Exciting Opportunity: Checkoff Announces Dairy Health Innovation Contest for Students – Join the Challenge!

Exciting Opportunity for Students: Dairy Health Innovation Contest

Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) has launched its 2026 New Product Competition. This contest invites college students across the U.S. to create innovative dairy-based products that align with today’s consumer focus on health, especially bone and muscle health and weight management.

Every year, this competition pushes students to think outside the box and develop products that highlight dairy’s diverse health benefits. The deadline for submissions is January 12.

As more people look for foods that support an active lifestyle, dairy’s nutrient-rich profile becomes even more relevant. The competition encourages participants to explore current trends and consumer needs, aiming to introduce new dairy products to the market.

Products should focus on one or more of these health benefits:
– Bone Health
– Muscle Health
– Weight Management

“This contest is not just about creativity; it’s also about grooming future leaders in food and dairy to meet changing consumer demands,” says Dr. Rohit Kapoor, vice president of product research at DMI.

Finalists will present their ideas before a panel of industry experts at the 2026 American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting, set for June 21-24 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Winners will receive cash prizes:
– $10,000 for the Platinum Dairy Innovator Award (1st place)
– $7,000 for the Gold Dairy Innovator Award (2nd place)
– $4,000 for the Silver Dairy Innovator Award (3rd place)
– $2,000 for three additional teams completing Phase 2

Interested students can find more information about the competition and insights into the market by visiting USDairy.com. For rules and entry details, check out www.usdairy.com/research-resources/new-product-competition. For questions, reach out to Dr. Kapoor at rohit.kapoor@dairy.org.

According to recent statistics, more than 60% of consumers are actively seeking functional foods that enhance their health, which underscores the importance of this competition. By combining innovation with nutrition, students have a chance to make a significant impact on the future of food.

This contest not only supports new ideas but also prepares the next generation to keep dairy at the forefront of health and wellness trends.



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