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TFTAK Helps Shape the Future at Hack the Future of Food 2026

TFTAK is once again supporting Hack the Future of Food as a co-organiser, sponsor and challenge partner.


Organised in collaboration with EIT Food, the hackathon connects participants with the wider European food innovation community. Through scientific expertise, industry knowledge and a special prize, TFTAK will help promising ideas move closer to real-world food innovation.


The annual two-day hackathon will take place on 27–28 November 2026 in Tartu. It brings together students, startups, researchers, professionals and food enthusiasts to develop practical solutions to challenges in the food and agriculture sectors.


Using design thinking methods, hands-on teamwork and expert guidance, participants will turn early-stage ideas into potential business solutions. The programme includes inspiring talks, mentoring rounds, pitch training and opportunities to connect with future collaborators across the agrifood ecosystem.


TFTAK Challenges


TFTAK invites participants to choose one of four challenges that make food innovation more consumer-centred, transparent, healthy and connected:


  • Helping small food producers launch new products with consumer evidence

    Create an accessible digital tool that helps small producers test product ideas, taste, packaging, pricing and purchase intent with real consumers before launch.

  • Making the true price of food visible to shoppers

    Develop a consumer-friendly way to show the environmental or social cost of food alongside its retail price — and help people discover practical lower-impact alternatives.

  • Turning grocery receipts into personalised dietary feedback

    Design a privacy-respecting service that turns shopping data into simple, positive insights about long-term dietary patterns, variety and healthier choices.

  • Rebuilding Europe’s culture of home and community fermentation

    Create a beginner-friendly learning or community tool that helps people ferment food safely, share knowledge and reconnect with local food traditions.


You do not need to arrive with a finished solution. Choose the challenge that inspires you, bring your skills and curiosity, form a team, and turn an early idea into something with real potential.


Teams will compete for EIT Food and partner prizes, including a €1,500 cash prize pool, access to EIT Food business support programmes, 10 tickets to sTARTUp Day 2027 for the first- and second-place teams, and a €500 consultation from TFTAK.


The hackathon is organised in collaboration with EIT Food, A. Le Coq, the Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK), TFTAK, the Estonian University of Life Sciences and Tartu Biotechnology Park.



 

 
 
 

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