The goal of the Fresh program is to work towards a validated solution to a problem you identify during the program―a solution that you then potentially enter the Fresh Studio with and further develop it with your team.

<aside> 💥 The Fresh Program runs from Monday 30th March 2026 until Friday 2t6h June 2026. **It takes place at **BlueCity in Rotterdam, where we invite 25-30 potential founders. You are expected to be present in-person, full-time.

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<aside> 💥 As a prelude to the program, we expect participants to attend virtual sessions for knowledge building and context setting between 9 March - 22 March 2026. These take place on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings

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Program phases

Digital pre-program: Foundation & Context Setting (2 weeks)

A light, part-time online phase to ground yourself in systemic food system knowledge and prepare for the 13 weeks ahead. You will explore key concepts, dive into mission areas within the food system, and start identifying challenges and opportunities. This is also a time to get to know your peers and the Fresh team, and to begin assimilating insights in preparation for hands-on work.

Phase 1: Problem exploration and team formation — Problem / Founder Fit (weeks 1–4)

Dive into systemic challenges in the food system through research, expert input, and peer exchange. You’ll identify and frame a specific problem worth solving, connect it to your own motivation, and explore co-founder matches in complementary learning groups. By the end of this phase, early team formations are expected.

Phase 2: Ideation and validation — Problem / Solution Fit (weeks 5–8)

Continue refining teams while developing and testing solution hypotheses. You’ll create a first version of your theory of change, use ideation techniques and existing cases from our research, and engage stakeholders to test early traction. Solutions are weighed and validated for their potential to address the problem defined.

Phase 3: Prototyping, business modeling & solution validation (weeks 9–11)

Focus on developing a minimal viable solution, building prototypes, and exploring early pilots. You’ll craft business models and test for feasibility, desirability, and viability, while securing commitment from key partners, pilot locations, or first customers.

Phase 4: Venture readiness, decision & studio entry (weeks 12–13)

Prepare for potential studio entry by finalizing pitches, designing ownership structures, and planning your next steps. In the final week, you will showcase your venture to the Fresh Studio team and our investor ecosystem. Together, we decide whether to enter Fresh Studio as co-founders, continuing to build and launch your venture.