Awards 2026

Backing exceptional young changemakers developing solutions to the world’s most urgent challenges.

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Who is it for

Changemakers who are ready to elevate their leadership journey and expand their impact.
Those seeking mentorship, support and a global community to bring their ideas to life.
Young people between the ages of 15 and 30.
Visionary founders, artists, scientists, and social advocates with bold ideas.

Award Categories

Main Category Awards

Idea Award
For young people with a working prototype or proof of concept who require additional support to launch their initiatives.
idea-award
Start-up
For youth-led registered operations with initial market traction and a path to profitability, looking to scale.
start-up
Non-Profit
For youth-led registered non-profits with initial success, plan for sustainable growth, looking to expand their impact.
non-profit

Thematic Impact Awards

Learning
Recognizing advancements in educational methods and access.
learning
Health
Celebrating innovations that enhance health outcomes and personal well-being.
health
Art for Humanity
Honoring artistic endeavors that bridge divides and foster unity amidst societal polarization.
art-for-humanity
AI for Good
Rewarding the use of AI technology to benefit society, support communities, or protect the environment.
ai-for-good
Borderless
Acknowledging solutions by founders addressing the needs of refugees, displaced peoples, indigenous peoples, and/or migrant communities.
borderless
Spark
Honoring young creators and storytellers whose creativity ignites inspiration, advocacy, and positive impact in the world.
spark

Timeline

April
Applications open
July - August
Evaluation
August
Interviews
September
Finalist Selection
November 12th
Awards Ceremony in New York

Explore the Categories

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Idea Award

Ideas have the power to set the course of the future. We aim to find and support those ideas which can change the course of history for the better. Moonshot Platform supports the sparks of innovation across fields - ranging from the natural sciences, humanities, arts, and technology. Do you have a revolutionary idea? One that could change the world - or your community - as you know it? And make life better for people or the planet? We want to hear it - we want to help you realize it.

Main topic
Moonshot Idea advancing fulfilment of SDGs, with a working prototype, plan, or proof of concept.
Award
$10,000 equity-free grant.
Eligibility
A young person aged 15 to 30 by 1 July, 2025.
Exclusion
Organizations with secured funding or investment of $250,000 USD or more.

Jury

Andrea Piana
CEO of Piana Technology

Start-up

Main topic
Award
Eligibility
Exclusion

Jury

No items found.

Non-Profit

Main topic
Award
Eligibility
Exclusion

Jury

No items found.

Learning

Main topic
Award
Eligibility
Exclusion

Jury

No items found.

Health

Main topic
Award
Eligibility
Exclusion

Jury

No items found.

Art for Humanity

Main topic
Award
Eligibility
Exclusion

Jury

No items found.

AI for Good

Main topic
Award
Eligibility
Exclusion

Jury

No items found.

Borderless

Main topic
Award
Eligibility
Exclusion

Jury

No items found.

Spark

Main topic
Award
Eligibility
Exclusion

Jury

No items found.

What winners get

Unrestricted Grant Funding

Up to $10+ equity-free capital + potential follow-up investments.

Two-Year Acceleration Program

A transformative leadership journey of mentorship, immersive camps and leadership development.

Access to Global Opportunities

Direct pathways to global stages, strategic partners and world-class mentors.

Membership in a Global Community

A lifelong network of passionate young leaders building what the world doesn’t yet believe is possible.

More info and FAQ

Who is eligible to apply for the Moonshot Awards?

Eligible applicants are changemakers aged 15 to 30 by 1 July 2025, leading early-stage projects or social ventures, or possessing innovative ideas with the potential to make a significant impact on communities and the environment.

Applications can be submitted individually or as a team; however, the prize money for the project acceleration will be awarded at the discretion of the Moonshot Platform to the individual leading the submission process or their Parent/Guardian in the case they are less than 18 years old or considered a minor in their country of residence or to the organization responsible for the project that is the subject of the submission. Admission to the Moonshot Young Leaders Camp will be determined by the Moonshot Jury Panel, which will consider both the needs of the applicants and available spots.

Who is eligible to apply for the Moonshot Awards?

Eligible applicants are changemakers aged 15 to 30 by 1 July 2025, leading early-stage projects or social ventures, or possessing innovative ideas with the potential to make a significant impact on communities and the environment.

Applications can be submitted individually or as a team; however, the prize money for the project acceleration will be awarded at the discretion of the Moonshot Platform to the individual leading the submission process or their Parent/Guardian in the case they are less than 18 years old or considered a minor in their country of residence or to the organization responsible for the project that is the subject of the submission. Admission to the Moonshot Young Leaders Camp will be determined by the Moonshot Jury Panel, which will consider both the needs of the applicants and available spots.

Who is eligible to apply for the Moonshot Awards?

Eligible applicants are changemakers aged 15 to 30 by 1 July 2025, leading early-stage projects or social ventures, or possessing innovative ideas with the potential to make a significant impact on communities and the environment.

Applications can be submitted individually or as a team; however, the prize money for the project acceleration will be awarded at the discretion of the Moonshot Platform to the individual leading the submission process or their Parent/Guardian in the case they are less than 18 years old or considered a minor in their country of residence or to the organization responsible for the project that is the subject of the submission. Admission to the Moonshot Young Leaders Camp will be determined by the Moonshot Jury Panel, which will consider both the needs of the applicants and available spots.

