FAQs
- Who can apply?
Anyone 18 or older by the submission deadline, applying individually or as part of a team of up to four people. There's no upper age limit. Companies, organizations, institutions or other legal entities cannot apply - only individuals and informal teams.
- Can I submit more than one project?
Yes, but only one of your projects can ultimately be selected as a finalist.
- Is there a cost to enter?
No, participation is completely free.
- What do I need to submit?
Before submitting, read the challenge's entry kit carefully. Your submission will need three parts:1) a letter starting with "Dear Cities," sharing your vision for the perfect city; 2) a description of how you'd turn that letter into a creative work (film, installation, object, writing, performance, immersive experience, etc.); 3) A moodboard or draft of the concept.
- Who owns the rights to my idea?
You do. Being selected as a finalist or winner does not transfer ownership of your project - intellectual property stays entirely with the creators. THU and Mota-Engil can use submitted materials (descriptions, images, videos) for communication and promotional purposes related to the challenge, with credit given to the teams.
- If I'm applying as a team, does everyone need an account?
One member - the Team Representative - submits the project and is responsible for managing the entry and inviting the rest of the team to join the platform until the submission deadline.
- How are winners chosen?
By a panel of experts appointed by THU and Mota-Engil - there's no public vote. The process runs in three stages: 1) Shortlisting - up to 10 teams are selected from all eligible submissions; 2) Pitch Day (Top 10 → Top 5) - shortlisted teams pitch online; up to 5 advance to the Mentorship Phase; 3) Final Pitch (Top 5 → 3 Winners) - after the mentorship phase, the five teams pitch their developed projects and three winners
- Are there eligible expenses covered by the project?
Selected TOP 3 teams may have access to a dedicated project budget covering some eligible expenses directly related to their project - such as software licenses, within capped limits. Each expense is reviewed individually on a case-by-case basis. Travel expenses are not eligible. Reimbursement requires valid invoices and prior approval. Further details on the budget and eligible expenses will be shared with selected teams.