Live pitch finale
24 September 2026
These top 5 finalist delivered their final pitches at WorldSkills Conference 2026 in Shanghai, China on 24 September 2026. After a closely fought finale, Ruruka from Paraguay was crowned winner of BeChangeMaker 2026 with their innovation that transforms industrial sludge into sustainable building materials.
The results
Ruruka
Winner
Transforming industrial sludge into sustainable construction materials.
Vivian
Second place
Ensuring inclusion through an AI digital interpreter for Mexican sign language.
Polaris Safety
Third place
Providing AI-powered personal safety infrastructure software for women.
Empals
Fourth place
Providing early, accessible support for children with ADHD, dyslexia, and autism.
Ridan AI
Fifth place
Breaking social media addiction in children with behavioral AI.
Key dates
Application open
23 February 2026
Teams selected
1 April 2026
Programme kick-off
7 April 2026
Final pitch in Shanghai
22-27 September 2026
Brought to you by
BeChangeMaker 2026
The HP Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization of HP Inc. It supports technology-related learning, charitable giving, and volunteering programs for underserved and underrepresented communities where we live, work, and do business. Our collection of global giving and volunteering initiatives inspire HP employees to share their time, expertise, and passion to make a difference for others.
WorldSkills has built a movement that is changing the lives of young people through skills. More than 80 Member organizations which reach two-thirds of the world’s population and create measurable impact at every level. They build the confidence of millions of young people, empowering communities and fueling economies. WorldSkills is a movement of change.
Brought to you by
BeChangeMaker 2026
The HP Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization of HP Inc. It supports technology-related learning, charitable giving, and volunteering programs for underserved and underrepresented communities where we live, work, and do business. Our collection of global giving and volunteering initiatives inspire HP employees to share their time, expertise, and passion to make a difference for others.
WorldSkills has built a movement that is changing the lives of young people through skills. More than 80 Member organizations which reach two-thirds of the world’s population and create measurable impact at every level. They build the confidence of millions of young people, empowering communities and fueling economies. WorldSkills is a movement of change.
Supported By
BeChangeMaker 2026
Partner network
BeChangeMaker 2026
