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Spark the future, join the Challenge!

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For whom?

BSc, MSc and PhD* students from Universities (of Applied Sciences) worldwide from various backgrounds, including:

Landscape architecture, Spatial planning, Forestry, (Organic) Agriculture, Nature Conservation, Environmental Sciences, Land, Water, Urban and Marine Resources Management, Sociology etc.

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* Max.20% PhD students and fresh graduates in a team

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The Challenge

Develop a vision for a nature-based future

for Mississippi River Delta in 2120 that:

    • Is biodiversity positive
    • Ensures food & water security
    • Enhances climate adaptability & resilience
    • Has positive social & socio-economic impact

Inspired by the project The Netherlands in 2120

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How does it work?

Duration: January 2026-June 2026

Participation in a multidisciplinary team

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Three rounds:

    • Each round ends with selection moment
    • Hybrid Studios in each round to get started
    • Opportunities to ask feedback

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Inspiration Workshop

Deadline Team Profile

Round 1: Kick-off Event

Round 1: Studio 1

1st Milestone Deadline

Grand Finals

Round 3: Studio 3

2nd Milestone Deadline

Round 2: Studio 2

Round 2: Meet the Coach

2 -12 -2025

9-01-2026

13-01-2026

20-01-2026

20-02-2026

2-06-2026

7-05-2026

17-04-2026

17-03-2026

12-03-2026

Get inspired by partners

Meet potential team members

Finalize team profile

Meet other teams & partners and celebrate the start of the challenge together

Local and WUR experts will equip you with valuable tools to achieve your first milestone

Submit your vision

Present your vision & celebrate

Engage in a storytelling workshop and collaborate with your group to refine your detailed design.

Submit your improved and validated vision

Benefit from the guidance of WUR experts to enhance your initial design and understand the concept of a transition path.

Exclusive one-on-one coaching session for the top twenty teams with Challenge partners.

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NBF Challenge step-by-step

Check the calendar on the website!

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ROUND 1

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Deliverables:

    • Inventory and analysis of the current situation & future trends

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    • Description of your vision for nature-positive future

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    • Identification of an area to design in the second round of the Challenge

Round 1: Kick-off Event

Round 1: Studio 1

1st Milestone Deadline

13-01-2026

20-01-2026

20-02-2026

Meet other teams & partners and celebrate the start of the challenge together

Local and WUR experts will equip you with valuable tools to achieve your first milestone

Submit your idea

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ROUND 2

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Deliverables:

    • Inventory and analysis of the current situation & future trends for a chosen region

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    • Translation of your vision into concrete choices, proposals and effects for the chosen area

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    • Description of the transition pathway

2nd Milestone Deadline

Round 2: Studio 2

Round 2: Meet the Coach

17-04-2026

17-03-2026

12-03-2026

Submit your improved and validated idea

Benefit from the guidance of WUR experts to enhance your initial design and understand the concept of a transition path.

Exclusive one-on-one coaching session for the top twenty teams with Challenge partners.

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ROUND 3

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Deliverables:

    • Improve on your report
    • Pitch video
    • Poster presentation

Grand Finals

Round 3: Studio 3

2-06-2026

7-05-2026

Present your idea & celebrate

Engage in a storytelling workshop and collaborate with your group to refine your detailed design.

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What is there for YOU?

Learning experience that boosts professional skills

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Opportunity to learn from and network with industry leaders

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Opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with students from Universities worldwide

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“One of the greatest experiences in the field I’ve had!”

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What is there for YOU?

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Certificate for top 20 teams & finalists of the Challenge

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The finalists receive travel & accommodation budget to attend the Grand Finals in the Netherlands (not full costs)

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The winning team gets 9 000 EUR and exposure

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Representatives of top 3 teams go to Louisiana

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How to join?

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    • Register individually before 17 November
    • Create a team (profile) before 9 January
    • Join the Kick-off Event on 13 January

and Studio 1 on 20 January

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Interested?

Scan the QR-code to learn more and register now!