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Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity is an annual summit in Dubai that showcases 100 breakthrough social impact innovation projects developed by university students and recent graduates from around the world, connecting them with industry, government, and investors to accelerate real-world implementation.

You can apply if you are:

• Currently enrolled in university (undergraduate or post-graduate programme).
• A recent graduate who completed their degree within the past two years.

Projects may be submitted by individuals or by teams, with no limit to the number of team members involved in a project.

Multiple projects may be submitted under the same student or supervisor, with no limit on the number of submissions.

All applications should be supported by a supervisor whose details you must provide in the application form.

A selection team of experts in innovation and impact reviews all the project information. They choose 100 projects each year, based on:

• Positive impact on people, communities or the planet
  Your project must have the potential to create meaningful real-world change, whether addressing social issues, environmental threats, or challenges within local communities. Demonstrating clear impact is essential.

• Academic Rigour
  Your work should be grounded in strong research, show a clear understanding of the problem, and present a thoughtful, innovative solution.

• Application of technology
  Innovative and effective use of technology (High-tech or Low-tech) is key, whether incorporating cutting-edge advancements or utilising simple yet efficient solutions.

You can submit projects from any discipline, at any development stage – from concept to working solution – as long as:

• It is an innovation creating a positive impact on society or the planet.
• It can be technologically advanced or very simple.
• It may be a large-scale problem or support a specific community.

You can explore the diversity of our past projects here.  

Yes. We base our selection primarily on the quality and impact of the research. We understand that some of the most impactful projects do not yet have videos, prototypes, or extensive visuals. 

Our team will design your project display using the text, images, diagrams and videos you provide. If your project has limited visual material, we will work with you to create exhibition-friendly content that clearly communicates your idea. 

Yes. If your application includes a physical prototype, you must bring it to Dubai for display - provided it complies with our health and safety guidelines. Our team will guide you on logistics and safe presentation.

Yes. $100,000 in prizes is distributed among selected projects in several categories. Winners are chosen by a jury and announced during the summit in Dubai.

Yes. If your project is selected:

• We sponsor one student representative from your team with accommodation and a subsidised return flight.
• We also sponsor one professor from each participating university.

All applicants will be notified by email once the selection process is complete. This is typically in October. Winning projects will be publicly announced during the exhibition and featured on our website.

Yes, you can apply again if:

• You are submitting a new project.
• Your previous project has made significant progress.
• You are still connected to academia or are no more than two years post-graduation.

Yes. You may submit multiple projects. 

Yes. Early-stage projects are welcome.

In your application, indicate the current phase of your project and provide as much detail, supporting research, and references as possible so we can understand how your solution works and what it aims to achieve.

No. You retain full rights to your intellectual property (IP). Our terms and conditions clearly state that we do not take or appropriate your IP. We are a platform to promote you and your work, not to own it.

The exhibition takes place in Dubai, with a physical showcase during the event and a digital showcase that remains online as an archive afterwards.

Applications are submitted online via our website. Up-to-date information on application opening dates, deadlines, and programme timelines will be published on our site and shared through our social media channels (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram). Follow us to stay updated.

When you apply to Prototypes for Humanity, you can indicate your interest in the Venture-Building Programme.

• All applicants, whether selected for the exhibition or not, may be eligible to join the first phase, which takes place online.
• Subsequent phases, delivered with industry partners, focus on hands-on business model development, technology validation, and pathways to market.

Our venture building programme supports university innovators as they move from research to real-world deployment. It provides tailored pathways for technology validation, industry access, regulatory navigation and business model development.

Please email us at info@prototypesforhumanity.com and a member of our team will get back to you.