Food Innovation Hackathon

Why Join?

Food systems are under massive pressure. Climate change, resource scarcity, changing consumer behaviour, and new technologies push us to rethink current standards. We need new ideas and bold thinkers.

During this hackathon you will:

✔ Work on real-world food innovation challenges

✔ Learn from experts in the AgriFood ecosystem

✔ Build a prototype and concept within one day

✔ Pitch your solution

✔ Meet other students, innovators, and entrepreneurs

No prior startup experience needed — just curiosity and motivation.

Who Should Apply?

This hackathon is perfect for curious minds who want to explore the future of food, agriculture, and biotech and enjoy building ideas in a collaborative environment. We welcome participants from all backgrounds, including:

Food science, agriculture, and biotech

Engineering and technology

Business and entrepreneurship

Design and sustainability

Or simply anyone curious about food innovation

You can apply:

✔ individually

✔ with a friend

✔ or already as a team

Application Process

Each participant must submit their own application. If you are applying together with a friend or already have a team, simply indicate this in your application. Teams or pairs may receive priority consideration, as strong teams help create an even more dynamic hackathon experience.

⚠️ Only around 30 participants will be selected.

Agenda

09:00 Welcome & Registration

09:30 – 10:00 Guided tour through the AgriFood exhibition at Pinakothek

10:00 – 10:30 Introduction to the challenges

10:30 – 16:30 Hackathon Time - solve the challenges within your team

16:30 – 17:30 Final Pitches - present your idea

17:30 – 18:00 Award Ceremony

18:00 Networking

Q&A

Is participation free?: Yes, participation is completely free.

Do I need prior startup or hackathon experience?: No. The hackathon is designed for beginners and curious minds. You don’t need prior startup experience - just motivation, curiosity, and willingness to collaborate.

What can you win?: The winning team will take home UnternehmerTUM merch, Freibierkrüge for the Beerfest in Weihenstephan, and the opportunity for a follow-up coaching session to further develop their idea with support from the ecosystem.

Is food and drinks provided?: Yes! We will provide snacks and drinks during the event. However, lunch is not covered.

Who is the Organizer of this Event?: The Food Hackathon is jointly hosted by TUM Venture Lab Food, Agriculture, Biotech and the UnternehmerTUM.

Where does the Hackathon take place?: Pinakothek der Moderne — Pavillon; A unique setting in the heart of Munich where design, innovation, and creativity meet.

For whom is this hackathon?: This hackathon is perfect for: Students interested in food innovation/ People curious about startups & entrepreneurship/ Designers, engineers, business students/ Anyone who wants to build ideas fast

What kind of skills are useful?: We welcome all backgrounds — business, engineering, food science, design, sustainability, or simply curious problem solvers. Diverse teams often create the best solutions.

Do I need to bring anything?: Just bring your laptop, curiosity, and motivation. All materials for the hackathon will be provided.

More questions? Get in touch with us: bianca.hartmann@unternehmertum.de