develop your new career in horticulture with us.
hoW YOU’LL PARTICIPATE
step 1: INSPIRE
Innovation Challenge
Theme: Food Security, Safety & Sustainability
Theme: Food Security, Safety & Sustainability
Period: 16 June – 30 July 2026 (6 weeks)
Format: Online
What this step is about
Identify a pressing challenge and a promising opportunity related to food security, food safety, or the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a special focus on SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
What you’ll do
Work in a team of two
Explore challenges across the food value chain
Design an innovative and feasible business solution
Your idea may relate to growers, nurseries, traders, retailers, food services, processors, food creators, and more.
How to participate
Form a team of two participants.
Develop a business plan following the program guidelines.
Submit your plan via program email yeahhorti@gmail.com by 30 July 2026.
What to submit
Document structure needed:
Problem
Target audience
Insight
Solution
Feasibility
Impact
Accepted formats:
Video (under 3 minutes)
Presentation (max. 7 slides)
Infographic (max. 2 pages)
Optional visuals, prototypes, or mock-ups
step 2: engage
2-Day Immersive Program
Theme: Innovation in Horticulture & Entrepreneurial Excellence
Dates: 18–19 August 2026
Location: Various sites in South Korea (to be confirmed)
Format: In-person field program
Connected to: Online Business Idea Competition
What this step is about
In Step 2, selected teams take part in an immersive 2-day program in South Korea, designed to help turn ideas into viable, real-world business solutions through field experience, collaboration, and expert guidance.
This step connects insights from the online business idea competition with hands-on learning and pitching practice.
Who joins
10 finalist teams selected from Step 1
20 young participants in total
Participants will be grouped into 4 teams of 5
What you’ll do
Day 1: Inspiration & Exploration
Explore real-world innovation across the food and horticulture ecosystem.
Participants will visit:
Smart farms
Retailers and food processors
Innovative restaurants
Partner organizations
Each visit provides practical insights that teams can apply to refining their business ideas.
Day 2: Workshops & Pitch Preparation
Turn insights into action with expert-led sessions.
Workshops
Making Your Business Plan Practical
Structure your plan for feasibility and impact
Identify key resources, partners, and implementation steps
Crafting a Strong Pitch
Communicate your idea clearly and persuasively
Practice storytelling, visuals, and Q&A techniques
Pitch Preparation & Presentation
Each team presents one refined business idea
Teams assign presentation and Q&A roles
Use visuals and insights from Day 1 field visits
Pitch session
15-minute pitch presentation
15-minute Q&A with judges
What happens next
Winner announcement
Networking with peers, mentors, and partners
Preparation for the final stage of the program
step 3: PRACTICE
From Ideas to Real-World Experience
Format: In-person or hybrid (depending on placement)
Duration: To be defined with host organization
What this step is about
In Step 3, selected participants take their ideas and skills into the real world by beginning a new career pathway in horticulture and food innovation.
This step focuses on hands-on experience, professional growth, and long-term impact beyond the program.
Who joins
Winning teams or selected participants from Step 2
Participants are matched based on interests, skills, and career goals
What you’ll do
Participate in individual meetings with the program team
Receive personalized guidance to explore career pathways
Be matched with one of the following opportunities:
Internship
Traineeship
Mentorship program
Placements will be coordinated with partner organizations.
What you’ll gain
Real-world experience in the horticulture and food sector
Professional mentorship and industry exposure
Practical skills to support long-term employment or entrepreneurship
A clear next step toward a career in sustainable food systems