Looking back at the second edition Nature-based Future Challenge
On 17 November 2025, 44 teams from around the world joined the Nature-Based Future Challenge. Their assignment? To develop an innovative, nature-based perspective for one of the most climate-vulnerable regions in the world, the Mississippi River Delta in South Louisiana.
After two selection rounds, eleven teams made it to the Grand Finals. On 2 June 2026, Team PULSE was announced the winner of the Challenge by unanimous vote of the jury.
Team Aquaverde came second, and Team Studio Bayou placed third. The Audience Award was awarded to Team Riverta.
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At Wageningen University & Research top scientists and students from all over the world join forces to work on projects that make a difference to the quality of life. In our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we actively pursue solutions to realise sustainable food systems. The ReThink Food Challenge is a unique initiative of Wageningen University & Research, giving students from all over the world an opportunity to work on this important topic.
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Team PULSE Wins the Nature-based Future Challenge 2026
As the final awards were announced at Omnia on 2 June, Team PULSE looked as surprised as anyone. After six months of research, coaching sessions, design studios, and collaboration across countries and disciplines, the team had just been named the winners ...
How questions, guidance and unseen work help teams before the final pitch.
When teams step onto the stage at the Grand Finals of the Nature-based Future Challenge, the audience sees the finished version. Strong visuals, clear storylines, and students presenting future visions for the Mississippi River Delta with confidence. What often rem ...
What could the future of the Mississippi River Delta look like?
Over the past two months, student teams from around the world have been working on a difficult question: how do you design a future for a landscape that is slowly disappearing? ...
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