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.
Two winners will be chosen as Villars Fellows, earning a fully funded trip to the Villars Symposium in Switzerland in June 2026.
The Experience: Spend a week in the Swiss Alps collaborating with global innovators, scientists, and world leaders to shape a sustainable future.
The Community: Join a lifelong network of young change-makers.
Fellows will be announced in March 2026.
To qualify for the fellowship, follow this mission path:
Step 1: Unlock Your Credential
Complete the three core units – Life in the Universe, Space Exploration, and Mission to Mars – to earn your Mars Credential.
Step 2: Design Your Survival Plan
Use the Project Canvas to design a base capable of supporting human life on Mars for 365+ days.
Get Creative: You can add extra resources to support your plan – a presentation, video, podcast, essay, or sketches – whatever brings your vision to life.
Step 3: Submit Your Project
Upload your completed canvas and supporting files before the deadline.
Pro-Tip: We review projects on a rolling basis starting in January 2026. Submit early to hear back sooner!
Use the Project Canvas to present your plan. It should cover:
Environment: What is Mars like, and how do you handle the terrain?
Life Support: How will your crew get food, water, and power?
Habitat: Where will they live and how will it protect them?
Transport: How will people and supplies move around?
When can I submit?
You can submit your project any time before 20th 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.
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.
