Hack the Fork

Hack the Fork is a French nonprofit association focused on accelerating innovation for a more sustainable, resilient, and responsible food system. It organizes hackathons and related support programs that bring together young talent, mentors, researchers, and industry players around alternative proteins, plant-based food, and foodtech challenges. The organization positions itself as a bridge between education, entrepreneurship, and the food industry. Its activities are designed to help participants move from ideas to concrete projects, with AI used as a tool to support product development, consumer transition, business strategy, and impact measurement. Core Values Sustainability : The association’s mission is explicitly tied to protecting the environment, biodiversity, and animals, while promoting a more sustainable food system. Impact orientation : Projects are encouraged to define measurable outcomes such as CO₂ savings, animal welfare gains, cost reductions, and productivity improvements. Education and empowerment : Hack the Fork emphasizes awareness-raising, training, and upskilling for students, young professionals, and other stakeholders. Collaboration : The model relies on multidisciplinary teamwork and close interaction with mentors, juries, academic partners, and ecosystem actors. Innovation : AI-driven experimentation and rapid prototyping are central to the organization’s approach to foodtech problem-solving. Unique Aspects AI-first food innovation format : Hack the Fork uses artificial intelligence as a core enabler across its hackathons, from consumer behavior and strategy to product formulation and marketing. Alternative-protein specialization : Unlike general foodtech events, its thematic focus is specifically on alternative proteins and the transition toward more plant-based diets. Structured ecosystem support : Beyond the event itself, the organization provides follow-on support through pre-incubation, startup support, and mentorship for promising teams. International scaling ambition : After its Paris edition, the organization announced plans for local editions worldwide, with local leaders from multiple countries joining the 2026 edition. Recognized industry connections : Its jury and mentor network includes figures from food innovation, investment, academia, and plant-based businesses, helping connect participants to the broader sector.