# Latifa bint Mohammed honours five outstanding student innovators during ‘Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity’ exhibition 


Five students from universities in the UK, Singapore, the USA, India and Australia receive a shared prize pool of $100,000 to advance their research in critical fields. 

Initiative provides students with access to local and international government entities, industry experts, investors and funding opportunities to support the development of their projects


 Held under the patronage of Latifa bint Mohammed, the programme underscores Dubai’s leading global role in driving innovation that serves humanity
 
  
  
  

**Government of Dubai Media Office – 18 November 2025:** Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, today honoured five outstanding students during this year’s edition of the ‘Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity’ exhibition. The students were recognised for exceptional innovations that offer practical solutions to global social and environmental challenges at an award ceremony held earlier today alongside the fourth edition of the Dubai Future Forum.
Her Highness and an expert jury selected the five students from a shortlist of 100 invited to participate in this year’s ‘Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity’ exhibition at AREA 2071 in Emirates Towers. The annual platform showcases university-led scientific innovations that address some of humanity’s most pressing challenges in health, technology, environment and social impact.
The students received a joint prize of $100,000 to support their research in vital fields. Over the past few months, thousands of solutions and innovations were submitted by students, recent graduates and professors from more than 1,200 universities across 120 countries.
The ‘Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity’ initiative, is held under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation. The programme is held under the patronage and leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. 
A joint effort between Prototypes for Humanity, an Art Dubai Group initiative, in partnership with Dubai Future Foundation, the Hussain Sajwani DAMAC Foundation and Dubai International Financial Centre, the programme supports university innovators from around the world in advancing their science-based solutions towards real-world application and growth.
The five exceptional innovators for the 2025 edition of ‘Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity’ were selected under five award categories: Health Diagnosis and Therapies, Circular Systems, Urban Society, Energy Futures, and Life Resources. 
In the **Health Diagnosis and Therapies** category, CASPER from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom was recognised for developing a precision gene targeting therapy and diagnostic platform designed to combat drug resistant infections.
In the Circular Systems category, SPEED from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore was selected for its nanoparticle platform that rapidly screens plastic degrading enzymes to accelerate recycling solutions. 
In the Urban Society category, Vocadian from Harvard University in the United States received recognition for its AI voice analysis tool that detects worker fatigue to help prevent accidents in high-risk sectors, including construction.
In the Energy Futures category, Iron Lights Lives from the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi, India, was honoured for creating a low cost, long duration iron air battery capable of storing renewable energy for more than 100 hours as an accessible alternative to lithium-ion technology.
In the Life Resources category, PlumeSense AI from the Queensland University of Technology in Australia was recognised for its AI software that maps underground CO₂ movement in real time, delivering results up to 10,000 times faster than traditional methods.
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum expressed her pride in the new generations of innovators who have presented groundbreaking solutions that embody innovation, excellence and the power of human ingenuity. She noted that these solutions reflect inspiring visions and ideas, demonstrating a strong sense of awareness and responsibility towards the future of society.
Her Highness said: “Today, we celebrate a distinguished group of creators who believed in their ability to make a difference. They harnessed their potential and presented exceptional innovations that transformed challenges into opportunities. Through their work, they have shown that true investment lies in minds capable of sustaining development and supporting the prosperity of communities.
“The objectives of the ‘Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity’ initiative, which brings together leading minds from academia and industry, align closely with the aspirations of creative innovators who seek to turn their ideas into impactful projects that serve humanity. The true value lies in applying these ideas within an integrated ecosystem that supports talent, nurtures new concepts and guides them towards creating global impact. We reaffirm our commitment to empowering these innovators and to continuing to support every initiative that contributes to enhancing quality of life and strengthening the readiness of our cities for the future.”
The 100 featured projects include entries from students and professors at universities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt and Jordan, alongside applicants from international institutions such as Harvard University, The University of Oxford, The University of Cambridge and MIT.
HE Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, affirmed that the ‘Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity’ initiative provides a global platform to showcase the most promising innovations from around the world, enabling them to scale and be implemented in real-world settings starting from Dubai. He added: “Through this initiative, we aim to spotlight the vital role of creative innovation in shaping the future and unlocking its opportunities by supporting and encouraging ideas that can advance key sectors and help build a better future for humanity.”
Hussain Sajwani, Founder of DAMAC Group, said, “We believe that tech-driven innovation is at the heart of progress, and we are honoured to be part of such an important initiative, which encourages young people to push the boundaries for the benefit of humanity. With over four decades of achievements, we understand the focus and dedication that is needed to transform ideas into a reality.” 
Throughout the four-day exhibition and through ongoing engagement with the programme, young innovators gain access to local and international government, industry professionals, investors and funding opportunities from a range of sectors including healthcare, energy, agriculture, smart infrastructure and applied AI. These connections are a crucial step in enabling the students to progress their ideas onto the next stage of commercial development and ultimately drive impactful change for real-world problems.
Tadeu Baldani Caravieri, Director of Prototypes for Humanity, concluded, “This week’s exhibition brings together the world’s most diverse display of academic innovation. It reflects years of dedication from students and graduates who are tackling real-world challenges with creativity and purpose. We look forward to working with them and seeing how their ideas evolve into ventures and collaborations that deliver measurable impact.
“Our robust network is what makes ‘Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity’ truly valuable, and our strength lies in the ecosystems the UAE has built — one that connects academia, government, and industry in a shared pursuit of innovation. We are deeply grateful for the continuous support of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and for the commitment of our partners across the public and private sectors. Their engagement ensures that the breakthroughs showcased here move beyond the classroom to become real solutions, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global capital for innovation and future-driven enterprise.” 

