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The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has launched CoDeveloper, a new AI-powered research and development platform designed to streamline the product development process for food and beverage companies. This innovative tool aims to address the growing demands for faster and more efficient product formulation in a rapidly evolving market.

CoDeveloper leverages over 85 years of peer-reviewed research and scientific knowledge from IFT, integrating advanced computational capabilities to assist food scientists and product developers. Key features of the platform include Sous, a generative AI co-scientist that aids in formulating and optimising recipes, alongside tools for iterative development and science-based reverse engineering.

The platform also emphasises security, ensuring that proprietary data remains protected while users access trusted scientific resources.

Christie Tarantino-Dean, CEO of IFT, highlighted the significance of CoDeveloper in the current landscape of food innovation. “The food system is evolving rapidly, and IFT is uniquely positioned for this moment,” she said. The platform is designed to meet the urgent need for smarter R&D tools, reflecting IFT's commitment to advancing food science and technology.

CoDeveloper will be showcased at IFT FIRST, the annual event that gathers leaders from academia, government, and industry to discuss critical issues affecting the food sector. This year’s conference will feature discussions on key topics such as artificial intelligence applications in food science, health and nutrition trends, and food safety advancements.