Culinary Action! Japan

On The Road

Transforming Society through Gastronomy 360 degrees,
Innovation and Talent

CALL FOR INNOVATORS

The call for startup is aimed to promote entrepreneurship and the generation of new businesses related to gastronomy and food in Japan. We strive to attracting and developing talent and innovation based on a vision of Gastronomy 360º – an holistic vision that understands gastronomy as an integral value chain.

For the first time the competition “Culinary Action On The Road” by Basque Culinary Center, will take place in Japan thanks to the support of the Future Food Institute and Tokyo Food Institute.

The startup will apply during December and January and the final event will take place on February 9th from 2.30PM – 6.30PM at CityLab Tokyo (Kyobashi Living Lab) where the 5 finalist will pitch their ideas.

Culinary Action on the Road - Map of the local events

During 2022 the “Culinary Action On The Road” will take place in New York (September 2022), Buenos Aires (October 2022), Copenaghen (November 2022), Tel Aviv (January 2023), Tokyo (February 2023) and San Sebastian (March 2023).

What are we looking for?

Established startups
Seed and Pre-Seed stage, with a validated MVP or proof of concept
Focused on Gastronomy 360º and foodtech, developing technologies to promote the future of gastronomy
With a product or service proposal that fosters the transformation of the agents of its entire value chain (for example: chefs, waiters, managers, producers, distributors, diners)
With a committed multidisciplinary team
With market metrics and validation and real clients

Award

The Japanese winner will receive the award of residency at LABe – Digital Gastronomy Lab startup incubator, located in San Sebastián and managed by BCC, for 1 month.

The prize for the winning startup will be:

The advanced plan of the GOe Community digital platform, thanks to which they will be able to join our network of experts and mentors.
Hours voucher (20 h) for research projects in our technology center, BCC Innovation.
Other types of perks in addition to the aforementioned prizes (Investor network, Assistance landing in local ecosystem, Corporate network…).

All the prizes can be spent throughout 2023 when it suits the startups best.

TIMELINE

1st of December to 22nd of January – Application Period

Starting from 1st of December 2022 to 22nd of January, we’ll collect the applications from interested startups.

January 22nd to January 26th 2023 – Selection period

A team of experts will analyze the registered projects on the basis of the impact of the idea, the degree of innovation and the relevance to the project theme and goals and will select 5 finalist startup who will pitch during the event.

9th of February 2023 – Competition Day in Tokyo

The selected 5 startups will participate in the Competition Day, where they will pitch their established startup at City Lab Tokyo – hosted by Kyobashi Living Lab – along with panels on Gastronomy and Food Technology.

Kyobashi Living Lab is one of Future Food Japan’s venues in the heart of Tokyo. Aligned with nuclear methodologies of Future Food Institute, Future Food Japan consistently strives to illuminate a world-class breed of innovators, boosting entrepreneurial potential and improving agri-food expertise and tradition by hosting speaking panels, immersive boot camps, open format discussions, workshops, interactive dining occasions in Japan.

March 2023 – Final event in San Sebastiàn

Finally, the winning Japanese startup will compete with the winners from the other countries (New York, Buenos Aires, Copenhagen, Tel Aviv) in the final event in San Sebastián. The global winner will be offered as a prize the extension of 25 Hours voucher for research projects in BCC technology center, and the award of residency at LABe – Digital Gastronomy Lab startup incubator for 1 year.

ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED

Basque Culinary Center

Basque Culinary Center main aim is higher education, research, innovation and promotion of gastronomy and nutrition.

Since 2014 with the Culinary Action! entrepreneurship program they are attracting entrepreneurs, students, companies, investors and society to make a real socio-economic impact on the gastronomy sector.

Future Food Institute

The Future Food Institute exists to make exponential positive change, to sustainably improve life on earth, through education and innovation in global food systems. By training the next generation of change-makers, empowering communities, and engaging government and industry in actionable innovation, Future Food catalyzes progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Tokyo Food Institute

Tokyo Food Institute (“TFI”) is a general incorporated association. TFI is dedicated to creating the future of food in Tokyo by supporting new food related businesses, fostering human resources, and building a food ecosystem that fosters co-creation among various players in Japan and abroad.