Madrid 2026 International Final
Where the best ideas on the planet meet to change the future.
The Mars Challenge International Final is the big event that brings together the winning teams from each country and the bonus team from the multi-country challenge. On this global stage, the solutions created during the Earth season are presented to an international jury, industry leaders, investors and media.
A unique encounter
DATE
October 2026.
LOCATION
Madrid, Spain.
Participants
- National winning teams (Countries with Local Chapters, Initialized Countries and Seeding Countries with self-financing or virtual participation).
- Extra equipment for the multi-country challenge (3 days duration).
- Mentors, strategic allies, companies and international media.
The mechanics of the International Final
Day 1 – The turning point
After months of work, international mentoring, and refinement of their prototypes since June or July, the national finalist teams present their project in Shark Tank format before a panel of international judges.
- Limited time, maximum impact: each team must show the essence, viability and scalability of its solution.
- Tough questions, brilliant answers: the jury will evaluate with an eye on dual-planet impact.
- Coronation of the champion: from these presentations will emerge the Winning Team of the 2026 Earth Season.
Days 2 and 3 – The multi-country challenge
Once the champion team is chosen, a unique experience begins:
- Mixed and multidisciplinary teams: Zers from different countries, areas and cultures come together in completely new groups.
- Problems coming “from Mars” to save the Earth: urgent challenges of our planet, inspired by extreme scenarios and lessons learned from the Martian challenge.
- Lightning innovation: 48 intense hours to ideate, prototype and present fresh and collaborative solutions.
- MVP recognition: the Most Valuable Players (one per country) are selected for their leadership, creativity and contribution to the team.
Prizes and awards presented in Madrid
- Mars Challenge winning project team -Earth 2026 edition top recognition.
- Winning team of the multi-country challenge and selection of the MVP (Most Valuable Players) by country.
- Best Space & Earth 2026 for companies with dual impact on Earth and Mars.
- Mission 1 Earth Element Mentor 2026 (with trip to Houston Space Center).
- All international finalist mentors – Officially recognized as Mission 1 Mentors in their country.
- All Mission 1 Earth Edition Judges – Special recognition for their contribution and evaluation.
- Mars Challenge City – Recognizing host cities that drove local innovation.
More than an event, a global celebration
The International Final is also a space for:
- Exhibitions and prototype demonstrations.
- Keynote lectures and panels with global experts.
- Innovation and entrepreneurship workshops.
- Cultural and networking activities in Madrid.
Arriving in Madrid is more than competing: it is sharing, learning and being part of the global network that designs the future of humanity on Earth and Mars.
In addition, the winning project team, the MVP from each country and the Mission 1 Earth Element Mentor will live an immersive experience at the Houston Space Center and NASA, exploring the present and future of space exploration up close.
