Massey University Food Innovation Youth Summit 2027

Food technology combines food science, nutrition, business, engineering and marketing to help shape the foods of the future. Yet many secondary school students have little idea what a food technologist does or how rewarding a career in food technology can be in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our country produces enough food to feed more than 40 million people each year, and our economy is driven by food exports.

Through the Food Innovation Youth Summit, Massey University aims to show Year 12 and 13 students what food technology is all about. Over three days, participants will take part in hands-on activities and workshops designed to bring the subject to life.

The packed programme includes scientific experiments, exploration of emerging technologies and challenges, making food in the Food Pilot (the southern hemisphere’s largest pilot-scale food production facility) and testing their senses in the one-of-a-kind Feast (Food Experience and Sensory Testing) Laboratory. Students will gain a real sense of whether this exciting career path is right for them.

Massey staff from the School of Food Technology and Natural Sciences will be joined by members of the Food HQ regional consortium, including the Bioeconomy Research Institute and local companies within the food valley ecosystem in and around Palmerston North. Together, the team plan to deliver food factory tours that bring laboratory learning to life, alongside authentic university experiences such as staying on campus and connecting with other students from across the country who share a passion for food innovation. Additional activities may include visits to local attractions, creating new flavour combinations using Massey’s soft ice cream machine and enjoying the on-campus recreation centre to round out the schedule.

Students will stay for three days in our Halls of residence on the Manawatu campus (Palmerston North). Meals are provided.

Massey is seeking applications for the 2027 summit. There are limited spaces available. The cost for the course per student a value of $1500, only a $100 contribution required. Bursaries of up to $500 for travel will be allocated to those students that are travelling further to reach the campus in Palmerston North. To apply, students will need to submit a personal statement.

Students need to register by 25th September 2026. Registering via this form is NOT a guarantee of a place in the Summit. A selection process will be undertaken in October and successful attendees will be contacted early Term 4.