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Latifa bint Mohammed honours five outstanding student innovators during ‘Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity’ exhibition

Senior executives from major UAE industries and public entities met with emerging innovators and leading professors from global and local universities during the annual exhibition  

 

Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity brings together the top 100 students and their university-led innovations tackling today’s most urgent global issues across society and the environment 

 

The initiative offers students an ongoing venture-building programme to progress their innovations into commercial development thanks to unparalleled support from UAE-based industry professionals 

 

Empowering professors as catalysts of change, the new Professors Programme advances science to create real-world impact by responding to pressing needs from industries, governments and society in general 

 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 01 December 2025: This year’s Dubai Future Solutions - Prototypes for Humanity welcomed senior representatives from more than 100 leading private and public organisations, across key sectors such as healthcare, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and agriculture, demonstrating growing national interest in science-driven innovation. Many attended specifically to explore the groundbreaking science-based prototypes on display, reflecting the programme’s increasing relevance to the UAE’s future-focused innovation agenda.  

 

The annual exhibition at AREA 2071 in Emirates Towers, held alongside the Dubai Future Forum, showcased 100 of the most promising innovations drawn from thousands of submissions by students and professors at over 1,200 universities across 120 countries. Tackling some of humanity’s greatest social and environmental challenges, the prototypes offered solutions that can make a substantial impact on people’s daily lives and humanity’s future well-being.  

 

Beyond the showcase, Dubai Future Solution – Prototypes for Humanity is a global platform bringing together innovators and industry leaders, with specific tracks supporting real-world impact and application. Students have access to year-round structured partnerships, funded pilots, venture development and knowledge exchange programmes. With over a decade-long track record, the initiative has become a powerful engine for turning research into enterprise and bridges the gap between academia and commercial development.  

 

 

 

This year, the summit welcomed senior leaders from major corporations such as M42, NMC Healthcare, Dubai Health alongside delegates from the Young Presidents’ Organisation (YPO) and Capital Club Dubai. They attended to explore opportunities with student innovators and to participate in workshops on how industry and academia can collaborate to solve real-world problems. 

 

Albarah El Khani, Chief Operating Officer, Integrated Health Solutions platform at M42, said, “ Seeing these innovations gathered in one setting not only shows where breakthrough science is moving, but also provides a platform for major corporations to lend expertise and support to grow and scale solutions to positively impact lives all around the world. This complements M42’s focus on leveraging innovations in health and genomics and our capabilities in AI and tech to shift from reactive, sick care to personalized, preventive and predictive health.” 

 

Peter Baltussen, Co-founder of Linktia, a technology-led investment firm, said, “Prototypes for Humanity gives industry a front row seat to breakthroughs that will define the next decade. So many of the prototypes on show address critical global issues, from climate resilience, resource efficiency, and health equity. Seeing these ideas before they enter the market gives industry leaders a unique chance to support solutions that can deliver both economic and environmental value.”  

 

The strong industry presence was underscored by the YPO, whose members were among the senior executives visiting the exhibition. Sascha Pietrek, Board Member – EFG Bank (Middle East) said, “As business leaders, we recognise our responsibility to champion innovations that address humanity’s toughest challenges. What we saw at Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity shows how powerfully industry and academia can work together to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. The conversations our members had with students and professors highlighted the significant untapped potential out there, and the importance of platforms like this, which place cutting-edge research directly in front of decision makers who can help scale it.” 

 

Speaking after the conclusion of the exhibition, Tadeu Baldani Caravieri, Director of Prototypes for Humanity, said, “The students invested an immense amount of time and effort developing their solutions to this advanced stage, and it is tremendous to see how well-received they have been by leading private and public organisations. Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity offers so much more than a 4-day exhibition. Without this link between academia and industry, many solutions that have the potential to solve global issues would remain within the academic community.  

