2026 PROGRAM SNAPSHOT
Tentative and Subject to Change : Full Details to Come Soon
Day 2 begins over another shared breakfast, followed by an inspiring keynote address to set the tone for a day focused on impact and action. Attendees can then choose between a finance-focused challenge or a research incubator, offering space for both applied problem-solving and early-stage idea development. Interactive workshops take center stage, including a dining advocacy training and sessions on upgrading dining systems and advancing school food policy. After lunch, the festival continues with a large, collaborative Alternative Protein Case Challenge, bringing together students and teams from universities across the country to tackle real-world food system challenges. The day concludes with an Awards Ceremony and Closing Remarks, celebrating standout ideas, teams, and contributions from across the Festival. After a group photo and light refreshments, attendees are invited to continue conversations off-site with optional (partner-discounted) local restaurant trips.


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Esteemed Guests
30+
20+
faculty + administrators
investor/philanthropists
$15,000+
$20,000+
1,000+
projected student research a
and seed project funding
200+
plant-based meals
to be served!
50+
NGO + industry experts
20+
public-sector figures
in student travel scholarships to promote accessibility
10+
Challenges and rotating workshops, all student-led
university students
What to expect
As with every Food 4 Thought Festival, you can look forward to a vibrant weekend filled with:
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Expert speaker panels and workshops covering everything from the science, business, and policy behind cell-cultivated meat road to acceptance.
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Case challenges and research showcases designed to help students build career-focused skills and explore cross-sector opportunities in food and ag.
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Food from pioneering restaurants and brands shared with a tight-knit community of 300+ changemakers.
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Dedicated career-focused sessions, including all of a career fair, employer site visits, and opportunities to explore job, internship, and skilled-volunteer roles.