For young chefs looking to break onto the international stage, the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition has become one of the industry’s most visible platforms. Its seventh edition opens for applications on February 16, inviting chefs under 30 from around the world to submit a signature dish through June 9.
Organized by the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy (SPYCA), the competition pairs emerging chefs with established industry figures and places them in a structured, multi-stage evaluation process. Participants receive mentorship and exposure to an international network of chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary leaders.
Applicants are divided into 15 geographic regions, with initial selections overseen by ALMA, the International School of Italian Culinary Arts. Shortlisted chefs advance to 15 Regional Finals, and regional winners move on to the Grand Finale. Throughout the process, competitors are evaluated on technical skill, creativity, and the expression of personal belief through their signature dish.
This edition also introduces a formal mentorship initiative. Ardy Ferguson, global winner of the 2024–25 competition, will spend three weeks working alongside two chefs who served on the previous jury, Julien Royer and Jeremy Chan. The program extends the Academy’s support beyond the competition cycle and offers additional professional development for its top participants.
Reflecting on his experience, Ardy Ferguson, winner of the 2024–25 edition, said: “The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy has been an unforgettable experience and has provided me with opportunities in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Being able to continue learning with chefs I admire so much is incredible, and it allows me to keep pushing my craft and building on everything the Academy offers as I continue to grow as a Chef.”
Julien Royer, founder and chef of Odette in Singapore, added: “The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy offers young chefs an extraordinary opportunity to test themselves on a global stage. The journey to the Grand Finale is intense and demanding, but it’s also incredibly rewarding, pushing chefs to refine their skills, clarify their vision, and grow both professionally and personally. The Academy creates an environment where talent is challenged, supported, and given the space to truly evolve.”
Jeremy Chan, founder and chef of Ikoyi in London, said: “What makes the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy special is its focus on individuality and belief. Cooking at the highest level requires conviction as much as skill, and this competition gives young chefs the space and confidence to develop their own voice. Being able to support that process, and to engage with chefs at such a formative moment in their careers, is incredibly rewarding.”
Applications are open from February 16 through June 9, 2026, to chefs under 30, who must submit a signature dish reflecting technical skill, creativity, and personal belief.
Following the initial selection, shortlisted candidates will compete in 15 Regional Finals. Regional winners advance to the Grand Finale, where they present their dishes to an international jury of chefs. In addition to the main title, participants are eligible for three collateral awards recognizing social responsibility, culinary heritage, and the expression of personal belief through food.
More information and application details are available here.
