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Application for the Food Pioneers Program 2026 is now open: chance to secure €80,000 in growth capital

  • Feb 9
  • 2 min read

This year, the Food Pioneers Program comes with a completely new setup. Alongside hands-on trainings, workshops, and coaching, you can now compete for growth capital: €240,000 total, divided across 3 to 5 companies. Starting in 2026, that makes the Food Pioneers Program a true incubator.


By the end of the program, you’ll have the knowledge and tools to take focused steps forward with your startup. On top of that, you’ll have a real shot at your first growth capital, so you can keep building momentum.

We kick off on Thursday, April 16, 2026. There’s room for a maximum of 20 food start-ups ready to level up. We close the program with a live pitch event on Thursday, October 8, 2026.


Why join

As a participant, you get:

  • Trainings and sessions focused on growth, positioning, and execution, plus deeper dives like “In the Mind of the Buyer.”

  • Workshops on business modeling, finance, and earned media (free publicity).

  • Personal support through coaching and sparring with an experienced team and partners.

  • Access to the networks of Food Pioneers and its partners SOL, Broccoli, and Kitchen Republic, all ready to help you move forward.

  • A close cohort of up to 19 other founders, where you share challenges and get peer-to-peer feedback.

  • A strong stage at the final pitch event, in front of a relevant audience and an expert jury from the food sector. This is where valuable connections happen, including opportunities that can lead to listings.


As the cherry on top, you can compete for up to €70,000 in growth capital from a group of private investors. That means you can take a serious step quickly, with funding and early ambassadors around your brand.



Program format and dates


  • Six group program days:

    • Thursday, April 16, 2026

    • Thursday, May 21, 2026

    • Thursday, June 18, 2026

    • Thursday, August 27, 2026

    • Thursday, September 17, 2026

    • Thursday, October 8, 2026

  • 1:1 coaching throughout the program

  • Final event and grand finale: Thursday, October 8, 2026 (live pitch event)

  • Maximum participants: 20 food startups


Who this program is for

This program is built for pioneers in food. Are you a startup with early traction and ready to accelerate? Are you ready to sharpen your proposition, strategy, and execution, with a clear route to the next phase? Then you’re in the right place. See below the exact criteria:


Stage and traction

  • You’re actively building your company and have a Chamber of Commerce (KvK) registration.

  • Your product or service is (almost) developed, you’re running pilots and/or you’ve launched.

  • You have first revenue, or clear, concrete visibility of first revenue in the short term.

Community and mindset

  • You’re looking for a network of like-minded founders to share experiences.

  • You’re willing to spar, receive feedback, and learn from experts and peers. This program is give and take.

Time commitment and contribution

  • You can commit to the full program. Attendance on program days is essential. Expect a time investment of around 2 days per month.

  • You’re open to a creative contribution and you commit to the participation fee of €975.


Apply

You’re in the lead, we’re here to support you. Ready to accelerate? Join the Food Pioneers Program 2026 and take your startup into its next phase.

Register officially via the application form.



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