2025 Creatives For Our Future Cohort Announced
Creatives For Our Future
Eco-friendly housing solutions for refugee camps, textiles made from ocean waste by local fishermen and a device making music more accessible for the Deaf community are just three among the six winning projects of the Creatives for Our Future programme, an initiative by the Swarovski Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships.
Now in its fourth year, the programme identifies and supports the next generation of creative innovators driving sustainable solutions across architecture, fashion, circular design, community development, product design, and technology. The 2025 winners were chosen from 487 applicants and announced at a reception at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
“Each year, I am inspired by the remarkable creativity and vision of these young innovators. Their groundbreaking solutions demonstrate the transformative power of creativity in tackling global challenges. Through the Creatives for Our Future programme, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of talent, providing them with the tools, education, and support needed to turn their ideas into impactful solutions.”
Jakhya Rahman-Corey, Director of the Swarovski Foundation
"Supporting young people with the tools to create a sustainable world is more important than ever. They bring fresh ideas, hope, and drive change for a better future. We are proud to support these innovators grow their projects and work towards the Sustainable Development Goals."
Annemarie Hou, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships
The 2025 Winners:
Blossom Eromsele, 23, Nigeria – AllSpace Modular Home: Sustainable Refugee Housing
Blossom has developed the AllSpace Modular Home, a low-cost, solar-powered housing solution designed for refugee camps. Inspired by traditional African huts, the structures are made from recycled materials, providing a sustainable and scalable alternative for displaced communities.
Moemen Sobh, 24, Egypt – Visenleer: Ocean Waste Textiles
Through Visenleer, Moemen is transforming ocean waste into sustainable textiles with zero carbon emissions. His community-focused social enterprise trains local fishermen and artisans in Egypt to convert discarded marine waste into eco-friendly fabrics, empowering coastal communities and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Azra Firmansyah, 23, Indonesia – Svaika: Music Accessibility for the Deaf
Azra’s wearable device, Svaika, enables Deaf individuals to experience music by translating auditory information into tactile sensations. The device allows users to feel rhythm and beats through touch, creating an inclusive musical experience tailored to the Deaf community.
Aurélie Fontan, 29, United Kingdom – Regen Ink: Regenerative Textile Dyes
Aurelie’s Regen Ink project cultivates plants on polluted land to produce natural, non-toxic dyes and pigments. Her goal is to create biodegradable, commercially viable textile print pastes that meet industry standards, reducing reliance on chemical dyes.
Barimah Asare, 21, United States – Project Hivemind: Sustainable Tech Solutions
Barimah has developed an external graphics card enclosure (eGPU) that extends the lifespan of laptops by up to three years, reducing e-waste. The device offers a cost-effective alternative to replacing outdated hardware, promoting a circular economy in consumer electronics.
Mangesh Kurund, 29, India – Bio-Integrated Claddingfor Greener Cities
Mangesh’s bio-cladding system uses lightweight tiles embedded with water reservoirs to cultivate algae and moss, mimicking natural water management processes. This living cladding purifies air, sequesters carbon, and reduces urban heat, contributing to healthier, greener cities.
Since its launch in 2021, the Creatives for Our Future programme has received nearly 2,000 applications from over 90 countries, underscoring its growing global impact. The 2025 cohort represents the extraordinary potential of creativity to address critical global challenges—from combating e-waste and pollution to promoting inclusivity and sustainable urban development.
Alongside the €20,000 grant, the winners will benefit from bespoke mentorship, access to industry experts, and a global support network to scale their projects and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