 

“By offering a structured venture-building framework and access to partners, we help academic teams navigate the key steps of development, from early research to pilot implementation and industry validation. Without this guidance, advancing these projects towards an effective application could take much longer. The engagement we have received from local and international organisations this year reflects the quality of the entries, and as more industry partners join us, the potential to scale these solutions and create impact across sectors will continue to grow.” 

 

ENDS 

 

 

About Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity: 

Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity, is held under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), and is a global programme that invites innovators, researchers, and visionaries from universities around the world to develop transformative solutions for the benefit of humanity. With the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the programme aims to foster future-driven innovations by supporting prototypes and pilot models that address critical global challenges, and at the same time advancing Dubai’s position as a global innovation hub.  

Supported by strategic partners, the Dubai Future Foundation and the Hussain Sajwani – DAMAC Foundation, along with its founding partner Dubai International Financial Centre, and led by Prototypes for Humanity, an Art Dubai Group initiative, the programme connects university students and their professors with government, industry and potential investors worldwide, to accelerate the growth of their pioneering ideas.  

Through its annual exhibition at The Boulevard Jumeirah Emirates Towers, the programme showcases the top 100 innovations, driving community improvement, entrepreneurship, and market expansion. By nurturing talent and turning innovative concepts into reality, the programme strives to build a better future, from Dubai to the world. 

 

About Dubai Future Foundation  

Dubai Future Foundation anticipates, designs, and drives Dubai’s future within a cohesive, collaborative framework. We foresee challenges, explore new opportunities, and aspire to make Dubai one of the most future-ready cities in the world and a key player in crafting an optimal future for all. Our main aim is to establish Dubai as a global benchmark for designing an inspiring, progressive, and sustainable future. Our role is to support in bringing the future of Dubai into the present, setting an inspiring precedent for future-focused cities. With our ambitious, bold, and influential approach, we foster a culture that embraces foresight as a way of work and life. How do we do it? We set Dubai’s role as a global hub for testing and pioneering future solutions and technology. We also convene the world’s top futurists. In parallel, we embrace ideation and advanced technology, facilitating the adoption of advanced technology across various sectors through influential partnerships aimed at constantly advancing business, legislative, and regulatory environments. We also promote participatory and collaborative work among various entities and partners, supporting the startup and entrepreneurial communities. This is all supported by a commitment to experiencing the future, providing immersive experiences for individuals to live the future today. www.dubaifuture.ae  

About Dubai International Financial Centre 

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world’s most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 77 countries with an approximate population of 3.8bn and an estimated GDP of USD 11.2trn.With a 20-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe, and the Americas through Dubai. DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region’s largest financial ecosystem of 48,000 professionals working across over 8,000 active registered companies – making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region.  

The Centre’s vision is to drive the future of finance through cutting-edge technology, innovation, and partnerships. Today, it is the global future of finance and innovation hub offering one of the region’s most comprehensive AI, FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups.    

Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels, and public spaces, DIFC continues to be one of Dubai’s most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations.  

For further information, please visit our website: difc.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and X @DIFC. 

 

About Art Dubai Group 

The Art Dubai Group is a commercial public/private partnership established in 2007. The company owns and delivers the Middle East’s leading creative fairs and festivals, convening audiences from across the globe, providing platforms for social and cultural connections, and contributing to the growth and prosperity of the local creative economy.  

The Art Dubai Group’s mission is to build thriving ecosystems that have a global impact through initiatives that include world class events, commissioning creative talent and innovative professional development programmes, alongside offering industry expertise to private and government institutions. 

The group now comprises over 30 initiatives. These include Art Dubai, the Middle East’s leading international art fair, Dubai Design Week, the region’s largest creative festival and Prototypes for Humanity. 

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Over 100 senior executives across private and public sector joined forces with leading academics to discuss solutions to environmental and social problems at Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity  

- *The event will be held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed*
- *100 projects will be shortlisted to participate in the exhibition taking place from 17 – 20 November at AREA 2071, Emirates Towers Boulevard*
- *The exhibition will highlight an extensive range of ideas tackling today’s most urgent global issues, from healthcare, agriculture, water, and energy to mobility, environment, and civil society*
- *Five participants will be honoured during the award ceremony.*
- *Dubai Future Solutions - Prototypes for Humanity is held in partnership with Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and the Hussain Sajwani – DAMAC Foundation*
- *The programme provides participants with access to government, industry leaders, venture experts, and funding opportunities, helping translate ideas into scalable innovations that deliver real-world impact*

**Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 22 October 2025:** Dubai is once again set to host the world’s most diverse gathering of academic talent and innovation, ‘Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity.’ The initiative brings together students and professors from leading universities across the globe to present solutions addressing humanity’s most pressing social and environmental challenges.

