Moonshot
Projects

A finalist for the NGO Award, Foday leads Central Leadership Academy, which delivers holistic education by blending academics with leadership, entrepreneurship, and civic skills in underserved areas. Through mobile classrooms and community ownership, it ensures children gain practical tools for livelihoods while supporting families and communities.

A finalist for the AI for Good Award, Nikolas developed SATALIS, which combines satellite imagery, mathematical modeling, and machine learning to map the cooling power of urban vegetation. As the first tool to automatically identify where green interventions have the greatest impact, it replaces costly fieldwork with instant, data-driven insights—transforming urban planning to better combat extreme heat.

A finalist for the Idea Award, Neha developed TremTech, which uses advanced sensors and machine learning to detect tremor patterns and deliver real-time counteractive vibrations. Unlike fixed, bulky devices, it adapts to each user for personalized relief. Its lightweight, watch-sized design ensures comfort, while mechanical vibration therapy offers a more patient-friendly alternative to electric stimulation.

A finalist for the Learning Award, Norah developed ZeroBionic, an AI-powered robotic exoskeleton that translates STEM lessons into sign language with 92% offline accuracy, giving deaf students uninterrupted access to learning. Built locally from recycled plastic, it cuts costs by 60% while advancing inclusive, sustainable education in Africa.

A finalist for the Borderless Award, Benjamin leads Solar Springs Ventures, which provides off-grid, solar-powered water purification kits on a pay-as-you-go basis, making clean water accessible to the poorest families. Paired with local “Clean Water Fighter” clubs, it fosters community ownership, health awareness, and lasting change.

A finalist for the Startup Award, Nam developed BioFlare, a device that converts food waste into usable gas within just six hours—far faster than other systems, which take from a week to six months. Users simply add food waste and a biomix, producing filtered gas for cooking. Priced at $120, it’s designed for households.

A finalist for the Startup Award, Lauren developed ct3, a wearable biosensor that detects circulating tumor DNA in sweat using microfluidics and spectroscopy, enabling non-invasive, real-time cancer monitoring. It merges oncology diagnostics with wearable tech to provide a low-cost, scalable alternative for early detection.

A finalist for the Non-profit Award, Rubén leads Humanos3D, which deploys mobile clinics to rural communities, co-creating personalized prosthetic devices with people with disabilities. Using 3D printing and participatory design, it delivers functional, affordable, and context-specific solutions that restore dignity and autonomy—over 400 devices so far, including one enabling a beneficiary to return to table tennis and represent Colombia internationally.

A finalist for the AI for Good Award, Ihssene developed the Low Field MRI Scanner, a fully reproducible and sustainable imaging device using readily available materials, open-source software, and transparent documentation. Unlike existing 50 mT scanners such as MRI4ALL, it replaces expensive components with affordable alternatives, reducing total hardware costs from approximately $74,000 to $1,800.

A finalist for the Idea Award, Sebastião developed Trovador, a four-legged autonomous robot that plants tree seedlings on steep, burned terrain unreachable to humans or tractors, achieving up to 85% survival rates and 200 trees per hour—bringing fast, safe, low-cost, and intelligent reforestation.

A finalist for the Health Award, Vivian leads NeoNest, which produces a $70 infant transport warmer made from recycled local materials that keeps babies safe and warm for over 24 hours without stable electricity. Its durable, adjustable design ensures reliable use in rural and low-resource settings.

A finalist for the Learning Award, Andrea founded Erandi Aprende, a bilingual AI platform that turns any lesson into a ready-to-use STEAM project tailored to student needs and budgets. By solving teachers’ daily challenges and acting as a relatable “AI amiga,” it spreads organically through trusted word-of-mouth.

A finalist for the Art for Humanity Award, Munotida leads state of the [art], which creates participatory cultural experiences—like soundwalks, co-created performances, and community-curated spaces—designed with underrepresented groups. Rather than entertainment, it offers care, connection, and cultural infrastructure that shifts power and fosters social repair.

A finalist for the Borderless Award, Paul leads Umuntu Agrobiotics, whose Bioblend is a 100% organic microbial solution that boosts crop yields by over 40% and reduces costs by 42% for smallholder farmers. Affordable and long-lasting, it restores soil health to strengthen plant growth and resilience.

A finalist for the Non-profit Award, Dysmus leads Solar Freeze, which delivers off-grid, solar-powered cold storage units run by rural women through a micro-franchise model, using AI and IoT to cut post-harvest losses, generate income, and make farming more resilient and profitable for 30,000 smallholder farmers.

