CoLab Event on Food Production in Kristianstad, October 1-3

Spot on Food is organized by Krinova Incubator & Science Park and Kristianstad Municipality. This year, COLOURS was one of several partners.

– We are taking the first steps towards many further collaborations locally, regionally, and internationally, which is very positive, says Mats Åhlander, the university's project leader for the implementation of COLOURS.

Food Hack 2024

On October 1, the event kicked off with the start of a three-day hackathon, Food Hack 2024. About 30 eager participants, including students from the university's gastronomy and computer science programs, tackled the task of transforming and improving food management from a sustainability perspective.

– We are using the same concept that we usually have in Kristianstad University's innovation education program, Imagine, explains Julius Soutine, innovation advisor at the university, who led this hackathon. This has been a much longer session than usual, allowing for deeper work and more concrete solutions.

Research on Food, Health, and Sustainability

Tuesday also marked the start of a CoLab, where representatives from COLOURS—researchers, research assistants, and students—gathered to get to know each other, learn more about Kristianstad University's activities, and consider potential future collaborations. In the morning, the meeting took place at the university's new CoSpace in Galleria Boulevard in central Kristianstad.

The morning was focused on food from an interdisciplinary FOHRK perspective. FOHRK is the university's research and education profile focused on food, health, and commerce. Representatives from North Macedonia (University St Kliment Ohridski Bitola), Poland (Jan Długosz University), and France (Le Mans University) presented their institutions and relevant research related to food, health, and sustainability. In the afternoon, the guests had the opportunity to tour the campus and learn about the research environments and other activities.

– It's always exciting to meet colleagues from other countries, says Jens Hultman, professor of business administration. These days gave us a great opportunity to discuss the societal challenges surrounding sustainable and healthy eating habits that we at FOHRK are tackling in our research profile.

Field Study and the Spot on Food Conference

On Wednesday, the participants from COLOURS, along with other attendees of the Spot on Food conference, went on a field study to get to know local food companies.

The next day the major Spot on Food conference took place. Among many inspirational presentations, the final teams from Food Hack were also showcased, and in the afternoon, the winners were announced: "Online Pantry," with participants from the university's own gastronomy program.

– What’s also exciting about this type of event is getting new perspectives on the research we are working on, says Karin Wendin, professor of food and meal science. It can be things like HOW you work, WHERE you conduct your research, and WHEN you choose to do different steps. Perspectives from different countries and from business and entrepreneurial sectors can vary, but often point in the same direction!

About CoLab within COLOURS

CoLab is a three-day event that will be organized by all universities within COLOURS. Keep an eye on Greenroom for other exciting events from other institutions! For questions regarding CoLabs, contact Fredrika Braw, Innovation Strategist and project manager for the CoLabs.

Proposal number: 101124491
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