Are you a passionate young innovator ready to make a difference in the climate space? The Shape the Future Challenge 2025 is calling youth from across the globe to develop bold, creative, and impactful climate solutions. This international innovation competition offers mentorship, skills training, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pitch your idea on a global stage.
In this blog post, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Shape the Future Challenge 2025—how to apply, important deadlines, eligibility, and expert tips to strengthen your submission.
What is the Shape the Future Challenge 2025?
The Shape the Future Challenge 2025 is a global innovation competition for young people aged 15 to 24, organized by Moonshot Pirates. This online-based program is designed to support participants in ideating and developing impactful solutions to address climate-related challenges.
Participants work in teams, guided by mentors and workshop facilitators, to develop innovative projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to climate action. The grand prize? A fully funded innovation trip to Dubai in 2026!
Why You Should Participate
Here are the top reasons to join:
- 🌍 Global exposure: Collaborate with youth from all over the world.
- 🧠 Skill-building: Learn storytelling, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and innovation techniques.
- 👩🏫 Expert mentoring: Get coached by climate scientists, startup founders, and industry experts.
- 🏆 Exciting prize: A fully-funded innovation journey to Dubai, including workshops, innovation hub visits, and networking.
- 📢 Visibility: Finalist projects receive international recognition and ongoing support.
Key Dates and Phases
| Phase | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | June 6, 2025 |
| Deadline to Apply | June 30, 2025 |
| Team Formation & Kickoff | July 3 – July 6, 2025 |
| Development & Mentoring Period | July 3 – July 31, 2025 |
| Project & Pitch Submission | Deadline: July 31, 2025 (3 PM UTC) |
| Finalist Selection | August 4 – August 21, 2025 |
| Online Pitching Ceremony | August 21, 2025 |
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Shape the Future Challenge 2025, applicants must:
- Be between 15 and 24 years old.
- Be fluent in English.
- Have access to a computer and reliable internet.
- Be passionate about solving climate-related problems.
- Apply either individually or as part of a team (2–6 members).
Note: Finalists under 18 will require parental consent to participate in the Dubai trip.
Project Requirements
Your idea must:
- Tackle a climate-related challenge.
- Align with at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).
- Be either a concept or a working prototype.
- Fall under one of these categories:
- Renewable energy
- Sustainable agriculture
- Circular economy
- Smart cities
- Eco-transport and mobility
- Climate education
Judging Criteria:
- Innovation & Radicality
- Feasibility & Impact
- Presentation & Wow Factor
What Will You Learn?
The program includes tailored workshops and expert sessions focused on:
- Defining global challenges
- Ideation & team collaboration
- Pitching & storytelling
- Business modeling & sustainable thinking
Time commitment: 20 minutes to 1.5 hours per day, making it suitable for both students and working youth.
How to Apply
Interested in joining the Shape the Future Challenge 2025?
🔗 Click here to apply now
📘 Read more about the program here
Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
Expert Tips from Grant Database
Oluwole Omojofodun, Proposal Review Lead at Grants Database, shares:
“To stand out in competitions like the Shape the Future Challenge 2025, applicants should clearly articulate the problem, propose a realistic solution, and present a solid impact strategy. A compelling one-minute pitch video can also significantly influence jury perception—keep it concise, authentic, and well-rehearsed.”
Need help refining your idea or preparing a winning proposal?
📩 Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refinement, and review services. Our team can help elevate your application and increase your chances of selection.
Final Thoughts
The Shape the Future Challenge 2025 is more than a competition—it’s a launchpad for young changemakers to take climate action into their own hands. Whether you’re a student, early-stage innovator, or budding entrepreneur, this is your chance to connect globally and bring your climate idea to life.
Don’t miss the opportunity. Apply before June 30, 2025, and shape the future today.
