Postgraduation Sustainable Gastronomy and Food Innovation

An innovative postgraduate program that creatively explores the future of food, drives Gastronomic Sustainability, promotes Food Innovation, and fosters a purpose-driven approach to Gastronomy.

  • Next Date

    November 2025

  • Length

    6 months

  • Format

    B-learning
    After work

  • Investment

    3.450€

Postgraduation Sustainable Gastronomy and Food Innovation
Overview

The Postgraduation Sustainable Gastronomy and Food Innovation is a pioneering course that combines creativity and sustainability with innovation in the food sector. With a strong focus on transforming gastronomy, this program fosters an innovative mindset by addressing key skills such as entrepreneurship, communication, leadership, and teamwork.

An innovative course where the future of food is creatively reimagined, driving Gastronomic Sustainability, promoting Food Innovation, and encouraging a purpose-driven approach to Gastronomy.

Through a dynamic approach based on the pillars of context, individual, community, accelerators, and action, participants are empowered to face contemporary food challenges and stand out in the gastronomic sector with innovative and sustainable solutions.

This postgraduate program is not limited to a single area of gastronomy, allowing it to be applied across different food-related sectors, from foodservice and the food industry to new product development and sustainable business models.

In this context, the ability to generate positive impact and innovation in the food system becomes essential, both for traditional businesses and disruptive projects. In the Postgraduate Program in Sustainable Gastronomy and Food Innovation, participants will gain the knowledge and skills needed to excel in a constantly evolving sector.

Course content

The Postgraduation Sustainable Gastronomy and Food Innovation is a comprehensive course structured around thematic modules and has an approximate duration of six months. It covers a broad range of essential topics for professionals in gastronomy, foodservice, the food industry, and related sectors, promoting an innovative and sustainable approach.

Each module includes theoretical sessions complemented by an in-person practical component featuring a guest speaker, an industry reference, who will bring innovative perspectives and inspiration to participants. These sessions will be dynamic, encouraging knowledge sharing, networking, and a tasting experience designed in accordance with sustainable gastronomy principles. Upon completion of the program, participants will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate.

The course begins with an Introduction to Sustainable Gastronomy and Food Innovation, where participants are introduced to the program’s objectives, structure, and methodologies. From the outset, participants will be challenged to identify a concept, idea, or innovative project they wish to develop, test, and/or validate throughout the course—either individually or in teams—applying course content from the very beginning.

In summary, the Postgraduation Sustainable Gastronomy and Food Innovation offers a unique experience that combines theory and practice to prepare professionals to tackle contemporary food challenges and develop innovative solutions.

By the end of the program, participants will be equipped to lead sustainable gastronomic projects, drive innovation in the sector, and design food experiences aligned with future demands. This postgraduate course aims to serve as a platform to validate and scale innovative ideas, empowering participants to stand out in the market and contribute to a more responsible and impactful food system.

Learning outcomes

The learning objectives of the Postgraduation 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. This program prepares professionals to rethink gastronomy through a sustainable and innovative lens, fostering a positive impact on society and the food industry.

 

  • 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.

 

This postgraduate program offers a holistic and hands-on vision of the future of gastronomy, preparing participants to become change agents in a sector that demands both innovation and a deep commitment to sustainability.

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 ostgraduation 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.

Marta Fonseca

Assistant Professor and Internal Auditor (ISO 22000)
Coordinator of the Gourmet Academy
Coordinator of Gastronomic Projects and Event Management

Graduated in Human Resources Management from Universidade Lusíada and in Tourism and Hospitality Management from Universidade Europeia. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Food Safety and Quality in Foodservice at the Estoril Higher Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (ESHTE). Certified Internal Auditor in ISO 22000:2018 by SGS.

With nearly 10 years of experience in the hospitality sector, she has specialized in quality management, food safety, and in sustainable gastronomy and food innovation. With a strong connection between teaching, experimentation, and practical application, she develops projects that promote sustainability and creativity in gastronomy.

Deeply focused on the food sector and passionate about innovation, she has experience in managing gastronomic spaces, developing specialized training programs, and curating gastronomic events and experiences. She currently leads initiatives that combine tradition and technology, connecting professionals, students, and researchers to foster more conscious and sustainable food practices.

Her pedagogical approach is distinguished by combining hands-on experimentation with critical thinking, encouraging students to explore innovative solutions for a constantly evolving sector. As the creator of educational programs tailored to the new demands of the industry, she strives to transform knowledge into real market impact.

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