The Swiss Food Research and ETH Zürich MAKEit MEAT is a MAKEathon in Zurich following the design-thinking approach combined with expert inputs to foster innovation in one of the most pressing challenges the world food system is facing: our meat consumerism. The participants will work in preformed teams to create new business ideas that would help reduce meat consumption and will present them to expert judges at the end of the event.

We would like to offer you the opportunity of taking part in this specially designed MAKEathon by Swiss Food Research and ETH Zürich supported and co-organised with EIT Food.

When: 23 – 25 October 2020

Where: Please note! Due to current changes of Covid situation the event will take place online

Application Deadline: 16 October 2020

Two main areas of challenge

This MAKEathon will tackle a world with less meat from two different viewpoints – the social and psychological dimension, and what solutions for meat alternatives can be offered.

1. Main Challenge - Social & cultural dimension

Eating and diets have a strong socio-cultural and psychological link – Taking this into account, what can help to successfully rethink meat consumption habits?

2. Main Challenge - Technology & product dimension

What product and technology solutions can be offered that help rethinking meat consumption?

Taking the participants’ preferences into account, the two challenges will be allocated to the teams.

Why you should join

It’s no secret that meat consumption negatively affects our environment and health, and that change is imperative. Even though Switzerland’s meat consumption has been slowly decreasing since 2010, in 2018 almost 50 kg of meat per capita was consumed in Switzerland.

Pioneers have been tackling the challenges which arise from our meat consumption for some years now and have been creating impactful solutions. However, more brilliant minds have to come together to achieve a more sustainable nutrition. There has never been a better time for you to use your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your creativity to contribute to a world which values health of people, animals, and plants equally. Use this opportunity with this MAKEit MEAT MAKEathon and become a pioneer yourself.

Who it is for

Swiss Food Research and ETH Zürich MAKEit MEAT is open to all motivated individuals from all backgrounds who are either currently enrolled in a Swiss university/university of applied science or have recently graduated (max. three years ago). Please be aware that the event will be conducted in English and therefore participants need to have good command of spoken English.

You do not need any knowledge of food science, just be willing to bring your expertise, passion and team spirit to work collaboratively to solve the problem at hand. People from all disciplines, especially from food science, design, technology/engineering, consumer behaviour/sociology and business are highly encouraged to apply.

Schedule

On Day 1, expert inputs will allow the participants to get a deeper understanding of the challenges we face. On Day 2, the teams will work on creating solutions using the Design-Thinking approach. During that time the teams will be coached, guided, and advised by experts. On Day 3, the solutions will be finalized and the pitching and award ceremony will take place. The event will officially come to an end on Sunday at 15:30.

Covid-19 measures

The event will be hosted on the virtual conference platform Veertly.com. Within or parallel to this virtual platform teams can work in a digital manner using digital tools such as Slack, Google Drive, Padlet etc. You will get information about the technical requirements and a guide how to move smoothly through the virtual rooms of the conference venue after your registration.

Apply now

This is a fantastic opportunity to share your ideas and expertise, help solve real problems AND try out your skills in a unique environment. The application is open now! Places are limited, so apply early to avoid disappointment.

Click here to apply!

Contact

In case of any further questions, please send an email to aline.candrian@swissfoodresearch.ch.

Terms & Conditions

Please find below the rules and terms and conditions that apply to that MAKEathon. With your registration for the MAKEathon you accept these conditions.

Terms and Conditions

MAKEit MEAT is part of a series of MAKEathons delivered by the MAKEit Project under the consortium of EIT Food, partially funded by EIT. MAKEit tackles problems in various food supply chains, including fruit & vegetable, sugar, cocoa, dairy, meat, bread & bakery, and seafood. Learn more: https://www.eitfood.eu/projects/make-it

Sources:

https://de.statista.com/themen/2811/fleisch-in-der-schweiz/

https://www.wwf.ch/de/unsere-ziele/fleisch-und-milchprodukte?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuvD-va396wIVF9GyCh3uVwXiEAAYAiAAEgJWwfD_BwE