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Meet our Bright Future finalists for 2025!

Today, we officially announce the shortlist of the ACT Bright Future Prize 2025!

Now in its fourth year, ACT, The Ardonagh Group’s independent charity, has searched the globe for aspiring young community leaders and change makers – with a prize fund of £40,000 waiting to invest in their bright ideas.

After receiving applications from aspirational young people aged 15 to 21 from around the world, we’re delighted to share the eight fantastic finalists, alongside our ACT Microgrant recipients. All with their own unique ideas, but united by a common drive to make a difference – our finalists and grant recipients will join the 30+ Bright Future Alumni from the past four years of the prize.

Revealing our 2025 Finalists

From entries covering nine countries around the world, our ACT Trustees selected our eight fantastic finalists – representing Australia, Brazil, Ireland, Portugal and the UK. Meet them and their inspiring projects which saw them reach our shortlist.

DONNA MAE QUINTO
Shannon, Ireland

Donna is on a mission to crate a world where communication know no boundaries. Having taught herself sign language to support a family member, Donna has gone on to create GESTURA, a dedicated sign language app.

She hopes the app will help people of any age to get to grips sign language more easily, with interactive games and finger-spell translation, to provide more engaging resources than she was able to find herself when learning.

The inspiration for GESTURA stemmed from my personal journey of learning sign language, where I discovered the lack of engaging resources that leave individuals and their communities disconnected. This ignited my desire to make sign language more accessible and to promote inclusivity by breaking down barriers and empowering individuals with diverse linguistic backgrounds and abilities to fully participate in society. Being a finalist for the Bright Future Prize is an incredible honour—it fuels my passion to create a more inclusive future, and this GESTURA is a meaningful step toward that reality.
Donna

KANISHK AGGARWAL
Sydney, Australia

Inspired by his own family, Kanishk has harnessed his passion for technology to design a new way to help older people or those with low mobility to retain their independence. His smart bed sheet monitors movement and pressure real time, ultimately to support care through the night so that the user may not need medical assistance whilst sleeping.

Kanishk is ready to further prototype the design and its innovative textiles – taking the technology to the next stage of its development.

I've always been that kid who loved taking things apart (sorry, Mom and Dad!) and now having the superpower to turn well-thought-out ideas into real, working devices feels amazing. My smart bedsheet project is the perfect blend of my three favourite E's – Electronics, Entrepreneurship, and Empathy. This drives me and gives me a sense of purpose of making sleep accessible while being cool at the same time! Being a finalist feels surreal like my inner 10-year-old just high-fived me, handed me his small screwdriver & said ‘Keep Going, you got this’.
Kanishk

MARTA BERNARDINO
Ericeira, Portugal

Marta embodies the spirit of invention, design a hexapod robot that can cover difficult terrain to plant trees to support reforestation in rural areas of Portugal. Her robot, Trovador, is totally autonomous, programmed to both navigate to a chosen location and plant young trees.

Self-founded, Marta has recently established a small team – ready to take her prototype for further testing and up-scaling.

Being selected for the Bright Future Prize fills me with immense gratitude and excitement. It feels empowering to know my voice is being heard in the pursuit of a future where robotics drive innovative solutions for climate protection. This recognition fuels my dream of seeing Portugal flourish as a vibrant, green home once again.
Marta

FARHAD GOHAR
Manchester, UK

Based in Manchester, Farhad is the founder of Potential MCR, providing mentorship and upskilling to young people across the area.

Having already led entrepreneurship workshops to inspire and equip teens with the skills to dream big, Farhad is now on a mission to deliver a new range of sessions to further develop young people and their access to opportunities.

Farhad has experience first-hand the challenges of growing up, navigating school with undiagnosed dyslexia and the risks of violence in and amongst friends. We’re inspired by his commitment to support those around him seek new beginnings!

I am deeply honoured to be recognised as a finalist by Ardonagh Community Trust as it reaffirms my passion for empowering at-risk young people to channel their inherent entrepreneurial spirit, regardless of their backgrounds, and fuels my mission to provide the medium they need to thrive.
Farhad

ADRIELY CRAVO
Belém, Brazil

Adriely is leader of the Biolume project – a new way to provide lighting in communities using green energy. Together with her team members at the Federal University of Pará, Adriely has spearheaded the design of a streetlamp powered by biodiesel made from cooking oil that would otherwise be discarded.

Already, the project has installed five streetlamps in a riverside community in the regions of the Lower Itacuruçá River, with plans to operate in five more communities that would otherwise have no public lighting – improving security and sustainability.

