Dairy Snack Innovation Competition

Create the next viral snack, win a $10,000 scholarship

Calling all high school student entrepreneurs, food science enthusiasts, and future business leaders! Do you have what it takes to create the next must-have dairy snack?

Join the Dairy MAX Dairy Snack Innovation Competition and compete for a $10,000 scholarship while gaining invaluable mentorship and industry exposure.

Why Enter?

  • Scholarship & Prizes – Win up to $10,000 in scholarships and funding.
  • Mentorship & Training – Work with industry experts and food scientists.
  • Exclusive Opportunities – Travel to Colorado State University Spur Innovation Center for in-person mentorship and pitch your idea to expert judges.
  • Real-World Experience – Develop a product, create packaging, and market your idea like a pro!

Who Can Compete?

  • High school students (ages 14+) in Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Wyoming, Montana or Kansas.
  • Students who are passionate about food science, business or entrepreneurship.
  • Students who are ready to innovate with real dairy ingredients.

How It Works

  1. Submit Your Idea – Develop a dairy-based snack concept that meets consumer demand for convenience, health and innovation.
  2. Become a Finalist – Up to 5 finalists will be selected for a 9-month mentorship program, including virtual and in-person training.
  3. Pitch Your Product – Travel to Denver, CO, to showcase your snack to industry experts and compete for top prizes.

Key Competition Dates

  • Application Deadline: September 19, 2025
  • Finalist Announcement: October 8, 2025
  • Mentorship Program: November 2025 – May 2026
  • Final Pitch Event: June 12-14, 2026

How to Apply

  1. Email pitchcompetition@dairymax.org with any questions you may have.
  2. Complete Your Entry on Submittable – Provide your product details, packaging ideas, and marketing concept.
  3. Submit by September 19, 2025 – Don’t miss your chance to compete!

Your Innovation, Your Future

Turn your creativity into a winning dairy snack and take your entrepreneurial dreams to the next level. Apply today and be the future of food innovation!

Apply Now

Resources

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Consumer Insights

Learn what consumers want out of snacks and how that can impact your innovation.
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Judging Criteria

Learn and understand how the contest will be scored and your innovation judged.
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Contest Schedule

See the time commitment the contest will require.
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Contest Rules

Dive in to understand how the contest will be run before you apply
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Parent/Guardian Consent Form

Review the form to understand what your parent(s)/guardian(s) must consent to.
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Partners

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