Deadline:
April 13, 2025
Location(s)
France Online
Overview
Connect an audience to a product or service from a brand you choose in a way that wasn’t possible three years ago.
Details
The context
2025 marks the 20th anniversary of AKQA’s Future Lions. It is the only student and young person’s award at Cannes Lions. Many winners have gone on to win Young Lions, Cannes Lions, and have become members of the Cannes Lions jury.
This year sees a return to the open brief, with the opportunity to craft a solution to a problem young people want to see solved in the world.
We are asking participants to think about what is important to them and their communities, and encouraging participants to leverage the opportunity that arises when technology is applied in new, unexpected ways to bring positive change, no matter the scale.
Things to consider
It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking AI has the solution or that by using AI you will be able to quickly resolve a problem. Or that the solution has to be a digital product, service or a new physical object. And whilst those things can be true for many situations it is important to consider how small micro changes in the world could lead to a bigger change. Therein lies innovation.
Previous Future Lions winners have demonstrated C02 savings by turning our freezers down by 1 degree. They have shown us how to be present in the gym with the power of dissolving ink. They have given us clean hands by integrating UV light into self-serve kiosks. But most importantly all our Future Lions alumni wanted to put good back into the world and make it a better place for all those in it and the communities where they live.
Who are we talking to?
Choose the audience that is best served by the problem you want to solve. It could be a very specific small user group in one part of the world, or it could be a broad group that crosses the globe. It could be someone and everyone.
Important information
- The idea could remove stressors or enhance a living experience.
- The idea can serve more than just people.
- Consider repurposing existing technology for a new meaningful application.
- Choose one audience and think about what would benefit them most.
- Demonstrate how you will make the solution accessible.
- It’s important that your solution and the tools you need to create it limit impact on the planet.
- Consider data protection and general laws in the country you wish to provide a solution for.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Do I have to be enrolled in an advertising programme to be eligible?
No. You just need an incredible idea and a hunger for innovation.
Am I eligible to enter if I’m working?
Yes. As long as you have less than 6 months industry experience.
Is there a minimum age requirement?
Yes. You must be aged between 18 and 25 years old on 16 June 2025. If you are older than 25 you must be enrolled on a full-time education course on 16 June 2025.
Dates
Deadline: April 13, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
Five winning teams will be granted full access to the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity held in France from 18-25 June 2016 and will be honoured with a prestigious Future Lions trophy.
Alongside the individual awards, the school with the highest number of shortlists will be recognised as the Future Lions “School of the Year.”
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
