The FOODPrint project is launching the Innovation Factory – an international contest of ideas designed to empower young people to develop creative and sustainable solutions for challenges within the food industry. The initiative brings together youth from different European countries to learn, connect, and turn their ideas into real actions that promote sustainable food systems and responsible consumption.
The Innovation Factory is a MasterPeace initiative launched in 2023 to identify, promote, and support local actions with strong scaling potential. Within the framework of the FOODPrint project, participants will have the opportunity to explore topics such as food production, food waste, food logistics, food marketing, and sustainable consumption while learning about Doughnut Economics and ARTivism as tools for positive change.
Through the Innovation Factory process, participants will first identify local food-related challenges and research existing solutions in their communities. They will then brainstorm ideas, develop action plans using the Social Business Model Canvas, and prepare presentations for an international jury composed of youth representatives, artists, food industry experts, and project partners.
The online pitching event will take place on 15 May 2026, where young participants will present innovative, sustainable, and scalable ideas aimed at improving local food systems. Selected initiatives will receive support for implementation, giving participants the opportunity to transform their concepts into real community actions.
As part of the next phase, participants will share their results and experiences during the European Bake Off Challenge in June 2026, an event focused on community engagement, cooking together, and promoting sustainable food practices. The project will also conclude with the creation of a collaborative cookbook featuring local sustainable seasonal recipes from all participating countries.
The Innovation Factory represents another important step of the FOODPrint project in encouraging youth participation, sustainability education, creativity, and international cooperation while empowering young people to become active contributors to more sustainable communities across Europe.