Food Pioneers Program 2026: Applications Open
The Food Pioneers Program is for growth-stage food start-ups that want to accelerate.
You’ll sharpen your proposition, strategy, and execution, and work towards a strong pitch moment and clear next steps in the market.
​
New in 2026: the program evolves into a fully-fledged incubator. In addition to coaching, workshops, and community, 3 startups have the chance to secure at least €50,000 in growth capital during the final.
-
Start: 16 April 2026
-
Final: 8 October 2026 (live pitch event)
-
Maximum: 20 participants
A six-month program for food entrepreneurs
Choose your route
1) Apply
Want to join the program? Go straight to the application form.
2) Check out the Q&A (5 March)
Are you still unsure or want to know if this program is the right fit for you? In our Q&A, we covered relevant questions for entrepreneurs who are still considering their options. The recording is now available for everyone to watch.
3) I have a question
Do you have one hurdle or a specific question? Send it in and we’ll help you.
What you get as a participant
-
Workshops and deep-dive sessions on growth, positioning, and execution (incl. In the Mind of the Buyer)
-
1-on-1 coaching and feedback sessions with experts from the network
-
A community of other founders: peer feedback, sparring, and knowledge exchange
-
A clear route to the live pitch event with a jury and a relevant audience
-
Access to partners and opportunities within the Food Pioneers network and partner ecosystem
-
Chance to win growth capital: 3 startups have the chance to secure at least €50,000 during the final
Who the Food Pioneers Program is for
This program is a strong fit if you:
-
run a food start-up with a (nearly) market-ready product/service
-
have first revenues, or clear short-term visibility on revenue
-
are ready to sharpen your proposition, strategy, and execution
-
are open to feedback and want to actively build with a community
-
can make time for the full trajectory (estimate approx. 2 days per month)
-
want to work towards concrete next steps such as pilots, partnerships, listings, or scaling
Not sure if you’re at the right stage yet? Request the program overview or submit your questions via the form below.
Program structure and dates
-
Start: 16 April 2026
-
Program days: 16 April, 21 May, 18 June, 27 August, 17 September
-
Pitch moment / final: 8 October 2026 (live)
You’ll follow a trajectory with fixed program days, plus room for coaching and deeper dives. After applying, you’ll receive all practical details.
Sign up for the online Q&A
In our online Q&A, there’s room for questions about the program structure, selection, and touchpoints.
​
Practical information
-
Date: 5 March 2026
-
Time & duration: T.B.D.
-
Where: Online
After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email. The Q&A details will follow as soon as possible.
​
We plan to record the session for a short recap. Prefer not to be on camera? No problem: you can keep your camera off and ask questions via the chat as well.