Moonshot Awards

“Empowering young leaders”

We are here to celebrate and support, exceptional young leaders and their early stage projects, social ventures, and ideas with the potential to significantly advance society and the environment.
The Moonshot 2024 Awards applications are now closed. Thank you to all who applied! Submissions will be evaluated in the upcoming weeks. You should hear from our team no later than September 30

Live from Awards

Moonshot Awards provide funding of $100,000+

across 8 projects and invite 100 young innovators and mentors into acceleration programs.

About Awards

We are celebrating and supporting exceptional early-stage projects, social ventures, and ideas with the potential to significantly advance communities and the environment.

Benefits of participating

Our goal extends beyond project support; we aim to foster personal growth in young leaders by providing mentorship, integrating them into a vibrant community of peers, and offering grants and funding.
Invitation to the NYC Ceremony
Featuring exclusive UN meetings, seminars at One World Trade Center, and the Moonshot Awards ceremony in Chelsea, Manhattan.
Admission to Moonshot Camp
A transformative experience focused on personal growth, mentorship, new friendships, and venture acceleration.
Financial Support
Winners receive from $5,000 in equity-free grants, with up to an additional $60,000 in follow-on awards or investment, and expert support from development directors and VCs.
Recognition and Network
Gain international recognition and connect with over 100 global partners through announcements across 8 project and provide 100 young innovators and mentors with access to acc. program.

Main Category Award

Moonshot Idea Award

Moonshot ideas are catalysts of change. They have the power to set the course of world history (or rather, the future) in either a better or worse direction. To be on the right side of history, and ensure the prevalence of only the positive value-creating ideas, we seek to support evolutionary developments in natural sciences, humanities, arts, and ethics which are only mental seedlings, awaiting realisation through physical acts.
Main topic
Moonshot Idea advancing fulfilment of SDGs with a working prototype or a proof of concept.
Eligibility
A young person aged 15 to 25 by 1 July, 2024.
Award
$5,000 equity-free grant + an opportunity for additional funding.
Jury
Joshin Raghubar
CEO - Technology and Impact Venture Entrepreneur
Joanna Rees
Board member of Endeavor.org
Tina Wells
CEO Wellspring Studio
Andrea Piana
CEO Piana Technology

Winner

Simon Klinga
LASAR
About

Simon’s journey into space exploration began in his Czech hometown, inspired by Star Wars marathons and building rockets at age 12. At 16, he led his high school team to win NASA awards at the Conrad Challenge for a satellite-restarting laser system, gaining recognition from the Czech Prime Minister. This year, his team’s LASARsat satellite will launch aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 to test their innovation in orbit. A recipient of numerous accolades, including the European Space Agency’s Hack an Exoplanet prize, Simon dreams of making space exploration accessible to all students, inspiring the next generation of innovators.

Moonshot Start-Up Award

Startups are the future of business. Small in company size but massive in impact potential, these mission-driven organisations break moulds, fix problems, and innovate for a more positive future. We aim to help them change a piece of the world in a positive way, particularly those who have yet to receive any formal support or funding.
Main topic
Tech based Youth-led operations advancing fulfilment of SDGs with initial market traction and a path to profitability, looking to scale.
Eligibility
A young person aged 18 to 30 by 1 July, 2024 leading a for-profit organisation that is advancing SDGs.  The young leader can be on any C-Level position, or a Founder. 
Award
$5,000 equity-free grant + an opportunity for additional funding.
Exclusion
No startups that have gone through an investment round.
Jury
David Madden
Senior Director, Partnerships & Innovation at Luminate
Kalia Lydgate
Dream Machine Innovation Lab Senior Strategist
Ranji Nagaswami
Chief Executive at Leading global asset management firms
Chadia El Meouchi
Managing Partner at Badri and Salim El Meouchi Law Firm
Taavet Hinrikus
Partner Plural
Josh Baer
CEO Capital Factory

Winner

Adekoyejo Kuye
KAMIM Technologies Cooling Hubs
About

Adekoyejo Kuye is an innovative energy entrepreneur and CEO of KAMIM Technologies Limited, a leading Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) firm in Nigeria. With nearly a decade of experience, he focuses on clean energy solutions for the power and agricultural sectors, including pioneering solar-powered cold rooms by repurposing end-of-life generators. Adekoyejo, who holds an engineering background and is pursuing an MBA in Energy and Sustainability, has spearheaded projects that connect thousands of farmers to sustainable energy. His leadership and commitment to sustainability have earned him awards from SEforALL, Carbon Trust, and others, and he is a prominent contributor to global energy dialogues, including at the United Nations.