The yearly showcase will take place from 17 to 20 November 2025, under the patronage and leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture). A joint effort between Prototypes for Humanity, an Art Dubai Group initiative, in partnership with Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and the Hussain Sajwani – DAMAC Foundation, the programme supports university innovators from around the world to advance their solutions towards real-world application and growth. With the submission phase for the 2025 edition now complete, 100 projects will be shortlisted from a total pool of over 3,000 submissions from students, recent graduates, and professors representing more than 1,200 universities across 120 countries. This year includes entries from Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge, and MIT alongside first-time participants from Bolivia, Rwanda and Uzbekistan.

The 100 selected projects will be invited to showcase their innovations in Dubai, at AREA 2071, Emirates Towers Boulevard alongside the 4th edition of the Dubai Future Forum, and five will be honoured at the event’s award ceremony. The exhibition will highlight an extensive range of ideas tackling today’s most urgent global issues, from healthcare, agriculture, water, and energy to mobility, environment, and civil society.

With a legacy spanning more than a decade, Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity underscores academia’s essential role in shaping solutions to complex global challenges. The programme provides participants with access to government, industry leaders, venture experts, and funding opportunities, helping translate ideas into scalable innovations that deliver real-world impact. Students will also have the opportunity to access a dedicated programme focusing on piloting projects with leading companies from the region. This year’s submissions reveal a growing trend of highly specialised solutions tailored to real-world needs, as well as a rising commitment among innovators to democratise access to technology, ensuring that their solutions are inclusive and globally beneficial.

**His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul**, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), affirmed that this global initiative continues to draw some of the brightest minds and most creative talents from leading universities and institutions around the world to Dubai. It serves as a unique platform that unites the efforts of government, academia, and innovators to transform global challenges into opportunities and develop practical solutions that advance humanity.

**Hussain Sajwani**, Founder of DAMAC Group said: “Under its wise leadership, Dubai has established itself as a global hub for talent, innovation, and creativity. The ‘Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity’ initiative is a remarkable example of how the city continues to inspire and empower young innovators to develop technologies that have a meaningful impact on people’s lives. At DAMAC, we are proud to support this initiative, as it reflects our commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and transforming ideas into real solutions that benefit the UAE and the entire world.

"Our partnership with the Dubai Future Foundation aligns with Dubai’s vision to strengthen its position as a leading global centre for technology and creativity. Together, we aim to encourage and enable the next generation of innovators to create solutions that address global challenges and contribute to a better, more sustainable future for all,” he added.

**Tadeu Baldani Caravieri**, Director of Prototypes for Humanity, remarked: “Across the board, we are seeing a trend this year in the innovations democratising solutions, making them more accessible and affordable, so that all countries can use vital technology that will help solve real-world problems in key areas such as healthcare, climate devastation and agriculture. The calibre of entries this year is testament to the reputation that we have built over the last decade, gaining attention from the brightest and most able minds to submit thoroughly researched, hyperspecialised and specific innovations to tackle the world’s pressing social and environmental problems.”

### Solutions moving from ideas to reality

A number of groundbreaking innovations that participated in Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity in previous years have progressed onto the next stage of development as part of the venture building programmes offered by the initiative.

For more information on **Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity**, please visit: [Prototypesforhumanity.com](https://prototypesforhumanity.com)

**– ENDS –**

### Notes to Editors

**For press information please contact**  
Emma Barber | [emma.barber@secnewgate.com](mailto:emma.barber@secnewgate.com) | +971 (0) 50 850 1273  
Ihab Youssef | [ihab.yousef@secnewgate.com](mailto:ihab.yousef@secnewgate.com) | +971 (0) 55 768 4150

### About Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity

Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity, is held under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), and is a global programme that invites innovators, researchers, and visionaries from universities around the world to develop transformative solutions for the benefit of humanity. With the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the programme aims to foster future-driven innovations by supporting prototypes and pilot models that address critical global challenges, and at the same time advancing Dubai’s position as a global innovation hub.

Supported by strategic partners, the Dubai Future Foundation and the Hussain Sajwani – DAMAC Foundation, along with its founding partner Dubai International Financial Centre, and led by Prototypes for Humanity, an Art Dubai Group initiative, the programme connects university students and their professors with government, industry and potential investors worldwide, to accelerate the growth of their pioneering ideas.

Through its annual exhibition at The Boulevard Jumeirah Emirates Towers, the programme showcases the top 100 innovations, driving community improvement, entrepreneurship, and market expansion. By nurturing talent and turning innovative concepts into reality, the programme strives to build a better future, from Dubai to the world.

### About Dubai Future Foundation

Dubai Future Foundation anticipates, designs, and drives Dubai’s future within a cohesive, collaborative framework. We foresee challenges, explore new opportunities, and aspire to make Dubai one of the most future-ready cities in the world and a key player in crafting an optimal future for all. Our main aim is to establish Dubai as a global benchmark for designing an inspiring, progressive, and sustainable future.

