Eating City Summer Campus 2026 – Where Controversy Becomes Collaboration
Are you ready to rethink the future of food?
For over 13 years, the Eating City Summer Campus has brought together nearly 300 young researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators and public leaders from more than 60 countries. In 2026, the Campus evolves into the Eating City Ecosystem—a global community where ideas become collaborations, innovation projects and real-world impact.
This year’s edition revolves around the Villarceaux Controversy, exploring three fundamental questions shaping tomorrow’s food systems:
- Human Well-being or Technological Dependency?
- Local Resilience or Global Optimisation?
- Food Democracy or Algorithmic Governance?
Forget traditional conferences.
During one immersive week in France, you’ll work alongside international experts, cities, companies and fellow participants through workshops, field experiences and a unique Human Tech Hackathon, co-designing practical solutions for healthier and more sustainable food systems.
The programme is supported by leading European initiatives—including SchoolFood4Change, GreenPaths, Food Wise and AI-ProFood—offering direct access to cutting-edge research, public policy, artificial intelligence and innovation.
Who Should Apply?
The Campus brings together three complementary communities:
- Eating City Ambassadors ⬇️ download invitation letter
Former participants and members of the Eating City network who contribute experience, international perspectives and mentorship. - Innovation & Technology Participants ⬇️ download invitation letter ➡️ Apply here
Young researchers, entrepreneurs, AI specialists, designers and innovators developing new ideas, technologies and business models for sustainable food systems. - Challenge Partners ⬇️ download invitation letter ➡️ Apply here
Companies, cities, foundations and public institutions that bring real-world challenges and collaborate with participants to develop innovative and actionable solutions.
The dialogue—and sometimes the constructive disagreement—between these three communities is what makes the Villarceaux Controversy a unique learning and innovation experience.
We welcome motivated participants up to 35 years old who are curious, collaborative and eager to challenge conventional thinking. Diversity of disciplines, cultures and experiences has always been one of the Campus’s greatest strengths, creating a vibrant international community that continues well beyond the event itself.
Join the Eating City Ecosystem. Meet inspiring people. Build meaningful collaborations. Turn ideas into impact.
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