Winner

Adolfo Martin Vidal Ruiz
Celal-Mex
About

Adolfo is a 23-year-old scientist, biotechnologist, and CEO of Celal-Mex, a startup turning pineapple waste into eco-friendly raw materials for products like diapers and bioplastics. Named Mexico's top student entrepreneur and recognized globally, Adolfo shares insights on scientific entrepreneurship with over 15,000 followers on TikTok and gives talks across Mexico to support scientists and entrepreneurs. His journey began after creating an electric wheelchair adapter inspired by his father's battle with brain cancer. Today, Celal-Mex has received acclaim from institutions like MIT and Babson College, aiming to inspire Mexican youth in science and innovation.

Moonshot Non-Profit Award

Non-profits are often at the forefront of advocacy, service, and  emergency response at the grassroots level. These organisations usually fill in the gaps left by public and private organisations, especially in support of the most vulnerable communities.We aim to provide young leaders in this space with support and funding to scale up their programme delivery and longer-term impact. 
Main topic
Youth-led non-profits advancing SDGs with initial success, with a plan for sustainable growth, looking to expand their impact.
Eligibility
A young person aged 18 to 30 by 1 July, 2024 leading a non-for-profit organisation that is advancing SDGs.  The young leader can be on any C-Level position, or a Founder. 
Award
$5,000 equity-free grant + an opportunity for additional grants.
Exclusion
No organisation with secured funding $100k and more.
Jury
Shane Ryan
Senior Advisor to The National Lottery Community Fund
Badruun Gardi
Founder & CEO at New Nomad Institute
Christopher Gergen
Chief Growth Officer at 4P Foods
Katie Fitzerald
Director The Aspen Institute
Tommy Lopper
VP The Aspen Institute

Winner

Jovia Kisakye
Ecobed Biotech Initiative
About

Jovia Kisakye, a social entrepreneur with a background in environmental science and business statistics from Makerere University, leads sustainable initiatives through Ecobed Biotech Brand. As CEO, she innovates in waste management and agriculture, creating mosquito-repellent skincare from spoiled milk and plant extracts and using fly larvae to transform food waste into organic fertilizers and animal feed for farmers. Recognized internationally by organizations like UNCTAD and Dovetail Impact Foundation, Jovia also serves on the African Union Youth Reference Committee, where she advocates for women’s empowerment and climate action across Africa.

Thematic Impact Category Award

Moonshot Learning Award

In a time marked by profound uncertainty about the future, education faces unprecedented challenges. As Yuval Noah Harari points out, we no longer know what knowledge will be essential for the next generation. This age requires new ways to harness technology, spark students’ creativity, provide the services they need to succeed. The Moonshot Learning Award champions grassroots innovations and visionary leaders who are not only pioneering adaptable, future-proof learning techniques but also emphasizing inclusivity to ensure every learner thrives in an ever-evolving world.
Main topic
Proof of concept or more in advancements in educational methods and access.
Eligibility
A young founder or idea-maker aged 18 to 30 by 1 July, 2024.
Award
$5,000 equity-free grant + an opportunity for additional funding..
Exclusion
No governmental organizations.
Jury
Hildegard Vasquez
Head Architect HACHE UVE
Arturo Condo
President at EARTH University
Aasim Shabazz
President & co-founder at Twin Cities Innovation Alliance
Erin Gallegos
Corporate Responsibility GEN
Alec Shi
Founder EduBeyond

Winner

Tamara Höfer
Richtungswechsel
About

Tamara is an expert in penal reform, who uses an evidence-based approach to support prisoner rehabilitation. Tamara previously worked as a prison officer in England & Wales as a participant of the Unlocked Graduates Programme, a leadership scheme for outstanding graduates. After her frontline role, Tamara informed national and international prison research and strategy for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and His Majesty's Prison Service in England & Wales. Since then, Tamara has founded her own NPO, Richtungswechsel, where she is currently applying her knowledge in penal reform and research to innovative solutions in supporting prisons tackling staffing problems, reducing reoffending, and improving prison conditions affecting outcomes for incarcerated individuals.

