Empower Youth4Food Changemaker Challenge

The Empower Youth4Food Changemaker Challenge is an innovation competition for students in Vietnam. It brings together Vietnamese universities and industry partners from interdisciplinary and intradisciplinary fields to work together in designing nature-based solutions for more sustainable food systems. 

Are you ready to turn your ideas into action? Register now and be part of this year’s Changemaker Challenge!

REGISTER HERE

Join us for the 2026 Changemaker Challenge!

“Nature-Based Solutions in Food Systems”

We are now receiving applications from student teams from Can Tho University and Tra Vinh University for the 2026 Changemaker Challenge!

1. Open the registration form and you will find the link with the available case studies

2. Review the available case studies and select one you want to focus on during the Changemaker Challenge

3. Complete the registration form before 26 February

4. Monitor your email for updates

5. Get ready for a competition full of learning and fun!

SIGN UP HERE

Knowledge Partners

Co-organizer

Case Studies from

Jury Experts from

TIMELINE

  • 05 - 26 February 2026

    Registration Period for Student Teams. Click the link below to register!

    Sign up now

  • 02 - 12 March 2026

    Online Skill Building Workshops:

    1st Workshop: 4 March at 7PM (GMT+7)
    2nd Workshop: 11 March at 7PM (GMT+7)

    Topic will be announced soon

  • 13 - 15 March 2026

    Online Hackathon followed by the Selection of Two Winning Teams from Vietnam

    TBA

  • April - September 2026

    Implementation Period for the Two Selected Winning Teams from Vietnam

    TBA

  • 29 September 2026

    Grand Finals of the Food Systems Innovation Challenge in Wageningen, the Netherlands (one student and one coordinator per winning team from Vietnam; maximum of two teams).

    Read more

  • February - October 2027

    Youth Food Lab Incubation Programme (for winning teams of the Food Systems Innovation Challenge in Wageningen).

    TBA

Meet the Jury Experts

  • Dr. Nguyen Anh Phong

    Deputy Director General

    Institute of Strategy, Policy of Agriculture and Environment (ISPAE), Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment

  • Babette Bodlaender

    Partnership Builder

    Netherlands Food Partnership (NFP)

  • Dr. Trang Nguyen

    Food Systems Researcher

    Wageningen Socio-Economic Research, Wageningen University & Research

Who can participate?

  • Teams consisting of 4 to 8 students (Bachelor and/or Master) from Tra Vinh University and/or Can Tho University.

  • Recent graduates (of Bachelor or Master) are welcome to join the Challenge, though the graduation should not be earlier than academic year 2024/2025. With a maximum of 1 recent graduate per team.

  • It’s recommended to form a team of students with different disciplinary backgrounds.

  • Teams that joined the 2025 challenge are not eligible for the 2026 challenge.

Watch the Recording of our Info Session

Benefits for Students

  • Winning teams will receive EUR 1,000 in seed funding to bring their idea to life and earn the opportunity to pitch at the Grand Finals of the Food Systems Innovation Challenge in Wageningen, the Netherlands. A lump-sum travel grant will be provided to cover accommodation and transportation costs.

  • Get connected with influential stakeholders and industry professionals, and gain access to high-level events.

  • Receive expert support and access to skill-building workshops to help transform your idea into reality.

  • Contribute to raising awareness of nature-based solutions in food systems among youth and involved stakeholders.

Benefits for Partners

Talent Access

Access to the knowledge and skills of talented students in Vietnam.

Global Network

Join an international network of students, mentors, experts, and businesses.

Awareness Building

Raise awareness of nature-based solutions in food systems among youth and stakeholders.

Sustainable Innovation

Drive innovation for sustainable, fair, and secure food systems.

WINNERS OF THE 2025 CHANGEMAKER CHALLENGE

These teams proudly represented Vietnam at the global Food Systems Innovation Challenge – Nature-Based Solutions Edition, jointly organized by Wageningen University & Research and the Netherlands Food Partnership.

Learn more about their journey
Road to the Grand Finale

Team ECOSHRIMP

Can Tho University

Turning underutilized ponds into thriving ecosystems by developing the IMTA model in Can Tho and Bac Lieu.

Learn more

Team EARTHFEAST

Tra Vinh University

Empowering farmers through digital and community engagement to strengthen the organic rice–shrimp model in Vinh Long Province.

Learn more

What do partners and participants say about the Changemaker Challenge?

  • “We submitted a case study to highlight the challenges associated with the traditional rice-shrimp farming practices. We believe that young people with their creative minds can offer fresh solutions for the farmers. In return, on the field, farmers can share with the students their practical experience on climate adaptability.”

    LE THI THU HIEN

    Senior Cooperative Advisor - Agriterra

  • "Thanks to the opportunities brought by the Changemaker Challenge to Can Tho University and its students, this initiative serves as an important stepping stone for them to grow into new roles as changemakers addressing global challenges. By integrating diverse fields of knowledge, nature-based approaches, and new leadership skills, Can Tho University and CTU students aspire to make a meaningful contribution to the transformation of the food system."

    HO HONG LIEN

    Coordinator of team EcoShrimp - Winner of Changemaker Challenge 2025

  • "I joined the Food System Innovation Challenge because food systems are more than agriculture. They connect the environment, the economy, and society. I wanted to be part of a solution that balances all three. Working with teammates from different disciplines taught me how powerful diverse perspectives can be when solving complex food system challenges."

    LU NGUYEN THANH HIEU

    Team EcoShrimp (Can Tho University) - The 2025 Winning Team

  • "The Changemaker Challenge was a meaningful journey that helped me turn ideas into action and connect with inspiring people who truly care about creating positive change. Being part of the Changemaker Challenge showed me the power of collaboration and how young people can work together to create sustainable solutions for real-world problems."

    NGUYEN THI KIM ANH

    Team EarthFeast (Tra Vinh University) - The 2025 Winning Team

JOIN US FOR THE 2026 CHANGEMAKER CHALLENGE!

Contact the EY4F team to discuss how we can best accommodate your sustainability needs: empower.youth4food@gmail.com

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