Modular Postgraduate Program Sustainable Gastronomy and Food Innovation

An innovative postgraduate programme that creatively explores the future of food, drives gastronomic sustainability, promotes food innovation and fosters purpose-driven gastronomy.

 

In partnership with:

  • Next Date

    To be defined

  • Length

    6 months

  • Format

    B-learning
    After work

  • Investment

    3.450€*

Modular Postgraduate Program Sustainable Gastronomy and Food Innovation
Overview

The Modular Postgraduate Program in Sustainable Gastronomy and Food Innovation is a pioneering programme that combines creativity, sustainability and innovation to transform the food sector. In a practical and inspiring way, it develops skills in entrepreneurship, leadership, communication and teamwork, preparing participants to rethink the future of food and promote purpose-driven gastronomy

 

Through a dynamic approach, based on the pillars of context, the individual, the community, catalysts and action, participants are equipped to tackle contemporary challenges in the food sector, distinguishing themselves in the gastronomy sector with innovative and sustainable solutions.

 

This postgraduate programme is not limited to a single segment of the gastronomy sector, allowing it to be adapted to different areas of the food industry, ranging from catering and the food industry to the development of new products and sustainable business models.

 

In this context, the ability to bring about positive change and innovation in the food sector is essential, both for traditional businesses and for disruptive projects.

 

*INVESTMENT

Participants may choose to take the whole course or just certain modules.

-Tuition fee per module (2, 3, 4, 5 or 6): €700

-Tuition fee Total Course: 3.450€

Course content

The Modular Postgraduate Program in Sustainable Gastronomy and Food Innovation is a comprehensive programme, structured around thematic modules, lasting approximately six months. The course covers a wide range of topics essential for professionals in gastronomy, catering, the food industry and related sectors, promoting an innovative and sustainable appro approach.

 

Each module includes theoretical sessions complemented by a practical, face-to-face component, which will feature a guest speaker , a leading figure in the sector, offering innovative perspectives and inspiration to participants. These sessions will be interactive, encouraging the sharing of knowledge, networking and a tasting session designed in line with the principles of sustainable gastronomy. At the end of the programme, a Postgraduate Certificate of Completion will be awarded.

 

The course begins with an Introduction to Sustainable Gastronomy and Food Innovation, during which participants will be introduced to the programme’s objectives, its structure and the methodologies used. From the outset, participants will be challenged to identify an innovative concept, idea or project that they wish to develop, test and/or validate throughout the course, working either individually or in teams and applying the content covered from the very beginning.

 

This postgraduate program has six compulsory modules. However, candidates may choose to take just one or more of the available modules (with the exception of Module 1), and on completion will receive only a certificate of completion for the module(s) undertaken.

 

Program Structure and Timeline:

 

Module 1- Fundamentals of Sustainable Gastronomy

Module 2 – Technological Innovation in Gastronomy

Module 3 – Future Foods

Module 4 – Sustainability Practices and Social Economy

Module 5 – Sustainable Gastronomic Entrepreneurship and Marketing

Module 6 – Sensory Experience and Multisensory Gastronomy

Learning outcomes

The learning objectives of the Modular Postgraduate Program in Sustainable Gastronomy and Food Innovation aim to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to drive innovation in the food sector, lead with purpose, and stand out in a constantly evolving market.

 

  • Understand the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and gastronomy by exploring emerging trends and key challenges in the food sector.
  • Develop a creative and entrepreneurial mindset, acquiring essential skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and strategic thinking.
  • Explore sustainable and innovative solutions by applying creative methodologies to design new products, gastronomic experiences, and business models aligned with the principles of the circular economy.
  • Analyze the context of the food market, identifying opportunities for innovation and sustainable impact across both foodservice and the food industry.
  • Research and apply strategies of co-creation, collective intelligence, and bio-inspiration to foster new approaches toward more ethical and regenerative gastronomy.
  • Acquire knowledge on methods for validating and implementing innovative ideas, ensuring the applicability and feasibility of developed solutions.
  • Develop a consumer- and planet-centered approach, promoting gastronomic experiences that combine flavor, creativity, and environmental responsibility.

Participant Profile

Proper training of gastronomy and food professionals is essential for building a more innovative and sustainable sector. These are the individuals who, by combining theory and practice, turn concepts into real, impactful solutions. More than just creating and managing businesses, these professionals play a key role in shaping memorable and responsible gastronomic experiences, influencing both the industry and the end consumer.

 

The Modular Postgraduate Program in Sustainable Gastronomy and Food Innovation is particularly relevant for:

 

  • Chefs, cooks, and foodservice professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge of innovation and sustainability;
  • Managers and entrepreneurs in the food and hospitality sectors who wish to integrate sustainable practices into their businesses;
  • Professionals in the food industry interested in developing new products and innovative business models;
  • Researchers and gastronomic consultants aiming to explore creative and sustainable approaches within the sector;
  • Other professionals and gastronomy enthusiasts who want to make food systems more responsible, sustainable, and aligned with the demands of the future.

 

This program is designed for all those who want to be agents of change in gastronomy, transforming environmental and social challenges into opportunities for innovation and positive impact.

Program Coordination
Bruno Leite

Visiting Assistant Professor at NOVA FCT and Researcher at LAQV/REQUIMTE

Graduated in Economics from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio, Brazil), and in Gastronomy and Culinary Arts from Estácio de Sá University (UNESA-RJ, Brazil). Completed a specialization course in Regional and Bistro French Cuisine at Alain Ducasse Formation (ADF, Paris).

Holds a Master’s degree in Gastronomic Sciences (NOVA FCT & ISA, University of Lisbon, Portugal) and a PhD in Food Science (NOVA FCT & University of Évora, Portugal), with a specialization in Food Science and Technology. Has approximately 20 years of experience in the fields of gastronomy and food science. In addition to having worked in various establishments, was the owner of a restaurant for two and a half years.

Currently teaches five subjects in the Master’s program in Gastronomic Sciences and is a researcher at the Molecular Gastronomy Laboratory (NOVA FCT). Research interests include topics such as seaweed in human nutrition, new sustainable protein sources, new product development, and molecular gastronomy.

Rui Mota

Invited Lecturer at ESHTE & FCNAUP

Rui Mota is a chef, lecturer, and consultant in the field of contemporary gastronomy, with a particular focus on sustainability, innovation, and creative cuisine. Throughout his career, he has worked in some of the most prestigious Michelin-starred international restaurants, such as El Celler de Can Roca, The Fat Duck, ABaC, L’Air du Temps, and Vista, developing a rigorous technical approach combined with a strong sensory, scientific, and artistic component.

He currently teaches at several leading institutions, including the Estoril Higher Institute for Tourism and Hotel Studies and the Lisbon School of Hospitality and Tourism, where he covers subjects such as sustainable gastronomy, gastrophysics, physiology of taste, advanced culinary science and technology, menu planning and design, wine and beverage pairing, molecular gastronomy, and functional pastry.

In parallel, he develops consultancy projects, content creation, and gastronomic experiences for brands and events, exploring the connection between science, emotion, and culinary storytelling. His approach focuses on valuing ingredients, reducing waste, and creating innovative gastronomic experiences where technique and creativity come together to tell stories through food.

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