Our role is to support in bringing the future of Dubai into the present, setting an inspiring precedent for future-focused cities. With our ambitious, bold, and influential approach, we foster a culture that embraces foresight as a way of work and life. How do we do it? We set Dubai’s role as a global hub for testing and pioneering future solutions and technology. We also convene the world’s top futurists. In parallel, we embrace ideation and advanced technology, facilitating the adoption of advanced technology across various sectors through influential partnerships aimed at constantly advancing business, legislative, and regulatory environments. We also promote participatory and collaborative work among various entities and partners, supporting the startup and entrepreneurial communities. This is all supported by a commitment to experiencing the future, providing immersive experiences for individuals to live the future today. [www.dubaifuture.ae](https://www.dubaifuture.ae)

### About Dubai International Financial Centre

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world’s most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 72 countries with an approximate population of 3 billion and an estimated GDP of USD 8 trillion. With a close to 20-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe and the Americas through Dubai.

DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region’s largest financial ecosystem of over 39,000 professionals working across over 4,900 active registered companies – making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region. The Centre’s vision is to drive the future of finance through cutting-edge technology, innovation, and partnerships. Today, it is the global future of finance and innovation hub offering one of the region’s most comprehensive FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups.

Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels and public spaces, DIFC continues to be one of Dubai’s most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations. For further information, please visit our website [difc.ae](https://www.difc.ae), or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter **@DIFC**

### About Art Dubai Group

The Art Dubai Group is a commercial public/private partnership established in 2007. The company owns and delivers the Middle East’s leading creative fairs and festivals, convening audiences from across the globe, providing platforms for social and cultural connections, and contributing to the growth and prosperity of the local creative economy.

The Art Dubai Group’s mission is to build thriving ecosystems that have a global impact through initiatives that include world class events, commissioning creative talent and innovative professional development programmes, alongside offering industry expertise to private and government institutions.

The group now comprises over 30 initiatives. These include **Art Dubai**, the Middle East’s leading international art fair, **Dubai Design Week**, the region’s largest creative festival and **Prototypes for Humanity**.


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Press Release - Prototypes for Humanity 2025 Announcement 22-10-25 Arabic.pdf

Press Release - Prototypes for Humanity 2025 Announcement 22-10-25 English.pdf

Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity’ Draws Global Participation with 3000+ Submissions from 1200 Universities Worldwide

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid
Inaugurates “Prototypes for Humanity”
The world’s most diverse assembly of academic innovation that have the
power to change the world, and brings together stakeholders from the
private and public sectors, to leverage academic innovation and
accelerate change
● On Monday 14th November, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and member of the Dubai Council opened
the inaugural Prototypes for Humanity exhibition at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
● The Prototypes for Humanity exhibition showcases 100 best-in-class projects for social and environmental
impact, by university students across all science, tech, and creative disciplines, chosen from 450 universities
in over 100 countries
● In line with its mission, the unveiling of the programme gathered a high-profile group of Dubai leaders
across multiple industries, who convened to discuss strategies and opportunities to leverage the city’s
infrastructure to support the development of real-world solutions for a better world.
● 160 universities students and professors, hailing from over 50 countries, were welcomed to Dubai by DIFC’s
CEO Arif Amiri, and were introduced to the city’s and DIFC’s efforts and initiatives towards building a
sustainable future.
● The $100,000 Prototypes for Humanity Award fund was given to 4 projects in the fields of health, society,
environment, and corporate solution

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Press_Release_Prototypes_for_Humanity_2025_Announcement_22_10_25_English_f0d45b0d68 (1).pdf