Winner

Stanley Anigbogu
LightEd Impact
About

Stanley Anigbogu is a Nigerian creative technologist and social entrepreneur committed to tackling energy poverty and environmental challenges. As the Founder and CEO of LightEd, he transforms electronic and plastic waste into solar-powered solutions, providing clean, affordable energy to underserved communities across Africa. Stanley’s innovations, such as the Glow Lamp and Avatar Station, have impacted thousands, promoting sustainability and education while reducing energy poverty.Globally recognized for his work, Stanley has earned prestigious awards, including the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award, the Swarovski Foundation Creative for Our Future Program, and the Globethics Youth Leadership Award. He is also a 776 Climate Fellow and an Echoing Green Fellow. His mission focuses on empowering communities and inspiring youth and community-led climate action for a more sustainable future.

Moonshot Health Award

Healthcare innovations teach us more about ourselves everyday.   Ground-breaking advances are bringing solutions to ancient mental and physical wellbeing challenges. Still, intersectional  disparities in access to healthcare persist.
As emerging technologies are leveraging big data to transform medical research, patient outcomes, healthcare accessibility, remote healthcare and more; in this award category, we hope to discover what young visionaries are prioritising when it comes to healthcare today.
Main topic
Innovations that enhance health outcomes and personal well-being.
Eligibility
A young founder, scientist, or a medical practitioner aged 18 to 30 by 1 July, 2024.
Award
$5,000 equity-free grant + an opportunity for additional funding.
Jury
Carly Zakin
Co-founder and Co-CEO at theSkimm
Steven Kisingiri
Director at Global Emergency Care
Nastya Podorozhnya
Founder Martynka
Ondřej Šimetka
Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, University Hospital Ostrava

Winner

Samih Daher
The SAPHe community
About

Samih Daher is a 27-year-old healthcare professional from Lebanon, passionately dedicated to sexual health advocacy and a prominent voice within the LGBTQ+ community. Holding a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and a Master’s in Clinical Research from Université Paris-Saclay, Samih specializes in the complexities of STDs and STIs, including HIV and Hepatitis. He has conducted numerous impactful workshops, such as “Sexual Health for Young Men” and “Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health,” creating open, safe environments for individuals to learn and discuss sensitive health topics. In 2023, Samih founded the SAPHe Community, an initiative aimed at improving access to sexual health resources and fostering peer support, underscoring his commitment to building a healthier, more informed society.

Moonshot Art for Peace Award

At Moonshot, we believe in the power of art to transcend boundaries and evoke profound emotions, serving as a catalyst for personal and societal transformation. Whether visual, auditory, or performative - art has the power to challenge perspectives, inspire creativity, create awareness,  foster empathy,  ignite dialogue and spark change. 
We invite young Moonshotters to share how their art is bridging divides and fostering unity amidst societal polarisation. This category is intentionally open in its definitions to  inspire submissions representing diverse art forms. Written text may be supplemented with videos and/or images in applications for this award category.
Main topic
Artistic endeavor that bridge divides and foster unity amidst societal polarization
Eligibility
A young creator, author, or an artivist aged 15 to 30 by 1 July, 2024.
Award
$5,000 equity-free grant + an opportunity for additional funding.
Exclusion
Only original pieces and productions. No third-party content is allowed except as specified for music backing tracks.
Jury
Yemi A.D.
Founding partner, CEO and Creative Producer Moonshot Platform
Hope Azeda
Founder Ubumuntu Arts Festival
Janet Echelman
Artist and Principal at Studio Echelman
Radhikaraje Gaekwad
Trustee & Director Trustee Maharaja Fatesingh Museum, CDS Art Foundation

Winner

Kevin Jin Kwan Kim
What Did They Say?
About

Kevin Jin Kwan Kim is a Korean-Canadian director and editor based in Vancouver, BC, on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations. Known for his rhythmic editing style and his talent for storytelling, he brings to life intimate, relatable narratives that highlight BIPOC voices. His micro-shorts on heritage, including What Did They Say? and Halmeoni, have collectively garnered over 40 million views and recognition at the YDA in Cannes, the Webby Awards, CBC, and more. His short film Sun, Moon and Four Peaks premiered at the Vancouver International Film Festival, winning the Grand Prix RPCE at the Festival du Nouveau Cinema.

