Think Tanks
learning and innovating in the food transition
In the Food Pioneers Think Tanks, we develop multi-day, practice-based learning programmes for vocational (mbo) and applied sciences (hbo) students. From the Food Campus, we bring the food system to life with programmes such as Food Impactmakers, Food Labs and Teach the Teacher. From cooking workshops to real-world challenges, every activity links learning directly to the food transition.
Learning together. Changing together.
Food Impactmakers
Food Impactmakers is a hands-on program where MBO students explore the food system up close, while working on real-world challenges. Developed by Food Pioneers together with SOL (Stichting Ontwikkelingsfonds Levensmiddelenindustrie), it connects education and industry in a practical, content-driven trajectory. Collaboration is central: students from different study programmes learn from one another and combine perspectives to create stronger outcomes and greater impact.
The first edition has just wrapped up. Interested in setting up a similar programme or exploring a partnership? Contact Anneleid via anneleid@foodpioneers.nl.
Train the Trainer
Train the Trainer helps teaching teams and programme coordinators embed sustainability and circularity into their curriculum in a lasting way. We start with an inspiration day that brings the food system to life. From there, we move into a series of working sessions where the team defines its key values and translates them into learning objectives, assignments, and lesson formats, supported by two practical design methods. We then guide the shift from design to delivery with clear next steps, so the team can continue building independently and share the renewed curriculum with industry partners.
Interested in an inspiration day or curriculum design methods for your team? Reach out via anneleid@foodpioneers.nl.
Why these programmes matter
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Practice-based learning: students explore the food system through projects with real impact, linked to action research in the region.
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Education as a driver of insight: through active participation, students build their own connection to the food transition.
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Broad engagement: vocational and applied sciences students work together so that both today’s and tomorrow’s food professionals can take part. Read more about our target groups on the For whom page.