Prototypes for humanity 2024

# Exhibition, held until 20 November, is the world’s most diverse gathering of academic talent and innovation
Four-day event brings together 100 outstanding student-led projects that address humanity’s most urgent social and environmental challenges
**Her Highness:** The ‘Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity’ initiative has reinforced its position as a leading platform that empowers innovation
“This initiative continues to demonstrate humanity's immense capacity for innovation. It reflects our belief in the power of creative thinking to uplift communities and improve lives”
“By showcasing the dedication of the next generation to developing practical solutions to today’s social and environmental challenges, the initiative plays an essential role in shaping the future and reimagining what is possible”
**Government of Dubai Media Office – 17 November 2025:** Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), today inaugurated the latest edition of the ‘Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity’ exhibition at AREA 2071 in Emirates Towers.
During her tour, Her Highness also met with a distinguished group of leaders representing key government entities and innovation-driven organisations whose work is critical to transforming ideas into scalable, real-world solutions. These included HE Eng. Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality; Dr Amer Al Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health; Dr Saeed Al Mansoori, Director of the Remote Sensing Department at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre; Faris Saeed, Founder and Chairman of SEE Holding; Fadi Ghandour, Chairman of Wamda; Dr Ozan Koseoglu, Global Head at Siemens Energy; Ibtisam Al-Saadi, Director of Industrial Policies and Legislation at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology; Arif Al Amiri, CEO of the Dubai International Financial Centre; Nadir Al Bastaki, Director General of the Dubai Future District Fund; and Douraid Zaghouani, Chief Operating Officer of the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD).
Her Highness highlighted that Prototypes for Humanity serves as a vital connector, linking breakthrough university research with the ecosystem of partners capable of accelerating these ideas into impactful ventures.
The four-day event brings together 100 outstanding student-led projects that address humanity’s most urgent social and environmental challenges. During her visit, Her Highness met with the initiative’s supporting partners to discuss the importance of university-led scientific innovations in driving solutions with real-world impact.  
The 100 projects on display at the ‘Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity’ exhibition have been shortlisted from thousands of submissions by students, recent graduates and professors enrolled at more than 1,200 universities across 120 countries. The exhibition runs until Thursday, 20 November, alongside the 4th edition of the Dubai Future Forum.
The ‘Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity’ initiative is held under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation. The initiative is organised under the patronage and leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. 
A joint effort between Prototypes for Humanity, an Art Dubai Group initiative, in partnership with Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), the Hussain Sajwani – DAMAC Foundation, and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the programme supports university innovators from around the world to advance their science-backed solutions towards real-world application and growth.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that the ‘Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity’ initiative has reinforced its position as a leading platform that empowers innovation. She noted that it has become a hub for exceptional ideas and inspiring projects, and a global meeting point for young talents, experts, and decision-makers to exchange perspectives and explore future opportunities.
Her Highness said: “This initiative continues to demonstrate humanity's immense capacity for innovation. If reflects our belief in the power of creative thinking to uplift communities and improve lives. By showcasing the dedication of the next generation to developing practical solutions to today’s social and environmental challenges, the initiative plays an essential role in shaping the future and reimagining what is possible. It also underscores Dubai’s commitment to science, knowledge, and research by turning exceptional ideas into impactful projects that serve humanity. This vision opens new avenues for discovery and lays the groundwork for a more sustainable future.”
Her Highness added: “Every major achievement begins with a single idea, and a powerful idea can create a legacy that lasts. When that idea finds the right environment to nurture it, it blossoms into something extraordinary. This reflects the mission of this initiative, which reaffirms our commitment to supporting creativity, empowering young talent, and advancing our shared aspirations for comprehensive and sustainable development.”
His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), said, “Our ambition is to position Dubai among the world’s leading future cities. The creative innovations presented through the ‘Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity’ exhibition encapsulate this visionary thinking. In a short period of time, Dubai has established itself as a leading global hub for innovation and technology, a testing ground for creative thinkers, and a destination for some of the world’s most influential entrepreneurs and pioneering organisations.” 
His Excellency Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of the DIFC Authority and Chairman of the Board of Art Dubai, said: “This week has been a source of real inspiration, and DIFC is proud to lead a programme with global impact. As a founding partner of ‘Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity’, we remain committed to driving the future of technology and sustainability and to providing ongoing support to innovators whose projects will make a significant difference to societies across the world.”
Clear trends for this year’s submissions highlighted a strong focus on tackling major global health issues, environmental concerns and climate resilience. Many students developed hyperspecialised, real-world solutions, tailoring their academic expertise to provide bespoke, detailed responses to global issues. A significant proportion of projects prioritised affordability and accessibility, ensuring that innovation benefits a wider audience. The integration of powerful enabling technologies, such as AI across traditional sectors, further underscores the evolving innovation landscape, where core technologies can be applied to tangible problems.
Tadeu Baldani Caravieri, Director of Prototypes for Humanity, said: “Our criteria for entry are demanding, and we receive thousands of applications each year with real solutions to real problems affecting society and the environment today. Innovations such as these need to be mobilised from universities into commercial development so humanity can truly benefit. ‘Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity’ provides a crucial connection between ideas born in academia and commercially produced innovations.” 
Throughout the exhibition and through ongoing engagement with the programme, young innovators gain access to local and international government, industry professionals, investors, and funding opportunities across a range of sectors, including healthcare, energy, agriculture, smart infrastructure, and applied AI. These connections are a crucial step in enabling students to advance their ideas to the next stage of commercial development and ultimately drive impactful change for real-world problems.
Five outstanding entrants selected from the 100 shortlisted entries will be awarded a shared prize pool of $100,000 to further advance their research in critical areas. 

