2025
22 years Filippas engel
Fabienne Anna Mühlbacher (29)
Grand Prize Filippas Engel
Founded the association “Failstunde” in 2022 to show young people how mistakes can be used as a resource and a learning opportunity. Using theater-based educational methods, a culture of learning from mistakes serves as the foundation for resilience, teamwork, and creativity. Since the 2024/25 school year, the format has been established as a subject in eight school classes in Vienna, reaching over 1,100 students. In the long term, it aims to become a permanent part of the Austrian school system.
Sofiia Mykytenko (20)
Grand Prize Filippas Engel
Coordinates as deputy director of SolomaCats projects that provide safety and help in everyday life during the war. These include emergency centers with electricity and heat, first aid training according to international standards for more than 35,000 people, as well as a comprehensive blood donation program. With a large team of volunteers, she is building structures that not only save lives but also strengthen community.
Although SolomaCats already received an award in 2022, the jury was particularly impressed by Sofiia Mykytenko and her sustainable, constantly adaptive commitment in this initiative.
Lilly Bendix (11)
Grand Prize Filippas Engel
Demonstrated extraordinary civil courage on May 22, 2025: after a knife attack at her school, Lilly bravely administered first aid, pressed the wounds of a severely injured fellow student, and spoke to him reassuringly. She did not leave his side until the rescue workers arrived. Her actions impressively show how a sense of responsibility can already be present at a young age.
“Lilly has shown that courage and responsibility are not a matter of age,” says Princess Gabriela, “her actions are a role model for all of us.”
Marlene Mayer (11) Leo Kurz (12)
Grand Prize Filippas Engel
With calmness and determination, they likely saved the life of a four-year-old boy who was about to drown at a depth of 4 meters.
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Jonte Mai (18)
Main Prize & Alumni Prize
Since 2019 Jonte Mai has been transforming old chewing gum and condom vending machines into seed dispensers with regional, insect-friendly seeds through his initiative Naturschutz2go. Almost 100 machines have now been set up nationwide, many of them together with children and young people. Having received several awards, the idea has spread to Austria, the Netherlands, and France.
Michael Linke (26)
Main Prize & Alumni Prize
With the association Legmon e.V., Michael Linke from Langen has been supporting young people from difficult backgrounds for two years. At its core is a mentoring program with role models who provide guidance and open doors. More than 130 mentorships have already been established, along with numerous internships, university placements, and scholarships. This creates concrete opportunities and new perspectives.
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Theodora Both (23)Charlotte Nutzhorn(23)
Main Prize
Founded the SheLeads network in Berlin, which makes young women in business more visible and strengthens them. In a short time, a community of over 600 members has emerged, growing through events with partners such as Trade Republic and Accenture. Planned are a mentoring program, school cooperations, and a digital platform for better networking.
Clara Schweizer (23)
Main Prize
With Klima-Taskforce e.V., Clara from Nürtingen has been focusing on municipal climate protection and a socially just transformation since 2022. More than 100 volunteers develop projects such as balcony solar systems, insulation campaigns, a “Library of Things,” or traffic calming measures. Initial transfers to other cities show how practical tools, instead of appeals, can create participation and impact.
Die Kneipenretter
Main Prize
To save the last village pub, “Die Kneipenretter” (The Pub Rescuers) – Saskia Ganster, Jonas Memmer, and Pascal Barudio – founded the cultural and social association Fischbach e.V. in 2024. After self-renovation, the “Grenzbachstube” has since been run on a voluntary basis and once again serves as a meeting place for the entire village. With more than 150 members, the association also organizes senior afternoons, village festivals, and projects for young and old alike.