I am deeply passionate about the Biolume project because it is not just about technological innovation, but a true transformation for communities facing daily challenges. By providing clean and accessible energy, we can offer more than a practical solution – we bring dignity, security, and hope to people, while also protecting our rivers through the proper disposal of cooking oil. Being a global finalist in the ACT Bright Future 2025 is a recognition that validates all our effort and dedication. More than that, it is an opportunity to show the world the power of Northern Brazil and the Amazon, which even in the face of many challenges presents innovative projects capable of generating a positive and lasting impact, transforming lives and caring for our future.
Adriely

JARVIS ROHR
Torbay, UK

In rural Devon, there are fewer opportunities for young people to access opportunities to perform and create their own music. That’s where Sound Communities Records CIC comes in – empowering young people to kickstart their own music ambitions and breaking down barriers to music production.

Jarvis started his own journey in Torbay and is now helping other young people do the same. Whether it’s the means to record music, getting slots at venues, and even marketing skills, Sound Communities Records even has its own youth-led festival – with aspirations to do even more.

I was thrilled to apply for the Bright Future Prize, as it offers an opportunity to give back to my community by building a platform that empowers young people through music. My vision is to inspire future generations by showcasing positive youth-made music, creating a ripple effect that uplifts others from disadvantaged backgrounds. I am really chuffed to be a finalist, and I hope to win to keep this project alive, fostering self-belief and supporting talented young creatives in pursuing their dreams in a town with limited opportunities.
Jarvis

MARIA EDUARDA ROCHA DE OLIVEIRA
Ribeirão Preto, Brazil

After seeing a close friend struggle to get the same opportunity to perform in an academic Olympiad competition, Maria took action to make sure other deaf students in Brazil could take part without experiencing inequality – setting up the OBMLibras, an Olympiad specifically for deaf young people (LIBRAS being Brazilian sign language). Maria has collaborated with deaf and hearing teachers and students to develop the digital platform, where the competitions are hosted – making them more accessible and engaging for deaf pupils.

Now, Maria wants to turn OBMLibras into a fully-fledged NGO to host even more events in schools across Brazil.

Education has changed my life, and I’m passionate about helping others experience that same transformative power! Through my OBMLibras project, I ensure that deaf students explore their full potential through education. Being a finalist of the Bright Future Prize feels like a dream coming true, and I’m deeply honoured and excited to use this opportunity to expand the impact of my work.
Maria

NICOLE PHAN
Hull, UK

Drawing on her passion to further social integration, Nicole has plans for an innovative way to enable people to experience the life and issues of minority groups through her self-designed app, Equal Eyes.

In particular, Equal Eyes takes the user on an immersive journey to gain an insight into asylum seekers and refugees. In doing so, Nicole hopes the app will help mobilise young people to promote social justice and community cohesion.

There are so many experiences that you hear about on the news, and you don't think it impacts you that much, but nurturing that understanding makes us realise that we are all more connected than we think we are. Equal Eyes enables me to tap into my empathy, to democratise politics and to support young people to be more proactive in learning about one another. I am so grateful to be a finalist! It gives me the strength to know that I can achieve and put my idea to fruition. You always hear about applying for funding, but it never seems accessible. I cannot wait to meet the other finalists and understand their project ideas more. After all, the world thrives when we collaborate and support each other.
Nicole

Who will be our 2025 winners?

In February, we’ll be further showcasing our finalists, as we meet them in-person to capture their passion and projects on film.

Then, in March, our ACT Trustees will have the difficult task of selecting the winners of our four prize categories, each connecting to a different way young people can make a difference. The winners will share the £40,000 prize fund to invest in their bright ideas.

Our four prize categories, with the winners of each receiving a share of the £40,000 fund.

Congratulations to our Bright Future Microgrant recipients!

Alongside our shortlist, our Trustees selected a further seven aspiring leaders to receive a Bright Future microgrant. These young people all showed immense promise in both their ambitions and ideas, with each receiving £1,000 from ACT to invest in their projects to further their momentum. Many congratulations to all our grant recipients!

ARTHUR PIRES BUENO
São Paulo, Brazil

Arthur hopes to revolutionise the diagnosis and treatment of autism for young people and their families. Already, he has developed an AI-driven platform, Milie Mind, to streamline the autism care process, and which he has piloted in a local clinic. Next, he plans to expand the pilot to refine his model and create further opportunities to work with clinicians and patients.

