Creative competition: 25,000 euros for innovative gastronomy ideas!

Creative competition: 25,000 euros for innovative gastronomy ideas!

A fresh wind blows through the gastronomy of the Oberlausitzer Heide and pond landscape. The association for the development of the Oberlausitzer Heide- und Teichlandschaft e.V. has called for the creative competition "New ways of gastronomy" to find innovative ideas to support the hospitality and to promote regional products. The aim is to strengthen gastronomy in the region and to set sustainable impulses for rural areas. The closing date for all project ideas is August 4, 2025. Selected contributions will then be awarded by a jury on September 29, 2025. Interested information can be found on the website of Wittichenau.

The OHTL region, the Bautzen, Weißenberg, Wittichenau and twelve surrounding communities, offers the participants the opportunity to submit their projects in two categories. Projects with a budget of over 10,000 euros, such as the expansion of external catering or the establishment of vending machines, category A. In Category B, ideas can be submitted under 10,000 euros, such as the design of menus or marketing regional products. In total, prize money of 25,000 euros is available.

Promotion of regional products

An important element of the competition is awareness of regional products. More and more people are emphasizing a sustainable lifestyle, and gastronomy is also required to take measures here. The decision to use seasonal and regional ingredients not only contributes to reducing environmental pollution, but also supports the local economy and increases the attractiveness of the catering businesses. Local producers can thus benefit from the collaboration and achieve new target groups. A proposal, as described SumUp, would be, for example, the switch to fresh products that are in line with the natural growth cycles.

The participants in the competition can prepare that they not only benefit from the financial incentives, but also from the opportunity to present their projects publicly and to get in touch with other actors in the industry. The award ceremony is planned for November 2025 and will further strengthen the sense of community in the region.

projects of gastronomic value

Some of the required projects could include the introduction of bilingual offers or the improvement of the bike tourist infrastructure. With a creative approach, numerous ideas can be realized that benefit not only the gastronomy, but also in the entire region. Each actor may only submit an idea and must ensure that the implementation takes place within two years of award. The detailed conditions of participation can be found on the website of the Wochenskurier.

The competition offers an excellent platform for everyone who has a good knack for innovative catering projects and want to create sustainable solutions. Together, the OHTL region can become stronger, more colorful and tastier. The way to more conscious gastronomy leads through creative ideas and the love for regional products in the kitchen!