Foodathon – Innovating Sustainable Food Systems

Project Title: Foodathon – Innovating Sustainable Food Systems

Organized By:

BITS Ladder International Pvt. Ltd.
Outreach Partner: Empowering Youth in Sustainable Agriculture (EYoSA)
Event Date: 13-14 June 2020
Registration Deadline: 6 June 2020

Introduction

The Foodathon is a two-day event designed to bring together young entrepreneurs, innovators, and thinkers to address the pressing challenges facing the global food system, with a particular focus on sustainable agriculture. In collaboration with BITS Ladder International Pvt. Ltd. and several other partners, EYoSA acts as an outreach partner, contributing to the event's vision of fostering innovative solutions that align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially focusing on SDG 2 – Zero Hunger and SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production.

The event's primary objective is to create a platform where participants can develop, test, and pitch sustainable innovations to improve food systems, enhance food security, and boost agricultural productivity post-COVID-19. The pandemic has exacerbated vulnerabilities in food production systems worldwide, making initiatives like the Foodathon crucial for rebuilding and strengthening global food security.

Objectives

• Promote innovation: Encourage entrepreneurs to design sustainable solutions addressing food production, supply chain resilience, and food security.

• Capacity Building: Provide participants with entrepreneurial skills through expert-led workshops and mentorship programs.

• Collaboration and Networking: Foster a network of like-minded innovators, entrepreneurs, and professionals working to create a more sustainable future.

• Support Innovative Solutions: Identify, support, and scale up the most promising innovations in sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Target Participants

• Aspiring entrepreneurs with ideas focused on sustainable agriculture.

• Students, researchers, and professionals from agriculture, technology, and business fields.

• Individuals or teams working on projects related to food production, supply chains, waste reduction, or food technology.

Event Overview

Foodathon is structured to facilitate creativity, innovation, and collaboration through interactive sessions, mentorship, and pitching opportunities.

Day 1 – Ideation and Problem-Solving

• Opening Ceremony and Keynote Speeches: Expert speakers from the agriculture and food industries will highlight current global challenges in sustainable food production and distribution.

• Interactive Workshops and Mentorship: Participants will attend hands-on workshops on entrepreneurship, innovation in agriculture, and sustainability practices. Teams will receive guidance from mentors to refine their ideas.

• Team Formation and Brainstorming: Participants will form teams and work on their project ideas, focusing on addressing key challenges in food production, supply chains, and sustainable agriculture.

• Mentorship Sessions: Experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and agriculture professionals will provide one-on-one mentorship to help teams improve their project concepts.

Day 2 – Prototyping and Pitching

• Prototyping and Solution Building: Teams will develop prototypes or business models, outlining how their solution addresses a critical challenge in sustainable food systems.

• Pitch Practice and Final Preparation: Teams will practice and refine their presentations with the help of mentors.

• Pitch Event: Each team will present their innovative solution to a panel of judges. The pitches will be evaluated on criteria such as feasibility, impact on sustainability, scalability, and innovation.

• Closing Ceremony and Prize Distribution: Winners will be announced, and prizes will be distributed.

Key Highlights and Benefits for Participants

• Cash Prize: The winner will receive a cash prize of 50,000.

• Mentorship Opportunity: The winner will receive a 6-month mentorship from experienced industry professionals to help them scale their idea and bring it to market. The mentorship will depend on the mentee's initiative and commitment.

• Skill Development: All participants will receive 6 sessions on entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable agriculture during the event, helping them build essential skills for future endeavors.

• E-certificate for Participation: Every participant will be awarded an E-certificate, acknowledging their contribution to the event and efforts in promoting sustainable food systems.

Project Timeline

1. Call for Registration: Opens [Insert Date] and closes on 6 June 2020.

2. Foodathon Event Dates: Two-day event starting on [Insert Date].

3. Mentorship Period: For the winning team, the 6-month mentorship will commence following the event’s conclusion, with schedules arranged between mentors and the mentee.

Expected Outcomes

• Innovative Solutions Identified: At least one impactful solution addressing sustainable food systems and agriculture will be developed.

• Entrepreneurial Skills Enhanced: Participants will gain essential knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship, helping them turn innovative ideas into actionable business models.

• Networking and Collaboration: A community of passionate innovators and entrepreneurs will be created, encouraging continued collaboration after the event.

• Pathway to Market for Innovations: The winner’s solution will receive the necessary support and guidance to take the idea forward, potentially leading to real-world implementation.

Budget and Resources

• Prize Money: 50,000 (awarded to the winner).

• Event Costs: Venue, materials, logistics, marketing, and honoraria for speakers and mentors.

• Mentorship Program: Costs associated with expert involvement over a 6-month period.

• Workshop Resources: Development of entrepreneurship and innovation sessions with industry experts.

Conclusion

The Foodathon is an exceptional opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to develop and showcase solutions that can make a real difference in sustainable agriculture. Through collaboration, mentorship, and innovation, the event will contribute significantly to improving food systems and advancing sustainable practices in agriculture. This initiative will leave a lasting impact on participants, the community, and the global effort towards achieving food security and sustainability for all.

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