Three food technologists chatting and laughing.

Massey University Food Innovation Youth Summit 2026

Date and time: 20 January 2026, 12pm – 22 January 2026, 3pm
Multi-day event

Palmerston North, food innovation capital of Aotearoa, is opening its doors for the very first Food Innovation Youth Summit. It's a 3 day, 2 night extravaganza designed for Year 12 and 13 students.

In person

Location

Massey University Manawatū campus

Tennent Drive, Turitea, Palmerston North 4410

Organised by

s.golding@massey.ac.nz

Experience real food tech magic. Dive into hands-on workshops, tour high-tech labs and visit actual food factories in the Manawatū region. If you've wondered what a food technologist does all day, this is your chance to find out.

Meet young change makers. Rub shoulders with rising stars in the food industry. Hear their stories, ask questions and get inspired to blaze your own trail.

Live the uni life. Stay in Massey University student halls, hang out in the Recreation Centre and join fun evening activities with your new mates from all over the country.

What's on the menu

  • Future of food workshop: what will we eat in 2050?
  • Sensory science: test your taste buds!
  • Epic Food Quiz: prizes up for grabs.
  • Food safety hacks and technology challenges.
  • Factory tours.
  • Careers Q&A: meet some of the rising stars shaping the future of food technology.

Applications are now closed.