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Press Release - Latifa bint Mohammed inaugurates ‘Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity exhibition’ 2025 English (1).pdf

Latifa bint Mohammed inaugurates ‘Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity exhibition’ 2025

Global Grad Show gears up for the most comprehensive showcase of social
impact innovation to date, following 70% growth in its university network
• Top graduates from 470 leading universities across Europe, Americas, Asia, Africa
and Middle East have applied to this year’s edition
• Over 1,000 IP-backed projects registered to join the entrepreneurship programme
• Growth strengthens alignment with UAE’s vision for economic development
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES; October 10, 2021: The Global Grad Show, held under the
patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of
Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and member of the Dubai Council, and in partnership with A.R.M.
Holding and Dubai Culture, is set for its most impactful edition to date.
Global Grad Show is a leading international programme for social impact innovations created by
university graduates. For its upcoming seventh edition, it has received applications from over 70
countries, with a 70% increase in the number of universities compared to 2020.
This year’s growth in size is also matched by heightened diversity. Participants have put forward
innovation in fields ranging from bioengineering to cloud computing, neuroscience and urban
design, hailing from universities such as Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Oxford and Cambridge, alongside
regional colleges in developing economies including Bhutan, Ethiopia, El Salvador, Jamaica and
Brunei.
Global Grad Show’s yearly showcase is a central part of the programme. The 2021 selection of
international projects will be unveiled online on November 8, featuring the most innovative
solutions to some of the greatest (and often unappreciated) challenges of our times. In addition,
MENA Grad Show will display social impact projects by academic talent from the region, at a physical
exhibition as part of Dubai Design Week. 

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Global-Grad-Show-PRL-FINAL-EN.pdf

Global Grad Show 2021

The Prototypes for Humanity Short Papers Platform provides a forum for professors from around the world to share research and engage in interdisciplinary dialogue, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, with a focus on academic research driving real world impact. 
 
Prototypes for Humanity and the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) have announced a new strategic partnership for the 2026 edition of the Short Papers Platform, to support research by professors addressing complex challenges, and offering tangible pathways to solutions. The 2026 edition invites academics across all institutions and disciplines to submit research addressing seven strategic themes, designed to reflect international research priorities and that are relevant to the city and to the fund.

2026 Short Papers Platform

Professors are invited to submit abstracts from now up and to including May 22nd 2026.  
Up to 60 professors will be invited to develop their abstracts into short papers, to be presented at a conference in Dubai in November 2026, with fully funded travel and accommodation for lead authors, followed by a formal publication of proceedings. 
As part of the programme’s ongoing commitment to research translation, ICD will award a USD 50,000 prize to one project selected from the papers presented at the conference. 


Call for Abstracts Now Open 

The Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) is the principal investment arm of the Government of Dubai. Established in 2006, ICD manages a broad portfolio of assets, both locally and internationally, across a wide spectrum of sectors that support Dubai’s dynamic economy.

About ICD

Key Dates

If you have any questions, please email us at **professors@prototypesforhumanity.com**
 or fill out the contact form below. 

Have a Question?

**26 May 2026** 

The Short Papers Platform provides a forum for professors from around the world to share research and engage in interdisciplinary dialogue, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange   


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2026 Short Papers Platform - Call for Abstracts

Ready to make an impact? 

Present your project at the 2026 Dubai Future Solutions - Prototypes for Humanity summit in Dubai, 15-19 November 2026 

Apply now and take your place on the global stage

Applications Now Open

What **problem** are you addressing?
How are **existing** solutions failing?
What is your **alternative** solution?
How does it perform **better**?
What **impact** does your solution have?

We’d like you to tell us


We provide 100 selected projects with support to attend the summit in Dubai for both the leading student and supervisor. This includes:
- Hotel accommodation
- Flight subsidy
- Spending allowance
- Transport between the hotel, summit venue, and programme activities
- Curated social events

Travel and Accommodation

**12 March 2026** 

Ready to make an impact? Present your project at the 2026 Dubai Future Solutions - Prototypes for Humanity summit in Dubai, 15-19 November 2026


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2026 Submissions Open 

In 2025, Prototypes for Humanity launched a new Academic Forum, bringing together 115 distinguished international academics to help turn science-backed research into real-world outcomes through active collaboration with industry and public-sector stakeholders.

Designed to empower professors as catalysts of change, the forum enables high-level dialogue, networking, meetings and curated collaborations between academia, government, industry professionals, investors and venture experts. 

New for 2025: Prototypes for Humanity Annual Summit introduces a new Academic Forum

The forum emphasised the vital role academics play in turning breakthrough research into real-world outcomes. Many promising ideas remain in academia because adoption is complex and depends on the right partners, validation environments, and implementation expertise. Connecting professors with decision-makers accelerates progress and creates pathways for scientific insight to translate into pilots, partnerships, and scalable impact.

