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Shape the Future Challenge Logo

Do you have what it takes to solve the world’s biggest challenges?
We think you do!

Over 2,000 brilliant young minds, aged 15 to 24, from 160+ countries joined the Shape the Future Challenge to tackle one of the biggest challenges of our time: climate change.

Through mentoring sessions, expert keynotes, powerful tools, and hands-on guidance, these bold changemakers stepped up, pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and transforming ideas into action.

180+ incredible solutions developed. Explore them now and meet those shaping our future!

MEET THE WINNERS

Nature’s Filter for Industrial Waste

Espérer is transforming water sustainability with a groundbreaking fungi-based filtration system that removes up to 99% of pollutants from industrial waste. Built from agricultural byproducts and mushroom spawn, their solution is not only affordable but also circular.

By tackling one of the most urgent environmental issues, Espérer restores ecosystems, safeguards communities, and aligns directly with the UN SDGs on clean water and climate action.

Congratulations to Muhammadlaziz Ibaydullayev (UZ), Yulduz Saidahmadova (UZ), Nahom Shuma Ayana (ET), Tafsir Sikder Turjo (BD), Shreya Lal (FJ), and Kiranjot Kour (IN), the brilliant team behind Espérer.

Learn more about their idea here!

MEET THE FINALISTS

Discover the solutions of the top teams that advanced to the finals.

Explore all the submitted ideas here!

HOW IT WORKS

01

APPLY

JUN 6TH – JUN 30TH
Submit Your Application

– Apply as an individual or team, with or without an idea, until Jun 30 (midnight UTC)

– Receive your acceptance email to the challenge on Jul 1

– Get invited to the challenge space on the Moonshot Pirates platform

02

TEAM UP

JUL 3RD – JUL 6TH
Finding a Kick-ass Team

– Join the Opening Ceremony on Jul 3 to learn about the scope, winning criteria, and milestones

– Join networking events to connect with other pirates joining the challenge

– Form a team of 2-6 people by Jul 6 and set it up in the challenge space

03

CHALLENGE

JUL 3RD – JUL 31ST
Developing Your Ideas

– Develop a radical, feasible, and impactful solution for climate change

– Book expert sessions, participate in workshops, and reach challenge milestones

– Submit your idea together with a 1-min pitch video until Jul 31 (3 PM UTC)

04

FINALS

AUG 4TH – AUG 21ST
Voting & Final Pitching

– Selection of 7 final teams through online vote and criteria assessment

– Final Pitching of the team’s solutions for climate change

– Join us on August 21 for the award ceremony to see which team the jury selects as the winner

LET’S SHAPE
THE FUTURE
OF CLIMATE
TOGETHER

MEET THE MENTORS

Get access to the kind of expertise startups dream of – climate scientists, tech founders, coders, and brand builders. These top-tier global mentors will challenge your thinking, fuel your growth, and help turn your vision into a real-world impact.

CHALLENGE KEY DATES

JUN 30, MIDNIGHT UTC
APPLICATION DEADLINE

JUL 3, 3PM UTC
OPENING CEREMONY
& KICK-OFF

JUL 3 – JUL 6
NETWORKING

JUL 6, 3PM UTC
TEAM SET UP DEADLINE

JUL 14 – JUL 31
FREE EXPERT MENTORING

JUL 17, 3PM UTC
MILESTONE 1 SUBMIT IDEA CANVA

JUL 24, 3PM UTC
MILESTONE 2 FUTURE ROADMAP

JUL 31, 3PM UTC
MILESTONE 3 FINAL SUBMISSION

AUG 4 – AUG 8
PUBLIC VOTING

AUG 14 – AUG 19
PITCH TRAINING BY 4VOICES

AUG 21, 3PM UTC
PITCHING CEREMONY

NOV, 13
FUTURE PORT YOUTH PRAGUE*
*bonus opportunity

2025-2026
DUBAI INNOVATION TRIP

Are you 15 to 24 and ready to take action for our planet? We’re looking for bold, creative minds, ready to work on innovative climate solutions. Whether you’re into science, business, tech, or design – this challenge is for you! Apply by June 30 and rally your friends to shape the future together!

Check out the FAQs section before you apply!

Don’t miss the Opening Ceremony on July 3 to learn about the scope of the challenge. In the first week, join networking sessions to meet other changemakers and form your dream team of 2–6 people. Be sure to set up your team by July 6 – only teams can participate in the challenge.

This is where the real adventure begins! You and your team will dive into solving one of the biggest challenges of our time: climate.

This is not your typical competition; the real race here is against climate change. At Moonshot Pirates, we believe in lifting each other up. You’ll get access to inspiring videos, hands-on workshops, and mentoring from global leaders—all designed to help you grow, learn, and make an impact.

Curious what it looks like? Check out the ideas developed, the final pitch nights, and the winners from previous years:

 

Seven teams will proceed to the Final Pitching Ceremony. The finalists will be chosen based on a combination of points from the criteria assessment and their online voting position.

The position in the online voting can earn a team a maximum of 30 points. The criteria assessment includes four categories – feasibility, radicality, impact, and WOW effect – each worth a maximum of 10 points.

Why? Having a groundbreaking idea is just the beginning of your journey towards making a real impact. To achieve your goal, it’s also crucial to spread your vision and get support from others.

In the online voting phase, you can share what you have developed during this challenge with the world. So it’s really important to plan how to promote your idea to get those votes early on.

Once your team reaches the finals, you’ll be supported by professional pitch trainers from our partner organization, 4Voices, to make the most of your final presentation.
The top seven teams will be part of a final Shape the Future challenge pitching ceremony, presenting their solutions to the public and a jury. The winning team will spend 1 week in Dubai, exploring one of the world’s most innovative hubs for sustainability and entrepreneurship.
The team with the best idea selected during the final pitching will be invited to fly with our Moonshot Pirates Crew to Dubai. During this 1-week trip, you’ll explore one of the world’s most innovative hubs for sustainability and entrepreneurship. The trip includes flights from a major airport close to you, accommodation, and visits to pioneering climate tech spaces, visionary founders, and innovation centers.

 

The exact dates of the trip are directly aligned with the winners.

Bonus Opportunity! With participant consent, all submitted projects will also be entered into the Future Port Youth Awards. Up to 3 standout teams may be invited to pitch live in Prague on November 13, 2025, with a chance to win up to €2,500.

Please note: Future Port Youth is an independent partner and solely responsible for selecting teams based on their own criteria. Moonshot Pirates is not involved in the selection process.

THE WINNERS’ TRIP

Win the Shape the Future Challenge and experience an unforgettable week in Dubai! With a tailor-made program, you’ll explore one of the world’s most forward-thinking cities, where innovation meets sustainability.

Dive into exclusive workshops, connect with visionary startups and founders, and visit cutting-edge climate tech hubs and innovation centers. You’ll experience the bold ideas shaping tomorrow—from green energy to future cities.

IN COOPERATION WITH

These partners helped us put together this amazing experience for you!

Future Port Youth
4 voices international
Future Port Youth
4 voices international

THANK YOU, mates!

ANY OPEN QUESTIONS?

Go to FAQs
Shape the Future of Mobility | Global Youth Challenge | Element
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