Europe’s food system is getting a much-needed shake-up, and young innovators are leading the charge. The Menu for Change Challenge, powered by EIT Food, the Seeding The Future Foundation, and the Young Professionals Platform (YPP)—which includes YPARD, APPatEIT, and EIT Food Alumni—has just announced its winners. These trailblazing teams are bringing fresh ideas to the table, tackling sustainability, food waste, and accessibility challenges with bold, actionable solutions.
As one of the main implementing partners, YPARD is proud to suuport this initiative, ensuring that young voices are at the forefront of creating a fairer, healthier, and more resilient food system.
Let’s meet the winning teams and their inspiring projects:
Sustainable Cafeteria Sourcing
Imagine university cafeterias that don’t just feed students but also educate them about sustainable food choices. That’s the vision of Raife Kotzaoglan, Rajabi Armineh, and Bilge Colak, the minds behind Greenovators. Their project transforms university dining halls into eco-friendly food hubs, reducing their environmental footprint while equipping students and staff with practical sustainability knowledge.
Greening University Cafeterias
Taking sustainable sourcing a step further, Martin Richter, Lisa Maike Buss, and Luisa Pereira Goss are investigating how universities can make smarter food procurement decisions. Through research at CZU Prague, they’re exploring how students, staff, and faculty perceive and influence sustainability policies. Their findings will shape future procurement contracts, leading to healthier, more sustainable menus in educational institutions.
Building a Student-Run, Sustainable Farm
Could a 2,200-square-meter student-run farm provide food for dozens of families while doubling as an educational hub? Mariana Alejandra Rorero Gonzalez, Marie-Claire Feller, and Marie Ingrid Svedhem believe so. Their CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture) model at Alnarp’s Agroecology Farm already supports over 60 households and serves as a “living lab” for agroecological practices. The team offers internships, workshops, and partnerships to grow a self-sustaining, climate-smart food community.
Reconnecting Children with Agriculture
Farming isn’t just about producing food—it’s about education. Esteve Simon David Helias, Paula Daniela Orduz Ramos, and Sarah-Maria Scheid are closing the growing disconnect between young people and agriculture. Through immersive summer programs for children aged 3-10, Agroboros fosters environmental awareness, ecological identity, and social-emotional intelligence—creating future stewards of sustainable food systems.
Bringing Beans to the Table—Sustainably
Protein innovation takes center stage with Enock Wasonga Omanga, Evance Odhiambo Ochola, and Joshua Ojwodhi Ouko, the team behind NutriFood. Their project revolutionizes plant-based protein with pre-cooked, dehydrated beans, offering a nutrient-rich, convenient, and sustainable alternative to animal products. By partnering with regenerative farms, NutriFood supports soil health, carbon sequestration, and sustainable agriculture.
The journey for these winning teams is just beginning! Each team receives a €5,000 grant to bring their projects to life, but beyond funding, they will also benefit from an intensive mentorship and training program designed to equip them with the skills needed to scale their impact.
As part of the Young Professionals Platform (YPP), YPARD and EIT Food Alumni will play a crucial role in shaping the mentorship and training modules. These sessions will cover essential topics like:
In addition to these mentorship opportunities, teams will have the chance to present their work on international stages, gaining visibility and potential collaborations at two major food system events:
🔹 Next Bite 2024 (Brussels, October 2024) – Hosted by EIT Food, Next Bite is a premier event for food system innovators. Here, teams will share their progress, network with industry leaders, and gain insights into the latest trends in food sustainability and entrepreneurship. This event provides an excellent opportunity for young changemakers to connect with investors, policymakers, and fellow innovators committed to transforming Europe’s food landscape.
🔹 IFT FIRST 2025 (Chicago, July 2025) – The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) hosts this annual global expo, bringing together scientists, industry experts, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of food. With over 17,000 attendees from 70+ countries, IFT FIRST (Food Improved by Research, Science & Technology) offers a powerful platform for teams to pitch their solutions, receive feedback from industry leaders, and explore potential partnerships.
YPARD is excited to continue championing these young changemakers, ensuring they have the support, resources, and networks to turn their ideas into long-term, impactful solutions. These projects aren’t just concepts—they are tangible, scalable innovations that can reshape Europe’s food landscape for a more sustainable and resilient future.
Stay tuned to keep track of these incredible journeys. If you want to reach out to any of the teams for more information about their projects, please contact our Partnerships and Communications Manager Trisha Mandal at trisha.mandal@ypard.net, and we will connect you.
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