Food Systems Innovation Challenge 2026 Grand Finals
In short
Activity- 29 September 2026
- 12:30-17:00
- Omnia Wageningen Campus
Join us on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, for the Grand Finals of the Food Systems Innovation Challenge. After months of workshops, coaching and collaboration with local communities, 30 student teams from 17 partner universities across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe will come together in Wageningen to present their innovative solutions for more sustainable and resilient food systems.
Throughout the day, finalist teams will pitch their ideas to an international jury of experts, showcase their work during the Innovation Market, and compete for the 2026 Challenge awards.
Whether you are a student, researcher, professional, partner or simply interested in the future of food systems, we warmly invite you to join us for a day of inspiring ideas, international collaboration and meaningful conversations.
Why attend?
- Meet the finalist teams from around the world and learn more about their projects.
- Connect with researchers, experts, students and international partners in food systems-related fields.
- Have your say by voting for your favourite team during the 1-minute pitches and help crown the winner of the Audience Award.
- Experience the excitement of the Grand Finals and celebrate the next generation of food systems changemakers.
Programme
| Time | Programme | Information |
|---|---|---|
12:30 - 14:00 | Networking & Innovation Market | Meet the teams, explore their projects and connect with fellow participants, partners and guests. |
14:00 - 15:45 | Award Ceremony | Celebrate the winning teams and hear from the international jury. |
15:45 - 17:00 | Networking drinks & bites | Continue the conversations and connect with students, researchers and international partners. |
- Time
12:30 - 14:00
ProgrammeNetworking & Innovation Market
InformationMeet the teams, explore their projects and connect with fellow participants, partners and guests.
- Time
14:00 - 15:45
ProgrammeAward Ceremony
InformationCelebrate the winning teams and hear from the international jury.
- Time
15:45 - 17:00
ProgrammeNetworking drinks & bites
InformationContinue the conversations and connect with students, researchers and international partners.
Curious about the teams competing in this year's Grand Finals? Explore the participating teams and their innovative ideas.
Jury
The finalist teams will present their ideas to an international jury of experts from academia, industry and international organisations.
The 2026 jury includes:
- Jean Mwenda | SNV
- Pascal Murasira | Africa Food Fellowship
- Emil John Cabrera | SEARCA
- Jacobine Mannak | Global Network of Lighthouse Farms
- Dhanush Dinesh | Clim-Eat
- Maria Kolesina | World Food Forum
- Moussa Bathily | Delphi International
Date
12:30 - 17:00