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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!

1100 brilliant young minds aged 15 to 24 from 117+ countries joined the Shape the Future Challenge in collaboration with Givaudan to develop innovative solutions for a healthier and more sustainable food system.

From mentoring sessions, expert keynotes, tools, and insights, these young changemakers have ventured into the field, channeling their creativity and passion, breaking the norms, and exploring the limits of what can be achieved.

Explore the solutions developed and meet those shaping our future!

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE IDEA

Vote for your favorite solution and help determine the top seven teams advancing to the final pitching ceremony.

Online Voting | December 14-18

Explore solutions and vote here

HOW IT WORKS

01

APPLY

OCT 22 – NOV 10
Submit Your Application

– Apply as an individual or team, with or without an idea, until Nov 10 (midnight UTC)

– Receive your acceptance email to the challenge on Nov 11

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

02

TEAM UP

NOV 11 – NOV 18
Finding a Kick-ass Team

– Join the Opening Ceremony on Nov 14 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 Nov 18 and set it up in the challenge space

03

CHALLENGE

NOV 14 – DEC 12
Developing Your Ideas

– Develop a radical, feasible, and impactful idea for the specified food challenge

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

– Submit your idea together with a 1-min pitch video until Dec 12 (3 PM UTC)

04

FINALS

DEC 14 – JAN 9
Voting & Final Pitching

– Selection of 7 final teams through online and partners’ vote

– Final Pitching of team’s sustainable solutions for the future of food

– Award ceremony and jury selection of the winning team

Applications for this challenge are closed

LET’S SHAPE
THE FUTURE
OF FOOD
TOGETHER

Revolutionizing the Future of Food with Alternative Proteins

Givaudan invites you to transform the future of food by creating sustainable, nutritious, and affordable alternatives to meat, fish, and dairy. This challenge isn’t just about new products—it’s about bringing the next generation of foods and beverages. We’re looking for bold ideas that use cutting-edge technology to tackle global issues like cultural acceptance, convenience, affordability, and sustainability.

#NextGen – Taking Alternative Proteins to the Next Level

Let’s move beyond copying meat, fish, or dairy. How can we use alternative proteins in new and exciting ways to promote health, wellness, and sustainability? We’re looking for ideas that reshape how society sees these products and create innovative categories that fit into a healthier, more sustainable future.

#ConvenientChoices – Alternative Proteins for Busy Lifestyles

How can we create delicious, healthy, ready-to-eat alternative protein options that fit into Gen Z’s busy lifestyle—whether at school, work, or on the go? Think about urban farming, delivery innovations, or community food solutions that make it easy to access sustainable and nutritious foods, without compromising on taste or convenience.

#AffordableInnovation – Making Alternative Proteins for Everyone

This is about making alternative proteins affordable and accessible for everyone, no matter their income or location. How can we break down barriers and bring joyful, nutritious, and exciting plant-based foods to underserved communities? We’re looking for solutions that empower communities and make quality nutrition available to all.

#ArtificialIntelligence – Accelerating Alternative Proteins with AI

How can AI accelerate the transition to more sustainable, affordable, and convenient diets? What AI solutions could drive the creation and generation of the next generation of alternative protein products?

Givaudan develops tastes and scents that delight consumers all over the world.

As a Swiss multinational manufacturer of flavors, fragrances, and active cosmetic ingredients, Givaudan understands that the key challenge is to promote a shift toward more diversified diets by reducing animal-based consumption and encouraging the adoption of alternative protein sources. This transition is essential for a more sustainable planet and healthier future generations.

Learn more about Givaudan here

MEET THE MENTORS

From food experts to innovators, entrepreneurs, scientists, coders, and brand gurus, our experienced mentors and advisors can help turn your ideas into reality.

CHALLENGE KEY DATES

NOV 10, MIDNIGHT UTC
APPLICATION DEADLINE

NOV 14, 3PM UTC
OPENING CEREMONY
& KICK-OFF

NOV 15 – NOV 17
NETWORKING

NOV 18, 3PM UTC
TEAM SET UP
DEADLINE

NOV 18 – NOV 30
MENTORING FROM EXPERTS

NOV 30, 3PM UTC
MILESTONE 1
SUBMIT IDEA CANVAS

DEC 7, 3PM UTC
MILESTONE 2
FUTURE ROADMAP

DEC 12, 3PM UTC
MILESTONE 3
FINAL SUBMISSION

DEC 14 – DEC 18
ONLINE VOTING

JAN 2 – JAN 8
PITCH TRAINING BY 4VOICES

JAN 9
PITCHING CEREMONY

FEBRUARY 24-28, 2025
SILICON VALLEY
TRIP

We are looking for young people between the ages of 15 and 24 with creative, innovative, and bold solutions for the future of food. Your skills and ideas are needed whether you are into STEM, business, or design! Apply for the challenge by November 10. And don’t forget to tell your friends to shape the future with you!

Check out the FAQs section before you apply!

Don’t miss the Opening Ceremony on November 14 to meet our partners and learn about the scope of the challenge. During the first week, you can also join networking events to find your perfect team of 2-6 people to join the challenge! Make sure to set up your team by November 18 because only teams can participate in the challenge.
This is where the fun begins! You and your team are in for a treat during this online challenge, where you will get to work on innovative food solutions. You will have access to international mentors who will guide you throughout the process. You’ll get educational and inspirational videos, brainstorming sessions, workshops, and insider tips to help you execute your ideas
Want to find out what happened in our previous challenges? Check out the ideas developed, the final pitch nights, and who were the winners here:

 

Seven teams will proceed to the Final Pitching Ceremony. Our partners Givaudan and Oatly will each choose a wildcard team to advance to the finals. The rest of the teams 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 team with the best solution will win a trip to Silicon Valley, California.
The team with the best idea selected during the final pitching will be invited to fly with Moonshot Pirates to Silicon Valley in California together. The trip includes flights, accommodations, a week of meetings with startups, workshops, visits to companies like Instagram, Apple, Pinterest, and Google, and exploring the University of Silicon Valley and Stanford campuses. The team will learn about the way of life and work in Silicon Valley while exploring the beauty of San Francisco.

THE WINNERS’ TRIP

Win the Shape the Future Challenge and spend an unforgettable week in Silicon Valley! With a tailor-made program, you will immerse yourself in a world of innovation: dive into exclusive workshops, meet inspiring startups and founders, and visit giants like Google, Apple, or LinkedIn. You will also explore the campuses of Silicon Valley University and Stanford, soaking in the entrepreneurial spirit and moonshot thinking that define the area. This experience will undoubtedly shape your future!

Watch our highlight video to catch a glimpse of what awaits you

Join the Shape the Future challenge now!

IN COOPERATION WITH

The following partners helped us put together this amazing experience for you!

Givaudan
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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