Online Bootcamp for Educators and SMEs

The food and beverage industry is undergoing rapid change — and that change needs the right people behind it.

The DIGIFABS Online Bootcamp brings together educators, SMEs, and professionals to explore how digital tools, sustainability, and innovation can create a more resilient, future-ready sector.

Week 0

During this week, our materials cover the most relevant trends and a series of best practices in the F&B sector. Also, we introduce the concept of the responsible dynamic digital change agents (RDDCAs).

Workshop on Emerging Technologies in the Food & Beverage Sector

Best practices in the Food & Beverage sector for SMEs

DIGIFABS Bootcamp RDDCA Concept

Week 1: Green Trends and challenges in the F&B sector [live]

21.05.2025 @ 2 pm CET

During this first week of our bootcamp, we dive into green trends impacting the F&B sector and present case studies. Further, we have an open round to discuss individual challenges.

Green trends

Dive into the key sustainability transformations shaping the Food & Beverage (F&B) industry in this insightful session. Learn about global and European climate policies, the 2030 Agenda & SDGs, ESG regulations like CSRD and CSDDD, and how they impact F&B professionals and SMEs. We explore practical green trends — such as sustainability reporting, resource efficiency, circularity, food waste reduction, local sourcing and evolving consumer expectations. Discover actionable steps for businesses to embrace sustainability and get inspired by real-world European initiatives pushing the sector toward a greener future. Ideal for educators, entrepreneurs, and F&B professionals seeking to lead sustainable change. 

Challenges in the F&B Sector

Explore how the F&B sector can tackle today’s most pressing challenges — supply chain disruptions, sustainability and regulatory complexity — through the power of digital innovation. This session highlights how Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Blockchain can transform operations, ensure food safety and meet evolving consumer demands. Discover practical use cases, from AI in predictive maintenance and inventory optimization to blockchain in food traceability. Perfect for students, educators, and F&B professionals embracing the digital future.

Week 2: Resilience and University-SME collaboration [live]

28.05.2025 @ 2 pm CET

During this second week of our bootcamps, we dive into the concept of resilience and how to foster it within a company. Further, we have an interactive session on university-SME collaborations.

Deep Dive Resilience

In this DIGIFABS Bootcamp session on Resilience in the food and beverage sector, we explore the foundations of organisational resilience and its critical role in digital transformation. Through practical frameworks and real-world business case studies this session highlights how leadership, digital mindset and adaptability can help organisations thrive amidst uncertainty. A panel of industry experts joins the discussion to share insights on overcoming resistance to digital change and fostering a culture of innovation in the F&B sector and beyond.

Foundations of University-Business Collaboration

Join us in this engaging session from the DIGIFabs Bootcamp, “Foundations of University-Business Collaboration,” where she introduces key concepts, frameworks, and practical strategies for effective external engagement in higher education. The presentation explores the UBC ecosystem, drivers and barriers to collaboration and real-world examples from institutions like HAS Green Academy. Designed for academics, professionals and institutions seeking impactful partnerships, this workshop provides actionable insights and tools to enhance collaboration between universities and external stakeholders.

Week 3: Nutrition and Networking [live]

04.06.2025 @ 2 pm CET

During this third and last week, we dive into the role of nutrition in the F&B sector. Further, we will have a session to prepare for specific collaboration projects in the context of the SME Goes Digital Challenge.

This “Deep Dive into Nutrition at SUA” session offers an insightful exploration of the role of nutrition in the F&B sector. The presentation
highlights the importance of nutrients and how they drive customer behaviour, price, demand and supply, and how they can improve food systems and community health.
This session introduces the “SME Goes Digital Challenge”, a dynamic initiative aimed at empowering students to tackle real-world digitalisation challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The presentation outlines the challenge structure, including student team formation, company collaboration, and problem-solving through design
thinking and innovation. Highlighting the mutual benefits for both SMEs and students, this session sets the stage for impactful learning experiences, practical outcomes, and deeper engagement between academia and the business world.