How It Works
Everything you need to know to submit a Mission to Mars Project.
Everything you need to know to submit a Mission to Mars Project.
The mission: Design a base that can support human life on Mars for one year. Complete and submit your project early for the chance to win fellowship. Fellows will be announced in March 2026.
Two winners will become Villars Fellows, earning a fully funded trip to the Villars Climate Leadership Symposium (June 2026) in Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland. Meet young innovators, scientists and leaders, and share your vision for a sustainable future.
Get your chance at a trip to Villars Symposium. You only have to follow these three steps:
1. Get Your Mission to Mars Credential
Cover the basics by diving into the three units: Life in the Universe, Space Exploration and Mission to Mars. By completing all three you will achieve a Mission to Mars Credential.
2. Research and Prepare
Use what you’ve learned — and your own research — to plan your mission.
3. Design Your Base and Submit Your Project
Download the canvas and create your design. You can add extra resources to support your submission — a PowerPoint, essay, video, sketch, podcast, or anything that helps bring your idea to life. When you’re happy with your project, upload your canvas & any supporting documents before the deadline.
When can I submit?
You can submit your project any time before 13th March 2026. We will start to review entries from January, on a rolling basis. So, if you submit early, you’ll know sooner whether you’ve made the shortlist.
How do I submit?
Submit your Mars Base project via the upload card below. Make sure you have also earned your Mission to Mars credential.
Use the ITZA Project Canvas to present your plan. Create a Mars Mission Proposal that covers the four mission pillars:
Environment — What is Mars like? (atmosphere, gravity, terrain)
Food / Water / Power — How will your crew survive?
Habitats — What will you build and how will it protect life?
Transportation — How will people and supplies travel?
Any registered ITZA student who has achieved the Mission to Mars Credential and has submitted the Life on Mars Project.
You can track the progress you are making towards your credential on My ITZA. When you achieve your credential you will also receive a notification letting you know you have completed all required content.
