The Artificial Intelligence Institute for Food Systems (AIFS) at UC Davis is hosting the inaugural AI for Food Product Development Symposium, a unique cross-sector gathering designed to catalyze innovation at the intersection of artificial intelligence and food science.

This one-day symposium, scheduled for October 13, 2025, will bring together a curated group of researchers, industry professionals, government representatives, and technology innovators to explore how AI is transforming the way food products are designed, developed, and commercialized. From precision formulation and rapid prototyping to sensory analytics and sustainable packaging, AI is enabling smarter, faster, and more consumer-responsive approaches to product innovation.

The symposium will feature panel discussions, talks, and interactive sessions with experts in AI, food product processing and development. Topics include:

• AI-enabled food formulation and ingredient discovery
• Automation and robotics in product prototyping
• Sensory science and consumer preference modeling
• Applications of machine learning in quality control and compliance
• Scaling innovation: from pilot to commercialization
• Responsible AI practices and equity in food innovation

Participants will gain firsthand insights into the latest research and case studies, identify collaborative opportunities, and help shape a forward-looking agenda for AI in food product innovation.

This symposium is part of AIFS’s broader mission to build a resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system through data-driven science and multidisciplinary partnerships. Join us in advancing the next generation of AI-powered food development.

DATE: October 13, 2025, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

LOCATION: University of California, Davis

Draft Agenda

AI for Food Product Development Symposium

8:00 – 9:00 AM

Registration and Networking Breakfast

Join us for a light breakfast and informal networking as attendees check in and connect with colleagues from across disciplines.

9:00 – 9:15 AM

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Conference organizers and leadership from the Artificial Intelligence Institute for Food Systems (AIFS) will set the stage for the day, outlining the goals of the symposium and the critical role of AI in the future of food innovation.

9:15 – 10:00 AM

Keynote Talk: The AI Frontier in Food Product Innovation

A leading expert will explore the transformative potential of AI across the food product development pipeline—from smart formulation to sustainability—highlighting current breakthroughs, future directions, and the imperative for collaboration.

10:00 – 10:10 AM

Networking Break

10:10 – 11:00 AM

Panel #1: AI and Food Processing – From Pilot to Production

This panel will examine how AI is being integrated into food manufacturing and process design. Topics may include extrusion modeling, smart equipment, predictive quality control, and AI-enabled upscaling from lab to line.

11:00 – 11:05 AM

Networking Break

11:05 AM – 12:00 PM

Positioning Talks: Framing the Landscape

A set of rapid talks from invited experts to introduce key frameworks, emerging tools, and real-world challenges shaping the intersection of AI and food product development. Speakers may cover topics like:

• Data infrastructure for food innovation
• Regulatory and ethical considerations
• Integrating sensory science with ML models

12:00 – 1:00 PM

Networking Lunch

An informal lunch to foster conversation and build new partnerships across academic, industry, and public-sector participants.

1:10 – 2:00 PM

Cross-Disciplinary Talks: Health Outcomes and Consumer Liking These talks will connect data-driven modeling with health and consumer insights. Topics may include:

• AI prediction of consumer liking and preference
• Personalized nutrition and product tailoring
• Modeling health outcomes of new formulations

2:10 – 3:00 PM

Panel #2: Connecting the Dots – A Holistic View of AI in Product Development

A multidisciplinary panel discussion focused on bridging silos between data science, sensory evaluation, process engineering, and innovation management. What does it take to build truly AI-integrated product development pipelines?

3:00 – 4:00 PM

Working Group Breakouts: Designing the Future

Attendees will split into facilitated breakout groups to discuss:

• Research needs and opportunities
• Shared datasets and tools
• Academic-industry partnerships
• Responsible AI practices in food

Key ideas and priorities will be synthesized for follow-up and future initiatives.

4:10 – 5:30 PM

Tour: Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science

Join us for a guided tour of UC Davis’s world-class research and education facilities, including pilot plants, sensory labs, and sustainability initiatives.

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Dinner Reception at Great Bear Vineyards

Close the day with a relaxed evening of food, wine, and conversation in the scenic Yolo County wine country. Transportation provided.