Read before applying
Please have these guidelines open as you go through the application for the Moonshot Art for Peace category. It will help you keep aligned.
Important Submission Guidelines

Moonshot AI for Good Award

Emerging technologies such as AI are redefining human interactions and  experiences in our generation. With the challenges of AI come a lot of opportunities and solutions in education, healthcare, commerce and more.   We invite young Moonshotters to lead by example and share their innovations to harness the power of AI for good, towards a more ethical digital future for all!
Main topic
Proof of concept or more in use of AI technology to benefit society, support communities, or protect the environment.
Eligibility
A young innovator, an engineer, or a coder aged 18 to 30 by 1 July, 2024.
Award
$5,000 equity-free grant + an opportunity for additional funding.
Jury
Sara Polak
Research Group Lead at CCHAOS Research Lab
Lei Motilla
Co-founder and social innovator lead at AI4Gov
Sean Bielat
Founder & CEO, Greengrid
Michal Pechoucek
Technology Executive and AI Professor
Alissa Hsu Lynch
Board of Directors at The Honest Company and former Google

Winner

Thomas Terhemba James
TED Evergreen
About

Thomas Terhemba James is from Nigeria, he is the founder of TED InnovativeSolutions Limited. With a background in electrical and electronics engineering, headdresses social challenges in rural communities in Nigeria associated with lack ofelectricity; with clean and renewable energy production. Using digital technology andArtificial Intelligence based model to learn and analyse customer data to offerpersonalised, flexible payment based on energy consumption and financialbehaviour, breaking affordability barriers. Thomas has earned local and internationalrecognition, including support from the Nigerian Content Development andMonitoring Board under the science and Technology Innovations Challenge (STIC),International Telecommunications Union, and Huawei under their GCYLP fellowshipand is committed to using innovation to create a sustainable business model andimpact.

Moonshot Bordeless Award

Geopolitical challenges across the world adversely affect the lives of billions of individuals, especially those living in conflict-affected areas, many of whom are facing internal and external displacement.
Entire ethnic and cultural groups are forced to flee their homes seeking safety, protection, and assistance, exacerbating global trends on refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced people [IDPs] and stateless people worldwide. 
Indigenous peoples face discrimination, high poverty rates, landlessness, malnutrition and internal displacement globally. 
Given the scale of humanitarian needs, we look to support initiatives that serve historically and contemporary marginalised minority communities and/or communities in emergency situations on a “for the people, by the people” principle.
Main topic
Proof of concept or more in advancements in educational methods and access.
Eligibility
A young founder or idea-maker aged 18 to 30 by 1 July, 2024.
Award
$5,000 equity-free grant + an opportunity for additional funding.
Jury
Dunola Oladapo
Digital Inclusion Programme Officer at International Telecommunication Union
Jan Bednář
Founder ShipMonk
Ruben Sigala
CMO at Well
Christopher Aw
Board Director at Operation Snow Leopard
Pete Kadens
Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board at Fello

Winner

Muhammad Zubair Madni
Cholistan Center of Excellence
About

Muhammad Zubair Madni is a digital and social innovator with over five years of experience in designing impactful, locally tailored interventions to bridge Pakistan's digital divide. Holding a master’s in Digital Technologies, Communication, and Education from the University of Manchester as a Chevening scholar, his work focuses on ICT solutions to improve connectivity and learning in underserved areas. As co-founder of the Cholistan Centre of Excellence, he leads the DIGITAL ROHI project in collaboration with the ITU, bringing digital access to marginalized communities. His efforts have reached over 10,000 people, earning him Pakistan's National Youth Award in 2021.

More info and FAQ

Who is eligible to apply for the Moonshot Awards?
What are the Main Category Awards?
What are the Thematic Impact Awards?
Can I submit more than one application?
What type of support do Moonshot Awards offer?
What will the jury evaluate me on?
How are the winners selected?
What do I need to include in my application?
Is there a deadline for submissions?
What is the selection process for the Moonshot Camp? And can I apply only to the Camp and not the awards?
When and how will winners be notified?
Can international applicants apply?
Are there any costs associated with the Moonshot Awards or Moonshot Camp?
Are you providing any support when it comes to traveling to the Awards?

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The Moonshot Awards Competition is designed to encourage self-starters and change-makers around the world learn how to use their ideas to change the world.
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