Francisco S. Guitard

Gastronomy & Cultural Innovation Leader

Francisco S. Guitard leads cross-border initiatives connecting gastronomy, culture and creative industries between the U.S. and Spain. As President of Instituto Nauta and founder of OverlaB Intelligence, he leads the First Coast World Region of Gastronomy – Candidate for 2030, rooted in the St. Augustine / Coastal Georgia / Northeast Florida region, supported locally by the Women’s Food Alliance and regional partners.

Since 2025, recognised as an Expert for IGCAT (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism), Francisco advances programmes that link local identity, education and creative economies, working with chefs, hospitality partners, cultural institutions and schools. His work promotes storytelling and place-based experiences through digital tools to strengthen sustainable regional development.

Under the under the First Coast World Region of Gastronomy — Candidate for 2030, programme pillars includes initiatives such as the First Coast Chef Council, Food Design Fest, Food Film and storytelling showcases, World Food Gift activations, Young Chef learning pathways, Open Labs and Innovation Summit, and the First Coast Culinary Studio currently in development.

With a background in audiovisual production and digital heritage, he integrates media, archives and interactive platforms (e.g., BeatWay) to enhance community engagement, tourism experiences and international cooperation.

His work includes projects such as El Club de los Cantineros, a multi-award-winning documentary recognized at the Málaga Film Festival and selected for the St. Augustine Film Festival, alongside broader cultural programming linked to regional heritage and contributions to strengthening Spain–U.S. cultural ties.