A finalist for the AI for Good Award, Eve leads Immunova AI, an open-source platform that combines pathology images, gene expression, and clinical data to predict cancer immunotherapy outcomes—offering a lightweight, ethical, and sustainable alternative to resource-heavy tools while making care more transparent and accessible worldwide.

A finalist for the Idea Award, Zeaus developed Doctor Phage, a next-generation antibacterial therapy that combines stable bacteriophages with nanoparticles to overcome resistance, toxicity, and instability—outperforming antibiotics against deadly ESKAPE pathogens and paving the way for scalable, life-saving treatments.

A finalist for the Learning Award, Aanuoluwapo leads AbleBooks, which creates free, inclusive storybooks for African children with disabilities—adapted into formats like sign language, Braille, large print, and simplified text—to ensure representation, pride, and belonging through stories that truly reflect their lives.

A finalist for the Health Award, Hakim developed MariTest, a portable, AI-powered device that detects malaria non-invasively with a simple finger touch, delivering accurate results in under five minutes without blood samples, labs, or waste—making mass screening and real-time outbreak monitoring possible even in remote areas.

A finalist for the Art for Humanity Award, Paul founded The Art of Health, which uses music, film, theatre, dance, and visual art to make health education resonate with young people—replacing top-down lectures with creative storytelling and social media that meet them where they are.

A finalist for the Borderless Award, Denise leads BetterLife International Organization and its SMILES project, which helps refugee and host communities adapt to climate change by teaching practical, weather-proof skills—like raising chickens, cutting hair, or making furniture—so people can build resilient livelihoods and thrive despite droughts or shifting rains.

A finalist for the Startup Award, Esther founded Farmer Lifeline, which deploys solar-powered AI cameras that detect over 15,000 pest species within seconds, recommend eco-friendly remedies, and alert farmers to extreme weather—providing real-time, scalable support at just $5/month per farmer, without reliance on costly experts or drones.

A finalist for the Startup Award, Diana leads Xatoms, a company that uses patented AI and quantum chemistry to develop photocatalysts—powder-like materials that harness light (including sunlight) to break down contaminants—delivering a clean water solution that requires no electricity, minimal upkeep, and is accessible even in off-grid communities.

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.

KAMIM Technologies is a Nigerian solar EPC company advancing sustainable infrastructure in energy and agriculture. Its flagship initiative, KAMIM's Cooling hubs, is a patented, modular cold chain solution that repurposes end-of-life fossil fuel generator components into solar-powered commercial walk-in cold rooms. Currently these hubs serve 2,500+ farmers. It has created 40 green jobs, generated over 1.5MW of solar power, prevented 1,100 kg of CO₂ emissions, and reduces 250 tonnes of food waste annually—enhancing rural incomes and food security.

Next-gen diaper fillers made from pineapple-derived materials that enable disposable diapers to biodegrade in just 2 years instead of 500.

Ecobed Biotech is an Ugandan circular economy enterprise that transforms the would-be spoilt milk into a powerful mosquito repellent skincare lotion. Additionally, we convert food waste into organic fertilizers, and animal feeds. Through our WastePay model, families can exchange food waste for our sustainable products, promoting public health, climate action, and food security.

My organisation: Through our commitment to the social (re)integration of incarcerated individuals in the penal system, we aim to break the cycle of recidivism and unlock potential. Richtungswechsel (German for “Change of Direction”) represents a change in how our society views prisons and incarcerated individuals, with the goal of developing social responsibility. Simultaneously, we seek to promote the professional excellence of prison officers and other professionals in the penal system through knowledge exchange and further education on an international level. The project I won the Moonshot Award for: The Champions Community project envisions a transformative shift in European prison systems towards a more humane and effective environment for both incarcerated individuals and staff. The long-term societal change aspired to is a comprehensive cultural transformation within detention settings that prioritises staff well-being, increases positive relationships within prison walls, and enhances the (re)integration prospects for formerly incarcerated individuals. This vision includes the establishment of a resilient European network of professionals dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation in correctional practices.

LightEd is a circular energy company transforming plastic waste into modular, solar-powered stations that deliver clean electricity to underserved communities. Our solutions power homes, refugee and IDP camps, businesses, and innovation hubs—creating jobs, cutting carbon, and lighting up lives across Africa.