Who is eligible to apply for the Moonshot Awards?

Eligible applicants are changemakers aged 15 to 30 by 1 July 2025, leading early-stage projects or social ventures, or possessing innovative ideas with the potential to make a significant impact on communities and the environment.

Applications can be submitted individually or as a team; however, the prize money for the project acceleration will be awarded at the discretion of the Moonshot Platform to the individual leading the submission process or their Parent/Guardian in the case they are less than 18 years old or considered a minor in their country of residence or to the organization responsible for the project that is the subject of the submission. Admission to the Moonshot Young Leaders Camp will be determined by the Moonshot Jury Panel, which will consider both the needs of the applicants and available spots.

Who is eligible to apply for the Moonshot Awards?

Eligible applicants are changemakers aged 15 to 30 by 1 July 2025, leading early-stage projects or social ventures, or possessing innovative ideas with the potential to make a significant impact on communities and the environment.

Applications can be submitted individually or as a team; however, the prize money for the project acceleration will be awarded at the discretion of the Moonshot Platform to the individual leading the submission process or their Parent/Guardian in the case they are less than 18 years old or considered a minor in their country of residence or to the organization responsible for the project that is the subject of the submission. Admission to the Moonshot Young Leaders Camp will be determined by the Moonshot Jury Panel, which will consider both the needs of the applicants and available spots.

Who is eligible to apply for the Moonshot Awards?

Eligible applicants are changemakers aged 15 to 30 by 1 July 2025, leading early-stage projects or social ventures, or possessing innovative ideas with the potential to make a significant impact on communities and the environment.

Applications can be submitted individually or as a team; however, the prize money for the project acceleration will be awarded at the discretion of the Moonshot Platform to the individual leading the submission process or their Parent/Guardian in the case they are less than 18 years old or considered a minor in their country of residence or to the organization responsible for the project that is the subject of the submission. Admission to the Moonshot Young Leaders Camp will be determined by the Moonshot Jury Panel, which will consider both the needs of the applicants and available spots.

Who is eligible to apply for the Moonshot Awards?

Eligible applicants are changemakers aged 15 to 30 by 1 July 2025, leading early-stage projects or social ventures, or possessing innovative ideas with the potential to make a significant impact on communities and the environment.

Applications can be submitted individually or as a team; however, the prize money for the project acceleration will be awarded at the discretion of the Moonshot Platform to the individual leading the submission process or their Parent/Guardian in the case they are less than 18 years old or considered a minor in their country of residence or to the organization responsible for the project that is the subject of the submission. Admission to the Moonshot Young Leaders Camp will be determined by the Moonshot Jury Panel, which will consider both the needs of the applicants and available spots.

Who is eligible to apply for the Moonshot Awards?

Eligible applicants are changemakers aged 15 to 30 by 1 July 2025, leading early-stage projects or social ventures, or possessing innovative ideas with the potential to make a significant impact on communities and the environment.

Applications can be submitted individually or as a team; however, the prize money for the project acceleration will be awarded at the discretion of the Moonshot Platform to the individual leading the submission process or their Parent/Guardian in the case they are less than 18 years old or considered a minor in their country of residence or to the organization responsible for the project that is the subject of the submission. Admission to the Moonshot Young Leaders Camp will be determined by the Moonshot Jury Panel, which will consider both the needs of the applicants and available spots.

Who is eligible to apply for the Moonshot Awards?

Eligible applicants are changemakers aged 15 to 30 by 1 July 2025, leading early-stage projects or social ventures, or possessing innovative ideas with the potential to make a significant impact on communities and the environment.

Applications can be submitted individually or as a team; however, the prize money for the project acceleration will be awarded at the discretion of the Moonshot Platform to the individual leading the submission process or their Parent/Guardian in the case they are less than 18 years old or considered a minor in their country of residence or to the organization responsible for the project that is the subject of the submission. Admission to the Moonshot Young Leaders Camp will be determined by the Moonshot Jury Panel, which will consider both the needs of the applicants and available spots.

Who is eligible to apply for the Moonshot Awards?

Eligible applicants are changemakers aged 15 to 30 by 1 July 2025, leading early-stage projects or social ventures, or possessing innovative ideas with the potential to make a significant impact on communities and the environment.

Applications can be submitted individually or as a team; however, the prize money for the project acceleration will be awarded at the discretion of the Moonshot Platform to the individual leading the submission process or their Parent/Guardian in the case they are less than 18 years old or considered a minor in their country of residence or to the organization responsible for the project that is the subject of the submission. Admission to the Moonshot Young Leaders Camp will be determined by the Moonshot Jury Panel, which will consider both the needs of the applicants and available spots.

Policies

Privacy Statement

To see how we treat your personal data, check our Privacy Statement.

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Moonshot Principles

Our Moonshot Principles of Inclusivity, Diversity, Self-Accountability and Self-efficacy, guide every facet of our work.

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Competition Rules

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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Our Supporters

Varelas Family Foundation
McNulty Foundation
Partners
JAN Bednář
Taavet Hinrikus
Jan Russ
Michal Menšík
Pavel Steiner
Marcel Soural
Ondřej Šimetka
Sean Bielat
Francesca Dominika Kolowrat
SIMONA Kijonková
JANE Sun
Patrons
Supporters

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Express your interest to apply as a Moonshot Young Leader or Mentor and be the first to receive application updates.
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