What is it about?
In this international student competition you develop a business idea that offers an innovative, circular and sustainable approach to growing food on Earth by learning from research on space farming. Ideas can involve enhancing current technologies, introducing new ones, or reimagining the concept of 'food' as a whole.
In an interdisciplinary team, you focus on one of the two major topics within (space) farming: indoor farming or alternative proteins. You need to identify a real-life problem and a concrete market, and design a viable innovation that fills an existing gap. Throughout the challenge your team will closely collaborate with industry leaders.
I am up for this Challenge!“We are still overwhelmed how much it changed our lives in such a short time. The chances offered to students all around the world through the competition are unique and truly amazing.”
Fabiola - winner ReThink Protein '1
“Thanks to our participation in this Challenge we believe we can make a difference. We look forward to the future with optimism!”
Haoming - Northwest A&F University Team – finalist Urban Greenhouse Challenge 2
"I learnt about team work and set a very important foundation for my career going forth."
Winnie – finalist ReThink Protein 2
"It's crazy how, starting from my own field of expertise, over time I have naturally adopted a more holistic approach, integrating environmental, social and economic perspectives into any considerations."
Caroline – Team Lettus Design – winner Urban Greenhouse Challenge 3
“Interdisciplinarity makes the designing process more complicated, but in the end, it enriches the quality of the concept.”
Mees - Team AMS Caterpillars – runner-up Urban Greenhouse Challenge 3
What is in it for me?
The ReThink Food Challenge is more than just a competition. It offers a unique opportunity to create
a positive impact and to get a taste of what it means to be an entrepreneur.
As a
participant of the Challenge you get coaching from experts in the business world and
academia. You will build a network that will open the door to new career opportunities. You
will participate in a series of inspiring events tailored to advance your skills and
knowledge.
And you will grow professionally and make friends for life. If you
make it to the finals, you get exposure for your idea.
This Challenge will boost your career and
empower you to create change!
Prizes
Who can participate?
The Challenge is open to students from universities and universities of applied sciences worldwide, in all phases of their studies (BSc, MSc, PhD, or equivalent). To participate, you need to team up with other students (minimum 2 people). Your team should include members with different areas of expertise, from technical to social and economic, to come up with a comprehensive solution meeting all the Challenge’s criteria.
Join the Challenge!What ideas qualify for the Challenge?
The sky is the limit but you could consider addressing one of the important questions in the field of space farming.
Click here to find out more.
Timeline
The ReThink Food Challenge consists of three rounds. At the end of each round, there is a selection moment; only the top teams will make it to the next round. You can find the full program of the Challenge here.
18 November 2024
10 December 2024
14 January 2025
17 February 2025
14 April 2025
27 May 2025
How to enroll?
Register individually before 18 November 2024. To secure your participation in the Challenge, you need to form a team consisting of at least 2 members. Complete your team profile before 9 January 2025. The team profile consists of the name, logo, description of your team, and a short pitch (250 words) describing the idea you want to work on. The Challenge will kick-off on 14 January 2025.