Four Challenges for the Future of Food Systems
1. Digital Twins for Agriculture and Food Production
Develop AI-powered digital twins to simulate agricultural and food production processes, helping farmers and producers test scenarios, optimise resource use, and improve productivity while reducing environmental impact.
2. Smart Crop Monitoring and Decision Support
Turn satellite and drone imagery into actionable information using vegetation indices, public datasets, and AI to support decisions on fertilisation, crop protection, and harvest timing.
3. A Symbiosis Platform for By-products
Create a digital platform connecting suppliers and users of agricultural and food-industry by-products to reduce waste, lower waste-management costs, and create new opportunities for circular business.
4. Decision Support for Technology Selection in Crop Production
Develop an AI-powered tool to help farmers select suitable technologies and equipment, compare options, and assess investments that fit their farms and support regenerative agriculture.
From Hackathon Ideas to Real-World Solutions
Hackathons can turn ideas into practical solutions with real-world and commercial potential. Andres Huul, Head of Innovation Support Services at METK, says the 2025 event showed how much can be achieved in just 48 hours.
“Meaningful solutions with clear market potential and practical value for businesses and society can emerge within just 48 hours.”
In 2025, the METK Special Prize went to NutriScan, which developed a QR-code-based digital food passport providing consumers with personalised information about products' nutritional value, allergens, and environmental impact.
The TFTAK Special Prize was awarded to WheyCycle Solutions for a biotechnology-based solution that converts acid whey into Single Cell Protein (SCP) for use in food, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The solution is estimated to have an annual economic impact of more than €4 million for the Estonian dairy sector while supporting the circular economy.
Huul encourages anyone interested in innovation to participate:
“You do not need a business idea or a team to participate.”
Join the Hackathon
Maris Väli-Täht, Project Manager at the Tartu Biotechnology Park and Estonian representative of EIT Food, emphasises that participants will receive support from mentors, industry experts, and innovation advisors throughout the event.
The strongest teams will compete for partner prizes and have opportunities to further develop their solutions beyond the hackathon.
Event Details
Date: 27–28 November 2026
Location: Tartu, Estonia
Working language: English
Registration deadline: 15 November 2026
More information and registration: Hack the Future of Food 2026
About EIT Food: EIT Food is Europe's leading food innovation initiative. It brings together businesses, research institutions, universities, and entrepreneurs to build a future-fit food system that is healthy, sustainable, and trusted by consumers.
