Do you have what it takes to solve the world’s biggest challenges?
Are you between 15 and 24? Then join the Shape the Future Challenge, in collaboration with Givaudan, and get the chance to work with international mentors while creating bold, innovative solutions for a healthier and more sustainable food system.
This isn’t just about developing new products. It’s about transforming the future of food by creating sustainable, nutritious, and affordable alternatives to meat, fish, and dairy. We’re looking for big thinkers with bold ideas that use cutting-edge technology to solve global issues like cultural acceptance, convenience, affordability, and sustainability.
The team with the best idea wins a trip to Silicon Valley, California, to further their journey!
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
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.
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.
Horatiu Sofronie
Nargess Shabani
Craig Matthews
Theresa Rothenbücher
Giorgio Catucci
Sarina Herold
Alice Uhl
Glyn Evans
Andrea Cordas
Flavio Garofalo
Jason Park
Magdalena Neidhart
Andreea Lang
Kat Haber
Stephan Ziegler
Abdelrahman Ahmad
Simbarashe Mhaka
Tobias Micko
Jeremija Hranjec
Jakob Lindblad
Exequiel Anfruns
Deep Datta
Anastasia Marinopoulou
Dennis Kirpenstejn
Doris Strohmaier
Vic Halley
Felipe Siaudzionis
Thomas Peroutka
Sean King
Jules Harrison-Annear
Esther Amos
Daniel Drack
Laurent Roger
Marwa Jamal
Sara Diaz
Philipp Albrecht
Raphael Mikl
Nilay Aydogan
Tobias Schaller
Eduard Willms
Omar Aloyoun
Franck Michel
Daniela Martinez Alfaro
Dihan Chandra
Balaji Vasudevan
Norberto Amaral
Niki Skene
Ibrahim Mustapha
Katy Ortiz
Marwa Sarem
Sylvain Jouet
Vera Maslova
Sarah Straub
Marcel Danz
Gordana Ilic
Stefan Niedermair
Michelle Bisset
Nina Bauregger
Martin Galeano
Ralf Schiebel
Verónica Celis Vergara
Thomas Walbert
Aziz Gool
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
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.
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
ANY OPEN QUESTIONS?