POLIMI Graduate School of Management brings sustainability to Minecraft: the EcoCraft Challenge to build the city of the future begins

POLIMI Graduate School of Management announces the launch of the EcoCraft Challenge, an initiative that combines creativity, play and mindfulness to raise awareness and educate on environmental and social impact issues. Inspired by the free and open nature of the popular video game Minecraft, the challenge invites participants to imagine and build a city in line with economic, social, spatial, political and environmental sustainability goals.

 

A game to build awareness

Through the challenge, the Business School of Politecnico di Milano is offering participants the opportunity to design sustainable cities, experiment with innovative solutions, and understand the impact of their choices. Every construction created becomes a fundamental building block for a more equitable and informed world.

The initiative stems from the desire to stimulate critical thinking and creativity through the language of play, allowing participants to tackle the major challenges of sustainability in an engaging and interactive way. The aim is to encourage reflection on key issues such as responsible resource management, sustainable urban planning, social inclusion and transparent communication. The challenge is based on a multidimensional concept of sustainability that includes not only the environmental, but also economic, social, spatial and political aspects. Furthermore, the challenge is based on scientific principles, offering advice on the interventions, technologies, solutions and innovations that can be implemented in Minecraft and inspired by scientific research in the field. The suggestions provided will help participants develop concrete, impactful solutions rooted in a science-based approach.

 

Prizes, visibility and a big event with the stars of gaming

A jury of experts from POLIMI GSoM will assess the cities of the future. The 5 most innovative projects will be presented to the public during a special event on 13 September 2025 at POLIMI Graduate School of Management’s Navigli Campus. Among these, one will be proclaimed the overall winner of the EcoCraft Challenge. In addition, five special prizes will be awarded, one for each of the sustainability criteria defined in the regulations (economic, social, environmental, political and spatial sustainability). All the winners will receive a study contribution, valid for enrolment in one of POLIMI GSoM’s training programmes.

The challenge will be promoted with the collaboration of some of the most popular Minecraft creators and gamers in Italy, including Marcy, Nico, Zeyxon24, TheMark and Bellafaccia, who will tell the story of the project through their digital channels, follow the progress of construction, and support the initiative with live streams, videos, and special content, helping to spread the values of sustainability among new generations. During the final event, all participants will have the opportunity to meet their favourite creators at an exclusive Meet & Greet, to share experiences, inspirations and gaming stories.

“We are excited to launch the EcoCraft Challenge, a project that combines learning and entertainment to raise awareness among new generations on crucial issues such as sustainability, diversity and social inclusion. Just as every Minecraft player can shape their own world and experience a unique adventure, we believe that innovation and sustainability must also arise from creativity and responsibility. Through this initiative, POLIMI Graduate School of Management confirms its commitment to training innovators capable of designing a more equitable and sustainable future", said Federico Frattini, Dean of POLIMI Graduate School of Management.

 

How to participate

The initiative is open to all adults of Italian nationality or resident in Italy. Registrations are open until 7 May. Selected participants will receive an official communication with all the information on the challenge, including how to get started and the timeline for developing their projects. Progress will be evaluated live by the five players through live streams on their channels: the more goals you complete, the greater the chances of winning.

To participate in the EcoCraft Challenge, please complete the form at this link: https://www.gsom.polimi.it/ecocraft