each team will create a 2-3 minute video pitch to submit to the panel of judges. The submission is due on December 3rd, 2026 at 11:59PM. The pitch video should include:
- A hook or introduction of the product concept
- Marketing strategy and quick summary of the business plan
- Target consumer
- Be creative and make the video your own! The rubric will be released on October 1st, 2026.
10 teams will be chosen to continue to the product development stage and receive a $500 budget.
Stage 2: Product Development
Teams will have 3 months to develop a delicious vegan cheese product and perfect their business proposal.
- January 11th | Product development begins
- March 10th | Check-In with Program Manager
- March 26th | Final Reports due
- March 31st | Final Presentations Due
Stage 3: Judging Day & Reception
The date for Judging day is Thursday, April 1st from 9am-5pm. Teams will only need to be available for a 30 minute slot during that day. Requirements for judging day:
- 8 small bites of your product and 1 full serving size
- Professional dress
- 20 minute maximum presentation of your business plan with 5 minutes of questions from the judging panel
The reception will take place on Friday, April 2nd from 3:00pm-5:30pm. All teams are required to attend.
- All teams will have a booth with a poster during the reception portion.
- The top 5 teams will be announced during the award ceremony as well as the People's Choice Award and Creativity Award.
- Leadership in Ag and DSB will be in attendance.
Learn how to complete your registration, upload submissions, and interact with your competition's staff!
Learn Pitch