Kickstart Your Ideas: Enter the Checkoff Dairy Health Innovation Contest for Students!

Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) is calling for entries to its 2026 New Product Competition. This contest invites students from across the U.S. to create exciting dairy-based products that address today’s needs for bone and muscle health, as well as weight management.

Students will have the chance to showcase the versatility of dairy in promoting wellness. The deadline to submit entries is January 12, so there’s still time to get involved!

More consumers are looking for functional foods to support their active lifestyles, and dairy’s rich nutrient profile makes it an appealing option. The competition encourages students to use recent industry insights to develop innovative dairy concepts.

Products could focus on:

• Bone Health
• Muscle Health
• Weight Management

Dr. Rohit Kapoor, DMI’s vice president of product research, highlights that this competition is more than just about innovation. It’s about preparing future leaders in food and dairy to meet changing consumer needs.

Finalists’ products will be judged by industry experts and recognized at the American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting, set for June 21-24 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It’s a great chance for students to gain visibility.

There are cash prizes available:

• 1st Place: Platinum Dairy Innovator Award – $10,000
• 2nd Place: Gold Dairy Innovator Award – $7,000
• 3rd Place: Silver Dairy Innovator Award – $4,000
• Three additional Dairy Innovator Awards – $2,000 each

To learn more about the competition and get helpful insights for your project, check out the “2026 Challenge: Consumer and Marketplace Insights” at USDairy.com.

For contest rules and how to enter, visit USDairy’s competition page. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Dr. Kapoor at rohit.kapoor@dairy.org.

According to a recent survey by the International Dairy Foods Association, more than 60% of consumers are interested in foods that assist with health goals. This reflects a shift towards wellness-focused eating. Thus, the demand for innovative dairy products is higher than ever.

This competition not only supports student creativity but also addresses a vital market need. By participating, students contribute to the future of food and help shape a healthier lifestyle for many.

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