In partnership with GOe-Gastronomy Open Ecosystem, Basque Culinary Center’s new gastronomic hub, dedicated to shaping a delicious future through gastronomy by leveraging talent, knowledge, and innovation, UCL School of Management welcomes back the ‘Culinary Action on the Road’ competition for 2026.

We invite innovative entrepreneurs from the food sector to showcase their start-up ideas at this Pitch Day, where the winning start-up will compete in the grand finale in May, for the opportunity to participate in the incubator programme at GOe-Gastronomy Open Ecosystem.

Taking place on Wednesday 04 February 2026 on Level 50 of One Canada Square, the evening will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, start-up pitches, and a networking session. Bringing together food-tech entrepreneurs, industry specialists, and innovative start-ups, the event will foster a collaborative community to get inspired by budding start-ups and explore new technologies.

Start-ups can apply to pitch their projects during the London competition, in front of fellow participants and representatives from across the UK culinary scene.

The winning start-up of this edition will have the opportunity to undertake research and innovation projects for 20 hours at the GOeTech Center, a gastronomic technology hub, and will also enjoy a three-month residency at the GOe-Gastronomy Open Ecosystem coworking space.

The competition itself has been making waves in various countries since its inception in Europe in 2021, and has already seen successful events in Tokyo, Copenhagen, Buenos Aires, and New York in 2023.

The winners from each country will compete in the grand finale in San Sebastian in May 2026.

Sign up and take part

Simply complete the short form and take the first step towards making your culinary dreams come true.

Join as an audience member on the day

Not wanting to compete but still want to be first to know about the exciting innovations within the culinary world? Then join us as an audience member and hear the finalists pitch their ideas.

Reserve your place

Discover highlights from last year’s GOe-Gastronomy Open Ecosystem On The Road.