I deeply believe that AI can break barriers in traditional autism treatments, revolutionizing care and hope for thousands of children and adolescents. The transformative power of this technology not only changes life trajectories but also strengthens our community, uniting efforts to face the challenges of a constantly evolving world. ACT’s support represents much more than financial encouragement: it is a vote of confidence in a more inclusive and humane future. With this backing, I feel even more motivated to drive forward this wave of transformation and social impact, improving the lives of many people.
Arthur

PAUL JUNIOR MALINDA
Johannesburg, South Africa

Paul is part of a three-strong youth-led team, Ndzilo – a solar powered fire safety system tailored for South African communities living in township settlements. The AI sensors enable the detection of fire, sending real-time visuals and alerts to reduce the risk of incidents. The technology is made to be affordable and not reliant on mains power, and so accessible to low-income households.

After surviving fires twice, I realized this is a challenge many people face today. My project is rooted in my personal story, inspiring resilience and encouraging others to find solutions to the issues around them. I believe everyone has something valuable to share, and by tapping into our inner selves, we can address the challenges we face. I am grateful for this honour because not only do I get a chance to continue the Ndzilo mission, but I also get a chance to inspire others while creating sustainable impact.
Paul

NUHA CHAUDHRY
Manchester, UK

An advocate of women connected to Southeast Asia, Nuha has plans to create a community-led musical production alongside charity, Let's Talk Rochdale, to empower women and raise awareness of issues relating to domestic violence, social isolation and marginalisation. Through dance, writing and music workshops, her project will culminate in a musical event that will celebrate cultural diversity and community unity.

I feel incredibly blessed and grateful to receive this grant. I'm so excited to collaborate with 'Let’s Talk Rochdale,' supporting these amazing women in building confidence through performing, dancing, and writing. This opportunity means so much, and I can't wait to see the work that we create together.
Nuha

ALINI DE FREITAS SOUZA RIBEIRO
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Living in the outskirts of Rio, Alini has felt the benefits of acting to escape from reality – focussing instead on free spirited creativity. Alini wants to help more young people access acting and drama through a dedicated programme, LCA (Light Camera Action) Academy, which will provide workshops to help children and teens explore and develop their skills.

Thanks to the help of Bright Future, I can now start my project that inspires me so much and I hope it will inspire other people too.
Alini

OLUFERANMI BALOGUN
London, UK

Olu is the founder of Room2, a social enterprise that harnesses hybrid working spaces for young people who would otherwise not have access to effective places to study. Since the pandemic, many businesses operate on a hybrid model, meaning many offices are underused. Olu is planning a six-moth pilot to test the concept, collaborating with businesses and schools in London.

I am just one of many young people whose lives have been affected by overcrowding. It didn’t just impact my education and wellbeing, but it also shaped how I saw my future. This experience isn’t unique to me; rather, it’s the reality for thousands of young people in London living in overcrowded homes. It doesn't just limit space - it also limits potential. Room2’s mission is to repurpose underutilised spaces and transform them into rooms of opportunity. I am incredibly grateful to receive this grant, as it brings me one step closer to empowering young people by providing equitable access to the resources they need to thrive, regardless of their housing situation.
Olu

ROBYN WRANGA
Johannesburg, South Africa

Robyn aspires to foster a sense of belonging and opportunity and is set on establishing a community centre for arts, culture and learning. She plans to create a multipurpose space to help children, teen and adults develop their skills and talents in practical and creative ways ranging from music to interview workshops.

Receiving this grant feels like a powerful affirmation of my passion for helping students unlock their potential through public speaking and creative expression. I believe that every voice has a story worth sharing, and this opportunity allows me to inspire confidence, foster communication skills, and empower others to step into their spotlight.
Robyn

CATARINA DIREITO
Fânzeres, Portugal

Passionate about supporting young people to reach their dreams, Catarina has been an active member of Portuguese charity, Transformers Youth Association. She’s getting behind their ‘Street Academy’ project to support at-risk youth at a dedicated hub providing training, mentoring and cultural activities.

I'm deeply passionate about empowering communities and fostering positive change through the transformative power of volunteerism. The Movimento Transformers is built on the belief that everyone has the potential to make a difference. Receiving this grant is not just a recognition of our efforts but also a motivation to continue inspiring individuals to take action and create a better world together. I am truly grateful for this opportunity!
Catarina

Empowering the next generation

All our finalists and microgrant recipients join our global network of Bright Future Alumni, now totalling over 45 incredible young people. Throughout the year, our alumni connect and collaborate, sharing their successes and supporting one another's journeys. We welcome our 2025 Bright Future stars to the group!