Deadline: 1-Aug-25
Applications are now open for the Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity Program, an initiative designed to promote and support the development of tangible, real-world solutions to pressing social and environmental issues.
This program brings together university innovators with the private and public sectors, fostering a collaborative environment aimed at transforming academic ideas into viable, impactful ventures.
It draws from a global network of academic institutions, representing more than 800 universities, and encourages participation from students and recent graduates whose projects are addressing some of the most urgent challenges facing communities and ecosystems today.
Prototypes for Humanity serves as a global platform for showcasing innovation emerging from academia. Selected projects will be highlighted among the most promising university-led initiatives on the international stage, garnering attention from media outlets and influential stakeholders.
Participants will also have the opportunity to present their work in Dubai, a growing hub for technology and innovation, where they will engage directly with industry leaders, government representatives, and potential investors.
This exposure not only amplifies their visibility but also creates pathways for mentorship, partnerships, and tailored support that can help bring their ideas to market.
Participants in the program can expect a host of valuable benefits, including dedicated promotional content about their work shared across the program’s wide-reaching community. They will become part of a global network of changemakers and gain access to venture-building resources.
This includes direct funding, expert guidance, and collaboration opportunities with industry leaders committed to driving innovative solutions forward. The top researchers will receive a $100,000 prize, along with field trips aimed at validating their project concepts in real-world conditions.
To ensure participants can focus on their work and networking, the program covers a range of logistical costs. These include hotel accommodations during the event, a flight subsidy to support travel expenses, a personal spending allowance for the duration of the program, and transportation within Dubai for all official activities.
Attendees will also be invited to curated social events, providing informal networking opportunities and immersive cultural experiences within the city.
The program is open to individuals currently enrolled in any undergraduate or postgraduate course, as well as university graduates who completed their studies within the past two years. Projects will be evaluated on multiple dimensions, including their potential for positive impact on people, communities, or the environment.
A strong emphasis will be placed on the depth and rigor of the academic research behind the proposal, as well as the application of technology—whether advanced or simple—in providing innovative and practical solutions.
Applicants are required to complete an online application form with detailed information about their academic background and project. Submissions must include digital media that helps visualize and explain the innovation.
This may consist of high-resolution images of prototypes, clearly labeled diagrams that explain core processes or technological components, and optionally, videos that demonstrate the project in action. These materials help reviewers better understand the concept and its potential for real-world application.
By participating in the Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity Program, young innovators gain not just recognition but an opportunity to refine their work, connect with a global community, and transform academic research into impactful, scalable solutions.
For more information, visit Prototypes for Humanity.
