Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prototypes for Humanity?

Prototypes for Humanity is a programme for university students and graduates from across the world working on social impact innovation. We empower, promote and help develop projects that offer solutions to challenges affecting communities, individuals. Our activities include exhibitions, prizes, an entrepreneurship programme, and knowledge exchange forums and events.   

What is the Prototypes for Humanity exhibition?

This annual event is a showcase of 100 social-impact innovation projects by university students from around the world, held in Dubai in November every year.

Who can apply?

All university students and recent graduates in any discipline can apply. In our selection process we focus on the projects and their impact, not who the students are or what university they come from.

What kind of projects can I submit?

You can apply with projects in any discipline, at any development stage – from concept to working solution – as long as it is an innovation creating positive impact for society or the planet. The project can be technologically-advanced or very simple, large scale or only aimed to help a small community. Take a look at the diversity of our past projects.

How are the projects selected?

Our selection team is composed of experts in the innovation and impact fields. They choose the 100 projects that will be exhibited during the event based on: positive social impact (on people, communities or the planet), originality in problem-solving, and application of technology (high or low).

Is there a prize?

Yes! $100,000 in prizes will be distributed among four teams in different categories. These winners are selected by a jury and announced during the event.

Do I get to travel to Dubai?

Yes! If your project is selected, we will sponsor one person from your team with accommodation and a subsidized return flight. The rest of your team is also welcome to come at their own expense. We are also sponsoring one professor from each university that has students participating.

When and how will I know if I’ve been selected? 

If you are selected, our team will email you to confirm your participation.

How do I apply for the entrepreneurship training?

When you apply to Prototypes for Humanity 2023 you can choose to also participate in the entrepreneurship training. All applicants (whether they are selected for the exhibition or not) are eligible to join the first phase of entrepreneurship training, which is online. We have teamed up with leading international venture studios and industry partners to deliver the next phase of the programme, which will focus on hands-on business model and technology development.

If I have applied to Prototypes for Humanity before, can I apply again?

Yes, but with a different project or with significant improvements to your previous project, and so long as you have stayed connected with academia. 

Can I submit more than one project?

Yes, you can submit as many projects as you’d like. 

Is this for students or graduates?

Both. Professors may also apply on behalf of their students. 

I’m still working on my project and it’s not very developed – can I apply? 

Yes. You can indicate the project phase in your application form on our website. If you don’t have a prototype or working solution, please provide as much detail and references as possible to help us understand how your solution works.

Will Prototypes for Humanity take my idea?

No. Applicants retain the rights to intellectual property (IP). In our terms and conditions we explain that we will not take or appropriate your IP. We are a platform for promoting you and your idea.

Where is the event taking place? 

The exhibition will be held in Dubai. We also have a digital showcase that will stay online as an archive after the show.

How do I apply? 

Apply on our website here. You’ll need to fill out a short form and upload your project.

I have a question that’s not answered here.

Send us an email to info@prototypesforhumanity.com and we’ll be in touch soon.