Introducing…
In partnership with:
Hungary’s food system faces real challenges.
Food Impact Lab turns them into action.
This EU-funded programme helps young people spot food challenges in their communities to transform smart ideas into real-world pilots, with expert guidance and funding support.
We looking for young people who are ready to identify food-related problems in their own communities and pilot practical, local solutions.
Selected teams will receive:
Dedicated mentorship from food system experts
Structured guidance to refine and implement their ideas
Financial support from a 1,600 EUR pilot fund, distributed among 4–5 teams
Opportunities to connect with other engaged young people and experts.
In partnership with:
Interested? Join our expert webinar and info session on 15 April 2026.
The Food Impact Lab is a structured, multi-phase programme designed to support young changemakers in tackling concrete food-related challenges.
Participants can submit project ideas such as:
We looking for young multipliers who:
You do not need prior experience.
You need curiosity, commitment, and the willingness to act.
This programme empowers emerging changemakers to take action on climate and food system challenges while developing clarity in their civic and professional path.
Receive tailored mentorship to help you refine your idea, develop a project plan, and work toward implementation.
Attend monthly workshops covering key topics like campaign design, stakeholder engagement, and project execution — all to help you bring your idea to life and increase its impact.
Experience sustainability in action through site visits to food cooperatives, grassroots movements, and local institutions driving climate solutions.
We keep the group intentionally small to ensure high-quality engagement and deep connections with mentors, facilitators, and peers.
Join a diverse community of youth leaders working at the intersection of sustainability, inclusion, and civic participation—supporting each other beyond the programme.
Our programme includes 20+ contact hours of training and workshops, covering the following topics:
Research project planning
Open science practices
Project and time management
Still have questions?
Then contact us:
mentorship[at]gilefoundation.org
Food Impact Lab is a programme that helps young people turn their ideas about sustainable food into real projects. If you see problems like food waste in your school canteen, lack of local food options in your neighborhood, or want to connect farmers with consumers, we support you to actually do something about it. You get funding, expert mentors, and training to make it happen.
You will develop and implement a real project addressing a food system problem in your community during June-September. Throughout the programme, you will receive mentorship from experts, attend training workshops, and learn to share your knowledge with others to multiply your impact.
April to October 2026 (6 months), divided into three phases: outreach and selection (March-May), preparation (June-August), and implementation (September).
Yes. The programme works around school and work schedules. Most intensive work happens in September when universities typically have lighter course loads.
No, accommodation is not provided, and participants are responsible for arranging their own stay if needed. Most programme activities are single-day events and do not require overnight stays. Participants travelling from outside Budapest should plan their travel accordingly.
Any practical project addressing food systems challenges in Budapest or Zugló. Examples: food waste reduction in canteens, food rescue networks, connecting local farmers with consumers, community gardens, school lunch sustainability, or food education campaigns.
No. Educational initiatives, awareness campaigns, community projects, and advocacy efforts are equally valued. Impact matters, not revenue generation.
You need a clear problem, rough solution, target audience, and ideas for measuring impact. You do not need a detailed budget or step-by-step plan, we help you develop those during June-August with mentor support.
Only if you’re developing a clearly new phase or expansion. You must show what Food Impact Lab support adds beyond your current activities.
Wherever makes sense for your target audience such as campus, community center, school, neighborhood in Zugló, local market, etc. You choose based on where you can best create impact.
You must be between 16-30 years old at the time of application.
No, but priority is given to those living, studying, or active in Zugló. Young people from elsewhere in Budapest or Hungary can also apply if committed to creating impact in Budapest/Zugló.
Yes, if you’re currently residing in Hungary and will remain in Hungary for the full programme duration (April – September 2026).
No. Passion and commitment matter more than experience. The programme builds your skills through mentorship and training.
All activities, workshops, mentorship sessions, and communication are conducted in English.
Both. You can apply individually or as a pre-formed team of 2-5 members.
No, you do not need to have a project idea to attend the Activation Day. The workshop is designed to help you develop or refine your idea and understand the programme expectations. You will also have a chance to meet other applicants, network with mentors, and get guidance on creating strong applications.
