Food Hack 2025

October 21–23, you’re invited to take part in Food Hack at Kristianstad University, centered around the theme of How can we through collaboration encourage choices regarding healthy lifestyles and sustainable eating habits?

What’s it about?

Learn one of the world’s most widely used methods for tackling tough challenges, expand your network and contribute to positive development. Welcome to this year’s Food Hack – an open workshop hosted by Kristianstad University.

Food Hack is a three day workshop which brings together students, researchers, businesses and public bodies from Sweden and abroad. Day 1 offers expert briefings that outline the key challenges; Days 2–3 are devoted to creative teamwork in mixed teams supported by coaches, templates and industry mentors.

No prior knowledge is required, and you do not need to be enrolled at a university – your perspective and willingness to contribute are all that matters.

What you gain

• Practical skills in problem-solving and innovation.
• New contacts across academia, industry and the public sector.
• Training in developing, refining and presenting ideas.
• A chance to challenge yourself and grow.
• An official EU accreditation to strengthen your CV.
• A panel of judges will select the winning team, which will receive *SEK 25,000.

Practical details

• October 21–23, 2025, 09:00–16:00 each day.
• Venue: Kulturkvarteret, Kristianstad.
• Lunch and refreshments provided daily.
• Accommodation offered for participants travelling from afar.
• Optional evening activities in a relaxed atmosphere.
• The workshop is conducted mainly in English, but participants are free to use any language within their teams.
• Open to everyone – places allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration

Limited spots available – secure your place now!

Register here.
Final registration date: First come, first served, but no later than October 10th.

After registering, you can also apply for the course to earn university credits (1 ECTS) for your participation. Apply here.

The Jury

Simon Down, Kristianstad University
Simon Down is Professor of Entrepreneurship and Organization at Kristianstad University (HKR) in Sweden and honorary professor at the University of Birmingham, UK. For this course Simon is an examining teacher and coach. He has researched on a variety of topics, including startup events, social enterprise incubation, small firm policy/regulation, indigenous entrepreneurship in journals such as the Academy of Management Journal, Human Relations and Organization Studies. Before going to university, he ran his own independent record label.

Mats Åhlander, Kristianstad University
Mats Åhlander is Project Manager at the European University Project COLOURS, Kristianstad University.

Anneli Orrung Wallin, Kristianstad University
Anneli Orrung Wallin is the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education in Collaboration at Kristianstad University and responsible for COLOURS. Appointed Pro-Vice-Chancellor in 2021. 

Pernilla Fagerlind, Livsmedelsakademin
Pernilla Fagerlind holds the role as project manager at Livsmedelsakademin (The Food Academy), a non-profit organization. Its members include both large and small companies, universities and higher education institutions, municipalities, and other public organizations. Together, they work to promote sustainable and competitive growth within the food system. 

Johan Ramlund, ICA Maxi, Kristianstad
Johan is the CEO of one of Kristianstad’s largest grocery stores, which is actively involved in and contributes to several community projects. He also has a strong commitment to community development.

Tim Omorogieva, Rider AB 
Tim is Managing Director at Rider AB. Rider AB provides staffing solutions for young job seekers, known as “Riders,” with the mission to simplify their entry into the labor market. Riders are offered continuous coaching and guidance in both work and studies, even while on assignments. Tim is also an expert in business development for early-stage ideas and and works as Managing Director of the youth association Youngstival and also holds a trustee role at the local bank.   

Johanna Gerberich, Krinova Incubator & Science Park, Gerberich Food Consulting AB 
Johanna Gerberich, Business designer Krinova Incubator & Science Park and Managing Director at Gerberich Food Consulting AB, an independent consultant for food-related projects, coaching for cooking competitions, competition leader, moderator, inspirer, and lecturer in food, gastronomy, and innovation. Assignments include skills supply and training for the agri-food sector. Coach for the Swedish National Culinary Team. 

Rebecca Blixt, Student, Kristianstad University
Rebecca is a student in Software Development program with great interest of international collborations. She also holds the role of COLOURS Student Chief Ambassador.

The list of jury members may be subject to change.

*Important information on the Hackathon’s prize criteria

• A prize can only be awarded to the winning team if the idea achieves a sufficiently high score.

• The prize can only be awarded to students, researchers, and staff within the COLOURS Alliance, upon presentation of proof of study or employment.

• The prize may only be awarded if the number of participants exceeds 20 persons.

Food Hack is a Hackaton organized within the framework of the European University COLOURS, of which Kristianstad University is a member along with eight other institutions across Europe.