What if the solution to one of humanity’s deadliest crises came from mushrooms, and from six young people, spread across five countries, working together online?
That’s exactly what happened during this year’s Shape the Future Challenge, where 186 teams of young innovators set out to tackle the world’s biggest climate problems in just four weeks.
And the winners? Team Espérer, a diverse crew of changemakers from Uzbekistan, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Fiji, and India. Their idea—a fungi-based filter that removes up to 99% of industrial water pollutants—stood out not only for its ingenuity, but for its urgency.
And the winners are …
A huge round of applause for Muhammadlaziz Ibaydullayev, Yulduz Saidahmadova, Nahom Shuma Ayana, Tafsir Sikder, Shreya Lal, and Kiranjot Kour, who did a fantastic job developing and pitching their idea — a fungi-based filter designed to stop the untreated industrial waste that kills 4,000 children every day and threatens over two billion people living near polluted waters.
Youth Team Tackles Water Pollution with Fungi Filter
Espérer’s filter uses mycelium—the root structure of mushrooms—to capture and dissolve toxins in wastewater.
- Built from agricultural waste and mushroom spawn, it’s low-cost and accessible.
- Once saturated, the fungi can be recycled as compost, creating a circular economy model.
- Their working prototype has already shown that this solution can compete with industry-scale systems—at a fraction of the cost.
Interested to learn more? Watch their 1-min pitch video here or listen to how they presented their idea during the final pitching ceremony in front of an expert jury here:
How did a global student team build this in four weeks?
What makes Espérer’s journey even more remarkable is the how.
- Six young people who had never met in person.
- Five countries, across multiple time zones.
- Four weeks to brainstorm, test, and build a prototype.
This is the new face of innovation: fast, borderless, purpose-driven.
Why is Espérer’s solution important for climate and health?
Espérer is not just a winning project.
It’s proof of what happens when young people are given the stage, the mentors, and the freedom to dream big.
Too often, youth-led ideas die in a notebook or a classroom. But with the right support, they can become solutions the world desperately needs.
This is why we at Moonshot Pirates exist: to surface the world’s best young talent and make sure no idea with the potential to change the world is left behind.
Behind every bold idea is a crew of mentors who push, guide, and inspire — we’re so grateful to each one who supported our pirates on this journey. And we extend heartfelt thanks to our partners Future Port Youth, JERICA global ALCEA Foundation, 4Voices, MEGA Bildung Stiftung and Conference on Wheels, whose support made the challenge possible.
What comes next for Team Espérer?
Espérer will now continue their journey in our Launchpad accelerator, working with mentors and partners to refine their prototype and explore pilot deployments. These changemakers will also join us on an unforgettable trip to Dubai next year, where they’ll explore cutting-edge companies, meet inspiring innovators, and visit world-class hubs of technology and impact.
And they won’t be alone. Every year, dozens of teams like Espérer go through our programs, proving again and again that bold ideas can come from anywhere.
A Call to Action
For young innovators:
If you’re between 15 and 24 and have a bold idea—big or small—don’t wait. Join our community, apply to Launchpad, or even start a local Chapter. Your idea could be the next Espérer.
👉 Join the Launchpad waiting list
👉 Start a local Chapter
For supporters, mentors, and organizations:
If you believe the world needs more solutions like this, get involved. Partner with us, mentor a team, or open your platform to the next generation. The best thing you can do for the planet is give young innovators the resources and trust to build.
The Shape the Future Challenge may be over, but for Espérer, and for every young pirate who dared to build a solution, the journey is just beginning.
The ideas are here. The talent is ready.
The only question is: who’s brave enough to listen?
