Country Draw and AI innovation redefine the global culinary Olympiad
The countdown to the 12th edition of the Young Chef Olympiad (YCO 2026) has officially begun with the YCO 2026 Country Draw, conducted online from the IIHM Global Campus, Kolkata. For IIHM students, this marks the advent of the most exciting phase of the academic year and will set the global stage for what promises to be the biggest, boldest, and most future-ready edition of YCO yet.
More than just a draw, the event signalled something much bigger — IIHM students preparing to host nearly 50 countries, welcome young chefs from across continents, and play a central role in the world’s largest culinary Olympiad for student chefs. For IIHMites, YCO is not an event you watch — it’s an experience you live.
This year’s Country Draw also unveiled a major first: the launch of IIHM YCO GPT, powered by NamAIste Hospitality GPT, IIHM’s own domain-specific AI platform created especially for the YCO universe. Made in India and built for the world, this AI ecosystem will support contestants with virtual coaching, sustainable recipe building, real-time guidance, and mentorship — while giving IIHM students first-hand exposure to how AI is transforming hospitality education and global events.
Speaking at the Country Draw, Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman, IIHM Worldwide and Founder, Young Chef Olympiad, captured the spirit of the moment:
“The Young Chef Olympiad is not just a competition. It is a global stage for talent, diplomacy, and learning. Today’s Country Draw officially kickstarts the YCO journey—where preparation turns into participation, and young chefs begin their role as global ambassadors of cuisine, culture, and collaboration. Each participant is a proud Young Chef Olympian, they make friends and remain bonded for life.”
He also reminded everyone that for each IIHM student, carrying out such a magnanimous event and the responsibility comes with it deeply personal. They are the hosts, the organisers, the facilitators, and often the first friends international participants make in India
As Prof. David Foskett, OBE, Chairman, International Hospitality Council (IHC), London, and Chairman of the Grand Jury, YCO, noted:
“The Young Chef Olympiad is a matter of immense pride for the Indian hospitality fraternity. Born in India, it has grown into a melting pot of culinary diplomacy, where food becomes the language of friendship, competition, and innovation.”
After the grand Opening Ceremony in Bangalore, participating countries will travel to their respective host cities for the first round of competitions:
- Bangalore will host countries including Hong Kong, Thailand, Seychelles, Mauritius, Australia, Colombia, Tunisia, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam.
- Delhi will welcome teams from the UAE, England, Lesotho, Albania, the USA, Zimbabwe, Bulgaria, Wales, Oman, and Equatorial Guinea.
- Pune will play host to Italy, Malaysia, Canada, Mexico, Cyprus, Kazakhstan, Iran, Egypt, Fiji, and Sri Lanka.
- Hyderabad will have Scotland, France, Namibia, Belarus, Ireland, Greece, Nigeria, South Africa, Switzerland, and Botswana.
- Goa will host the Philippines, India, Uganda, Nepal, Sweden, Portugal, Uzbekistan, Jordan, Timor Leste, and Belgium.
For the first time ever, competitions will be held simultaneously across all five cities, offering IIHM students a hands-on exposure to large-scale operations, logistics, sustainability planning, and international coordination.
After the city rounds, everyone comes together in Kolkata — participants, judges, mentors, and teams — for the final challenges, the Plate Trophy, and the spectacular Grand Finale, where the YCO 2026 Winner will be crowned.
Joining the Country Draw online, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, India’s most celebrated culinary icon and Principal Judge and Mentor of YCO, summed it up perfectly:
“With every edition, YCO becomes stronger in quality and content. India looks forward to welcoming young chefs from across the globe. Sharpen your knives, hone your skills, and prepare to give it your best.”
For IIHM students, YCO 2026 is more than a competition. It is a chance to host the world, learn by doing, embrace AI, champion sustainability, and showcase the true spirit of hospitality.
The world is coming to India. And IIHM is ready, for the 12th time, to lead the world’s most talked-about and celebrated culinary extravaganza.
