Training
The Global Food Venture Programme (GFVP) is structured as a multi-phase learning journey designed to support PhD students in exploring, developing, and applying entrepreneurial skills within the agrifood sector. Each phase builds on the previous one - starting with a system-level understanding of food innovation, followed by practical training in creating impact, and culminating in real-world venture building training.
SPOC: Introduction to Food Systems
SPOC is the first phase of the Global Food Venture Programme (GFVP). It serves as the starting point for PhD students who want to explore how their research connects to the bigger picture of today’s global food challenges. This eight-week online course introduces key scientific, technical, and socioeconomic principles behind food systems and helps students reflect on the role their research can play in driving positive change.
SPOC is designed to build fundamental knowledge and systems thinking - giving participants the tools to understand how innovation, policy, environment, and society interact within the food value chain.
When It Takes Place
SPOC is typically offered in Spring (March–May) of academic Year 1 of the GFVP journey. It includes a mix of self-paced learning, live online sessions, and guided assignments, allowing flexibility for participants to engage from any location.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the structure and complexity of food systems and their components.
- Apply systems thinking to frame and analyse food-related challenges.
- Reflect on the societal and environmental impact of their own research.
- Recognise key ethical, technical, and economic considerations in food innovation.
- Draft the first chapter of their PhD thesis, grounded in a food systems perspective.
Pathways to Impact (P2I)
Pathways to Impact is the second phase of the Global Food Venture Programme journey. It focuses on helping PhD students build the confidence and practical skills needed to define and communicate the value of their research to key stakeholders. Through a structured, six-week online course, participants learn how to identify their main contribution to impact creation, translate complex academic work into real world value proposition, and explore how their research can make a difference across society, industry, and policy.
P2I is where theory starts to meet action - providing participants with entrepreneurial tools and a clearer direction for shaping their professional pathway.
When It Takes Place
P2I takes place in Autumn (October–December) of academic Year 2. It includes interactive online workshops with top experts, one-on-one mentoring sessions, and self-study material, giving participants the chance to learn alongside peers and receive personal feedback from trainers and EIT Food partners.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and communicate the societal value of your PhD research.
- Build clear, compelling value propositions for stakeholders, funders, and industry.
- Improve your public speaking and pitching skills through professional coaching.
- Apply tools like the Research Impact Canvas and Business Model Canvas.
- Present a polished 5-minute pitch deck summarising your project’s impact.
From Impact to Realisation (I2R)
From Impact to Realisation is the third and final phase of the GFVP journey. This advanced course is all about putting entrepreneurial thinking into action. It prepares PhD candidates to move from lab research to real-world impact by covering the skills needed for building ventures, developing business plans, and leading in complex, dynamic environments.
This phase includes an in-person bootcamp and a series of Master classes. The bootcamp entails real world industrial challenges, ideation, , a mentorship and hands-on work, culminating in a pitch session in front of an expert jury. The master classes focus on topics that are essential for young professionals.
A major highlight of the I2R phase is the PhD Bootcamp in Barcelona: From Food System Problems/Challenges to Solutions! This immersive, in-person experience helps students move from food system challenges to generating innovative, actionable solutions. Through expert-led sessions, collaborative teamwork, participants explore design thinking techniques, strengthen leadership abilities, and develop their business ideas.
The bootcamp is designed to build essential skills across five key areas:
- Innovative thinking: Developing and critically evaluating agrifood venture ideas that consider sustainability and impact.
- Design thinking: Applying design principles to assess and iterate on business ideas.
- Intercultural teamwork: Collaborating in international, cross-disciplinary groups.
- Leadership and collaboration: Fostering effective team dynamics and leading shared projects.
- Pitching: Creating and delivering compelling pitches that clearly articulate the problem and solution.
These outcomes are aligned with the EIT Overarching Learning Outcomes, including entrepreneurship, innovation, creativity, and sustainability — all essential competencies for future leaders in the food system.
When It Takes Place
I2R typically runs from Spring to Summer in academic Year 2:
- Online courses: April–May
- Bootcamp (in-person, Barcelona): June–July 2025
Master Classes typically run from Autumn to Spring in academic Year 3:
Learning Outcomes
- Develop a validated business idea that addresses real food system challenges.
- Build a sound business model canvas, and receive expert feedback on product-market fit.
- Understand the basics of IP, finance, investment, and team leadership.
- Apply design thinking, digital testing, and market discovery methods.
- Lead diverse teams, negotiate effectively, and pitch their solution to expert panels.
Pictures from the Barcelona Bootcamp, which happened in July 2025
Project lead
Related Projects