Yes, participation in the Activation Day is mandatory before submitting your application. It is an essential preparation step that ensures you understand the programme expectations and application requirements.
10 May 2026 at 23:59 (midnight Budapest time).
Personal information, project idea (problem, solution, target audience), 2-minute video introduction, CV.
No, after submission, no changes are possible.
Total funding for the project is €1,600 which will be divided among selected teams based on the project’s needs.
Project related expenses such as prototyping, materials, event costs, venue rental, market research, printing, food for community events, and transportation for project activities. Not for personal stipends or equipment you keep after the project.
You will receive funding shortly after the June kick-off meeting with the selected teams, once you’ve signed your contract and finalized your budget with your mentor.
Definitely! This project is funded by the EU. You will document expenses and may need to provide receipts for transparency and reporting.
You’ll be matched with experts and researchers from MATE (Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences), AKI (Institute of Agricultural Economics) and freelance subject matter experts.
Selected teams will meet with their allocated mentors at least once per month for one-on-one check-ins depending on the team’s needs, plus additional support as needed throughout your project development and implementation.
Your mentor will provide regular one-on-one guidance throughout your project. This includes monthly check-ins to discuss your progress, technical advice specific to your food systems topic, help refining your approach and overcoming challenges, connections to relevant stakeholders and experts, and feedback on your project implementation and impact measurement.
Upon successful completion, you will receive an official certificate from the GiLE Foundation and programme partners. Your project may be featured on the website and social media platforms, and letters of recommendation are available upon request. You will also gain networking opportunities and visibility within the sustainability and youth engagement ecosystem.
Of course!. While the programme engagement ends in September, projects may continue through volunteer efforts, additional grants, or partnerships you’ve developed.
Yes. You’ll join the Food Impact Lab alumni network with ongoing connections to your cohort and priority consideration for future GiLE programmes.
Still have questions?
Contact us at: umurzakova.irodakhon[at]gilefoundation.org
[1] Find your track. [2] Join our online info session. [3] Apply!
This track provides aspiring diplomats and those interested in international public servants with in-depth knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful career in international relations. Participants will engage in workshops on diplomatic protocol, cultural diplomacy, and science diplomacy, alongside visits to embassies and relevant international organisations. These activities offer hands-on experience and insights into diplomatic practices and international development, helping participants develop the necessary skills and network to excel within international organisations.
Aspiring diplomats – International relations enthusiasts interested in careers in diplomacy, international development, and global cooperation.
International public servants – Students and young professionals interested in pursuing a career at an international organisation like the United Nations, UNESCO, UNHCR, or UNICEF, for example, without necessarily wanting to be a diplomat (i.e. remaining independent of any single nation’s government). Interests may include advancing global peace, international development, and human rights.
[1] Find your track. [2] Join our online info session. [3] Apply!
This track equips aspiring public servants and NGO leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary for impactful community work. Participants will attend workshops on introduction to nonprofit management and civic engagement, effective altruism, social innovation, design thinking, community engagement, and fundraising. Additionally, visits to local NGOs and municipalities will provide practical insights into the functioning and challenges of civic organizations. This track aims to foster effective leadership and innovative thinking in addressing social issues.
(Aspiring) public servants – Students and young professionals who work, or aspire to work, in government departments or local municipalities in their country, and who seek to enhance their skills, network, effectiveness in public administration and ability to improve their communities.
(Aspiring) non-profit founders – Passionate individuals interested in creating and leading non-profit organisations focused on addressing social and environmental issues.
Young changemakers and community organisers – Young leaders dedicated to mobilising communities and fostering grassroots movements to drive social change. This includes environmental advocates committed to promoting sustainable practices and policies to combat environmental issues.
The following roles are currently available:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The following roles are currently available:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The following roles are currently available:
The role consists of:
Produce written or verbal content that is clear and persuasive for our target audience for various platforms in a way that is consistent with our brand strategy and voice (articles, blogs, podcasts, newsletter texts, etc.).
Assist with the development of creative ideas and concepts for advertising, social
media, or crowdfunding campaigns.
Help drive brand consistency across all communication platforms
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications required, however, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements: