in collaboration with
Join the Grand Marathon: Innovate for a Sustainable and Healthy Future!
WHO IS THE GRAND MARATHON FOR?
Any innovator* using Earth Observation data to tackle climate change and public health challenges, preferably with a particular focus on solutions benefitting children and adolescents.
Solutions that are scalable and market-ready, especially those for predicting climate events and infectious disease impacts that disproportionately affect younger populations.
Teams leveraging advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, and blockchain to drive the future of environmental sustainability and health resilience.
*Must be an ESA member state.
ARE YOU DEVELOPING SOLUTIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING TOPICS?
The Project’s winning solutions will collaborate with Save the Children to explore opportunities for implementing these solutions in future initiatives.
Sea Level Rise and Coastal Erosion
- Addressing waterborne diseases due to saltwater intrusion, focusing on preventing outbreaks that disproportionately affect the health and development of the most vulnerable
Heatwaves and Urban Heat Islands
- Real-time monitoring of temperature variations in urban areas, to identify specific areas at higher risk of extreme heat exposure
Flooding and Extreme Rainfall
- Addressing waterborne diseases following flooding events, with a focus on preventing outbreaks by improving sanitation and access to clean water
Drought and Desertification
- Monitoring soil moisture levels and vegetation health, ensuring access availability, utilization and stability of sustainable agriculture
- Predicting drought conditions and managing water resources sustainably to ensure equitable water distribution
Other Climate-Related Topics
- Any other climate-related topics with applications in public health considering the challenges faced by the most vulnerable populations, such as their increased susceptibility to malnutrition, respiratory illnesses, and the psychological impacts of displacement due to climate events
WHAT WILL YOU BENEFIT FROM?
Substantial Prize Pool
1st Runner €215K, 2nd Runner €65K, 3rd Runner €15K. Travel and accommodation expenses will be covered for the top 3 finalists to attend the Hello Tomorrow Global Summit in Paris, while the top winner will also have all expenses covered for the Living Planet Symposium in Vienna.
Global Exposure
Showcase your solution and pitch on the stage during Hello Tomorrow Global Summit in Paris (13-14 March 2025).
Industry Recognition
Present at the prestigious Living Planet Symposium in Vienna (23-27 June 2025).
Expert Coaching
Receive exclusive coaching from Hello Tomorrow’s experts and refine your pitch.
Unparalleled Networking
Engage directly with ESA and Φ-lab’s leading Earth Observation experts.
TIMELINE
The Grand Marathon is structured as a progressive competition beginning on 28 November 2024 (Km 0) and lasting until the end of June 2025 (Km 42).
Apply by 31 January
WHAT IS ESA Φ-LAB?
- ESA Φ-lab provides an open and dynamic innovation ecosystem designed to transform visionary ideas into market-ready solutions, enhancing Europe’s global competitiveness.
- Φ-lab uniquely manages the full innovation cycle, from nurturing blue-sky concepts to delivering tangible impact across commercial, scientific, and NGO communities.
- By offering financial, technical, and business support, Φ-lab helps to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and the market by helping to scale up the commercialisation potential of projects.
Dive into our brochure for all the information you need
Join the Grand Marathon: Innovate for a Sustainable and Healthy Future!
Join our Ask Me Anything Webinar on 28 January at 16:00 CET to ask all your questions about the ESA Grand Marathon.
Contact our Project Coordinator, Aiganym Abduraimova (aiganym.abduraimova@hello-tomorrow.org) for any questions.