Foodwize announces the launch of STHIRA 2026 in collaboration with the University of Gastronomic Sciences of Pollenzo, Italy, the third edition of its Sustainable Food Innovation Challenge. Focused on themes spanning nutrition, urban planning, local food systems, and revival of traditional ingredients and practices, the programme combines interdisciplinary problem-solving with mentorship and incubation support through Foodwize’s Virtual Incubator for Sustainable Food to help ideas move towards real-world impact.
STHIRA 2026 invites university students from across India to work across themes that reflect the interconnected nature of food systems. Participants will explore challenges linked to improving access to nutrition, strengthening local food economies and supply chains, reviving indigenous ingredients and practices, and shaping more resilient urban food futures. The programme encourages collaboration across disciplines, including food studies, sustainability, design, urban planning, business, health sciences, engineering, and technology, recognising that the future of food cannot be designed in silos.
The 2026 edition is built around a renewed ambition: enabling students not only to imagine new possibilities but also, to build them. Through Foodwize’s newly introduced Virtual Incubator for Sustainable Food, selected participants will receive structured support to strengthen concepts, validate assumptions, develop prototypes, and create implementation pathways. The programme is designed to ensure that strong ideas do not remain presentations but, continue evolving into interventions with tangible outcomes.
Over the last two editions, STHIRA has emerged as one of India’s distinctive youth-led platforms dedicated exclusively to sustainable food innovation. The initiative has generated more than 200 ideas, engaged over 300 students, reached participants across more than 45 universities and 18 disciplines, and extended awareness efforts across more than 125 cities and 400 colleges nationally. Winning concepts from previous editions have addressed challenges ranging from hidden hunger and indigenous food revival to circular solutions for post-harvest losses, rooftop farming systems, and household-scale food waste conversion.
The initiative brings together academics, practitioners, and ecosystem leaders across food systems, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and design. Participants will receive certificates, access to mentorship, learning resources, and opportunities to engage with experts from India and internationally. Winning teams will receive cash prizes and trophies, while shortlisted teams will be able to progress into deeper incubation and venture development.
To learn more, visit https://www.foodwize.in/sthira-2026
