TM Forum Moonshot Catalysts address the ultimate challenges of our industry head-on, as we strive for truly sustainable growth. We set bold, ambitious goals for Moonshot Catalysts to achieve breakthrough solutions to significant industry challenges.
In addition to the advantages of Open Innovation Catalysts, Moonshot project teams receive enhanced backing every step of the way, to create technically excellent solutions with game-changing business or societal impact.
The teams are eligible to win any category in the prestigious Moonshot Catalyst Awards, based on the most technically excellent solutions with game-changing business or societal impact.
and sustainable growth with a fail-fast philosophy and the guidance of top industry figures
for technically excellent solutions with game-changing business or societal impact
An Executive Coach to provides invaluable feedback on business readiness and technical viability from a CXO level mentor, plus a potential route to market
These prestigious Awards acknowledge Moonshot Catalysts creating groundbreaking and high potential solutions. The Awards recognize the efforts of teams who actively drive innovation and push boundaries, with technically excellent solutions for game-changing business or societel impact.
Moonshot Catalysts represent the top tier of innovation and must show high industry impact and technology advancements in their approach to tackling the challenges facing our Members. Groups of Members and other potential partners come together to identify a common goal and work on a draft proposal. All teams should be able to defend how their proposed solution is new, innovative, timely, and has a clear business value that fits with the goals of the TM Forum, its Members, and the industry. Champion involvement at this stage is vital for defining and or validating the key industry challenges and business requirements.
Submitters can select which Moonshot challenge their proposal is most aligned to and must effectively communicate the project's business value, high industry impact, and technological innovation. We are targeting to showcase 15-20 Moonshot Catalysts at DTW Ignite 2026. Submission proposals require contacts from at least 1 'Champion' and 2 additional unique organizations who have expressed interest in participation. Contacts should be aware of inclusion and may be copied on proposal-related communications. Project proposals must be submitted online by the deadline for consideration for the respective event showcase. Incomplete proposals will be declined.
Each Catalyst project proposal submission is reviewed to ensure all advancing Catalyst projects meet our standards of innovation and are aligned with TM Forum goals. Project proposals that align to the Moonshot Challenges will be offered one of the Moonshot Catalyst spots. Reviews typically take 2-3 weeks with the longer times being proposals received closer to the deadline. Proposals not selected for a Moonshot Catalyst slot will be considered for an Open Innovation project. Submitters may receive feedback and be given a chance to resubmit if the proposal is not accepted.
During Matchmaking, team members reach out to potential partners to build a strong project team and confirm at least the required minimum of Champions and paying Participants. A project webpage is built for teams to publish content and recruit members. Additional organizations can request to join teams and be introduced to project members. Catalyst teams can begin work on planning, designing, building, and testing their solution.
A major milestone for our Catalyst teams is when they have commitment confirmed from a minimum of 3 paying Participants and 2 Champions and advance to 'Pending Activation' status. At this point, the project is considered viable and members get access to additional marketing benefits and operational support resources. Consistent input, validation, and participation from a highly involved Champion throughout the project cycle is key to success. Champions are critical partners and fundamental for industry acceptance and endorsement.
Reaching ‘Active’ status means your project has met all the requirements to fully participate in that Catalyst cycle. A minimum of 3 paying Participants and 2 Champion contracts have been signed and returned. Registration pass links are sent to members with signed SOWs/ Catalyst Contracts Invoices are sent to Participants. A spot to demonstrate live at the corresponding event is confirmed and the project team is eligible to submit for awards. Event pass registration links are sent. All relevant marketing and operational support benefits are made available.