Bridging research with real-world application 

Participating professors engaged in an intensive schedule designed to spark interdisciplinary collaboration and accelerate knowledge exchange, through:

- Workshops and dialogues with industry and venture experts
- Industry-led innovation sandpits, shaped around real-world challenges  and needs
- Interdisciplinary exchanges spanning sectors and scientific domains
- Peer-to-peer sessions supporting collaboration and insight-sharing
- Discussions focused on urgent challenges across health, climate, energy, and AI, reinforcing the emphasis on applied, high-impact research that can respond to real-world demands.
 

An Agenda Designed for Action

The breadth of research represented in the Forum was reflected in two days of short paper presentations, showcasing work across critical scientific and societal themes, alongside PechaKucha sessions, a fast-paced format for professors to present ideas, share knowledge and spark conversation.


Showcasing Global Research

# The Academic Forum concluded with Best Paper Awards, recognising outstanding academic contributions across seven categories. The winners were:



Awards and People’s Choice Winners 

The People’s Choice Awards were selected by attendees, recognising research that strongly resonated with the community. The winners were: 



Tadeu Baldani Caravieri, Director of Prototypes for Humanity, said: “Professors are central to shaping solutions to real-world problems, yet often groundbreaking research doesn’t reach where it is needed most. By uniting global academic excellence with Dubai’s future-driven ecosystem, we create structured pathways for research to accelerate into real-world impact. 


Leadership perspective 

Building on this momentum, Prototypes for Humanity will launch a formal publication platform in 2026, strengthening cross-border knowledge exchange and creating new opportunities for academics whose work demonstrates measurable social or environmental impact. 

 

What’s next: a new publication platform in 2026 

**10 February 2026** 

In 2025, Prototypes for Humanity launched a new Academic Forum, bringing together 115 distinguished international academics to help turn science-backed research into real-world outcomes through active collaboration with industry and public-sector stakeholders.


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New Academic Forum

The Prototypes for Humanity Award presented to Dr Maral Bayaraa has been formally added to the University of Oxford’s History of Science Museum collection, alongside some of the world’s most significant scientific innovations that tell stories of human ingenuity. 

 

The ceremony at the museum, during which Dr Bayaraa donated her award certificate to the museum’s archive, was attended by representatives from the 1851 Royal Commission, the University of Oxford, the Mongolian Embassy, the Dubai Future Foundation and Prototypes for Humanity. 

 

The award was presented to Dr Bayaraa during the 2023 edition of Prototypes for Humanity, recognising her innovation Digital Twins 4 Tailings Dams. The solution combines satellite Earth observation with AI-driven analysis to help monitor the stability of tailings storage facilities, strengthening early-warning capabilities, improving risk oversight, and supporting safe, more sustainable mining practices. 
 

For Prototypes for Humanity, the donation is more than symbolic. Museum accessioning now gives the award a permanent institutional home, preserving the story of a science-backed innovation designed to prevent environmental harm and protect communities. 

 

Dr Bayaraa, originally from Mongolia and now based in the UK, is a PhD researcher at the University of Oxford and a Senior Specialist in Earth Observation at the Satellite Applications Catapult. She initially planned to study the arts and philosophy before choosing geology, a pivot that ultimately led her to study the planet at scale from space.

Prototypes for Humanity award enters a world-class museum collection

Tailings storage facilities are essential to modern mining, but failures can be catastrophic, causing environmental damage, threatening waterways, and placing surrounding communities at risk. Dr Bayaraa’s approach uses satellite-based Earth observation and AI to monitor these facilities and detect indicators of instability earlier, supporting better decision-making, improved oversight, and more proactive risk management. 

Why this innovation matters 

**18 December 2025**

The Prototypes for Humanity Award presented to Dr Maral Bayaraa has been formally added to the University of Oxford’s History of Science Museum collection, alongside some of the world’s most significant scientific innovations that tell stories of human ingenuity.

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Congratulations to our 2025 winners

Our annual programme celebrates outstanding innovations that demonstrate scientific excellence, deliver measurable impact on today’s most urgent social and environmental challenges, and show strong potential for commercial implementation.

Awards Overview

In 2025, USD 100,000 in prizes was awarded to the teams behind the most promising solutions across five categories.

Chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, and member of the Dubai Council, the jury for the 2025 Awards includes global industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries – whose insight, experience, and integrity guide our evaluation process.

Jury Members

**5 January 2026**
Meet previous winning teams and explore projects recognised for excellence, impact, and real-world potential. These initiatives demonstrate how academic research can translate into practical solutions addressing global challenges across sectors.

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2026 Short Papers Platform - Call for Abstracts

2026 Submissions Open

New Academic Forum

Prototypes for Humanity award enters a world-class museum collection

Past Winners