The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry at the University of Helsinki proudly offers students an opportunity to participate in the EIT Food Solution Masterclass, organized by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT Food).
This course is designed for aspiring innovators ready to tackle critical challenges in the food system while exploring the dynamic world of entrepreneurship. Join a diverse group of students from the University of Helsinki and other European universities on this journey.
Running from March to November, this course brings students together in multidisciplinary teams to develop impactful product concepts and business plans. Participants will benefit from insightful lectures delivered by esteemed university faculty and EIT experts. The experience culminates in an international final gala, held in a different location each year.
EIT Food empowers students with valuable lectures and extensive networking opportunities on an international scale. Topics covered include essential business development strategies and personalized mentoring sessions.
The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry enhances this experience with in-person teaching, facilities for product development, and academic credits (FOOD-607, 10–15 ECTS) for those who complete the course. Industry partners actively engage in collaborative sessions, mentoring student teams throughout their journey.
Throughout the Masterclass, participants create a complete business plan for a sustainable food-system innovation. They practice pitching their ideas in dedicated workshops and receive mentor coaching from industry and academic experts. The course includes hands-on prototype design and testing in food design facilities such as laboratory, as well as collaborative work in international, multidisciplinary teams.
Students work directly with industry partners to refine their solutions and attend targeted lectures on entrepreneurship. After the course, some teams have continued developing their concepts into startups with the support of incubator programmes and other business development services.
In November, the course culminates in an exciting final gala, held in Rome and Brussels this year. EIT will generously cover travel and accommodation costs for participating students. During the gala, teams will pitch their innovative solutions, with prizes awarded to the top competitors:
The University of Helsinki has achieved notable results in the EIT Food Solutions Masterclass in recent years.