After six months of ideation, pivots, and pitching, the ReThink Food Challenge wrapped up with a Grand Finale at Omnia, Wageningen University & Research. What began with 360 students from 148 universities across 50 countries and 6 continents, narrowed down to 11 teams ready to present startup-ready innovations around sustainable food systems.
The Challenge wasn't limited to students in Wageningen. Finalists travelled from as far as Suriname (GreenOrbit), Vietnam (MAI Farm), Singapore (BugCycle), Turkey (Chashne), Ethiopia (MartianRoots), and Canada (GrowBot).
"The quality of the ideas was incredibly high and so diverse," said jury chair Gulsah Uysal. "Every team tackled a pressing challenge with creativity and depth, which made our job both inspiring and very difficult."
For GreenOrbit's Praveesh Ramroop, the experience of coming to Wageningen was a highlight in itself: "Every deadline was exhausting but suspenseful. To start with an idea and six months later be pitching it in person, that's unforgettable."
Farming like an astronaut
The winning team, The HAB, walked away with the €7,000 grand prize for their indoor farming innovation inspired by space technology. Composed of Bachelor's and Master's students from Wageningen University & Research, the team developed Astro Gels-plant-based, food-grade hydrogels that enable low-cost indoor farming right at home.
"We wanted to take students out of the classroom and into the real world," said team member Feoddor Gabsatarov. "What we learn in classrooms and what the world actually needs are often at odds. By deeply reflecting on those perspectives, you can discover your true path."
Astro Gels use less energy and water than traditional hydroponics and are clean, safe, and even edible, making them ideal for kids and families. "It's finally becoming real," said Gabsatarov. "We've already secured two company partners for initial testing."
Circular mushrooms, cultivated fish & microalgae proteins
The runner-up, Synergrown, presented a circular system that combines vertical farming with cellular agriculture, producing cultivated fish cells using bioreactor inputs grown in-house. Their sustainable pet food is tailored for pets with vegan owners, offering a planet-friendly alternative without compromising on nutrition.
In third place, MAI Farm impressed the jury with their solution to rice straw burning in Asia, transforming agricultural waste into high-protein mushrooms and sustainable patties served through their restaurant concept.
Meanwhile, the Audience Award went to AstraAlgae, whose closed-loop system turns livestock manure into hypoallergenic microalgae protein for functional foods.
A challenge and a community
Beyond the pitching, teams connected with expert mentors, international peers, and even the European Space Agency during an exclusive on-site excursion. "Even though it was a competition, it never felt like one," said An Nguyen from MAI Farm. "We made real friends here."
The ReThink Food Challenge was powered by a network of coaches, jury members, and partners such as Bayer, GEA, KWS, Witteveen+Bos, BoAkkerbow, V.O. Patents & Trademarks, and many more, who guided teams through feasibility checks, impact assessments, and business model development.
With the finals behind them, teams now move from pitching to prototyping. What they take home isn't just memories and business contacts, but momentum, and a shared mission to keep rethinking food.