The SAPHe Community is a youth-led initiative advancing sexual health, awareness, and education across the MENA region, with a special focus on Lebanon. Through workshops, podcasts, and creative campaigns, it empowers young people with inclusive, accurate information on puberty, relationships, and well-being. Recognized for its innovation and impact, The SAPHe Community fosters safe spaces and dialogue, challenging stigma with empathy and evidence.

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.

Cholistan Center of Excellence (CCE) is a youth-led non-profit working to bridge the digital divide in the remote Cholistan Desert of Pakistan. By deploying innovative, portable and sustainable community networks and delivering culturally rooted digital literacy curriculum through a Train-the-Trainer model, CCE equips nomadic tribes with essential digital skills to combat digital poverty. To date, CCE has connected and empowered over 10,000 individuals from marginalized nomadic communities through inclusive connectivity and skills-based trainings.

The Loono app is a free, comprehensive tool that reminds users about preventive check-ups and guides them through self-examinations for early cancer detection. It provides evidence-based medical information and eliminates the need for multiple apps. Our mission is to make healthcare accessible to everyone, regardless of social or financial background. So far, the app has prompted over 21,000 medical check-ups and led to the detection of 1,463 lumps during breast and testicular self-examinations — 80 of which were confirmed as cancer diagnoses.

InSync is a women-led startup on a mission to help women feel more in sync with their bodies. Our first product – a cycle-based supplement – is designed to support hormonal balance and wellbeing throughout the menstrual cycle. We’re challenging the one-size-fits-all approach in health by embracing the uniqueness of female biology and creating products that respond to real needs.

MARMAR is an AI-powered medication safety companion designed to prevent dangerous drug interactions. It analyzes user-specific factors like medications, conditions, age, and allergies to deliver personalized, real-time safety insights and clear, actionable advice. MARMAR supports patients and healthcare providers in making informed decisions, enhancing medication safety and confidence through an intuitive, user-friendly platform.

CAJU VALOR transforms wasted cashew apples into organic juice enriched with local spices, creating jobs and sustainable income for rural women in Benin. Across African cashew-producing countries, the underutilization of cashew apples leads to massive food waste and lost income. By tackling this widespread problem and boosting local value chains, the project contributes to climate action, gender equality, and circular economy. CAJU VALOR envisions a future where nothing is wasted, and communities thrive through innovation rooted in local resources.

The description for the project is: In partnership with NextShark for AAPI Heritage Month, What Did They Say? is a 1-minute film about the experience of immigrant children translating for their parents. The film went to receive viral attention online with over 30-million views.

SmoothSpeak AI is a real-time speech enhancement and therapy platform designed for individuals with speech disorders such as apraxia, dysarthria, and stuttering. It offers seamless online communication support and personalized AI-powered exercises, empowering users to express themselves clearly and confidently. Our mission is to make communication judgment-free and inclusive in the digital world.

"DoctorsEverywhere: A digital Health Platform Where Health Meets Human Needs. Since the beginning of the war in Syria in 2011, the country’s collapsed health system has left millions without essential care. DoctorsEverywhere upholds the human right to health by empowering communities in crisis zones through a digital platform offering inclusive, accessible, acceptable, and available mental and physical healthcare. With real-time consultations and culturally tailored guidance, it bridges urgent gaps in fragile settings. Starting in Syria and expanding across the Middle East, it supports SDGs 3, 5, 10, 16, and 17, building a future of health equity for all."

The Empowerment Collective (EC) is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded by Nasreen Sheikh in 2018. EC is dedicated to empowering women in disadvantaged and vulnerable communities in Nepal and India and raising global awareness of the challenges women in the developing world face.

Spear of Africa Peace (SoAP) is a youth-led non-profit organization that works to address SDG 3 and partly SDG 4 by recognizing art and storytelling as a form of therapy to help refugees and youth deal with the trauma.

Unlock the power of truly accessible and diverse communication with SPOTER – the state-of-the-art automated sign language recognition system. Using AI, SPOTER converts sign language videos into text, opening the doors to direct translation apps and accessible user interfaces.

Seaweed Culture is using seaweed to tackle climate change. A tropical seaweed species has been identified as an opportunity to significantly reduce methane emissions by up to 95% with as little as 80g per day in ruminant livestock such as cows or sheep whilst increasing productivity by up to 20% and decreasing the cost per KG on regular feed.

EduBeyond tackles the SDG of ensuring equitable quality education and learning opportunities worldwide. Youths, especially those in underdeveloped/low-income regions, were significantly hindered in their education accessibility and quality due to financial and logistical constraints amidst the pandemic.