Latest news with #ChangemakersAcademy
Khaleej Times
10 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: After Fujairah floods, 22-year-old creates crisis system, wins Dh50,000 grant
From a competitive pool of 148 applications, ten outstanding youth-led projects have been selected to receive Dh50,000 grants, business licenses, and full support packages through the Changemakers Academy, a flagship programme by the Expo City Dubai Foundation. The winning teams showcased innovative solutions ranging from AI-powered environmental monitoring to assistive technologies for people of determination, all aligned with the UAE's Year of Community and developed in partnership with the Community Development Authority (CDA). The awardees will also benefit from expert mentorship, hands-on training, and access to collaborative workspaces within Expo City Dubai's vibrant innovation ecosystem. This holistic support aims to empower entrepreneurs to develop their ideas into scalable social enterprises that can create a lasting impact across the UAE. Among the winners is Emirati innovator Saara Hassan Al Kaabi, who presented her project, the Smart Rainwater Management Emergency and Response System (SRMERS). Addressing the urgent challenge of sudden floods in the UAE, her solution leverages smart sensors, automated alerts, and a mobile application to detect flood risks in real time, warn residents, and store excess rainwater for future use, thereby mitigating human and material losses caused by outdated drainage infrastructure. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. The 22-year-old said, "Our idea was born from experiencing the 2022 Fujairah floods firsthand. We couldn't reach our homes or hospitals, and we saw how the lack of a smart system can cause serious harm. With SERMERS, we aim to build safer, smarter cities that protect lives and resources." Another standout project is Vantage, developed by 19-year-old Indian Dev Tarunkumar Bhodia, a wearable assistive device designed to enhance spatial awareness for individuals with visual impairments. Combining LiDAR technology, computer vision, and haptic feedback in an affordable VR-style headset, Vantage provides real-time 360-degree obstacle detection, empowering users to navigate dynamic environments with greater confidence and independence. Bhodia reflected, "Watching a visually impaired person struggle unnoticed in a crowded street inspired us to create Vantage. Technology should not only be convenient but also restore dignity and independence. Winning this award validates our commitment to making a meaningful social impact." Joining these innovators is Abdullah AlSalmani, a 25-year-old Iraqi national born and raised in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, and a graduate of UAE University. Abdullah created the SatKit Program, an educational platform designed to teach students satellite development through hands-on learning. SatKit addresses challenges such as limited student access to advanced space technology, declining interest in STEM fields, and uncertainties in career paths. The program offers modular satellite kits, interactive workshops, and teacher training, empowering students to explore satellite engineering from basic concepts to full mission simulations. AlSalmani said, "I struggled to choose a major in high school because I lacked early exposure. SatKit is my way to open doors for students to experience space technology firsthand. Being recognized by Expo City Dubai Foundation is an honor that motivates us to keep pushing boundaries." Launched in February 2025, the Changemakers Academy is a flagship programme of the Expo City Dubai Foundation. It provides structured, hands-on training delivered in partnership with Lumi — an AI-powered learning platform — guiding participants through design-thinking exercises and entrepreneurial development. This initiative exemplifies the power of cross-sector collaboration, bringing together government, academia, the private sector, and civil society with a unified purpose: to address a range of societal needs and build a more sustainable and inclusive future. The Changemakers Academy is part of the Expo City Dubai Foundation, which aims to bridge the gap between people, ideas, and resources by actively supporting social enterprises and problem-solvers in finding, growing, and scaling innovative solutions to our most pressing challenges. Together, these innovators represent the dynamic spirit of the UAE's youth, combining personal experience, technological expertise, and social consciousness to develop solutions with real-world impact. Their projects embody the Academy's mission to nurture creative problem-solving and drive social, environmental, and economic growth across the Emirates.
The National
11 hours ago
- Business
- The National
Expo City Dubai to fund 10 start-ups as new academy launched
The first 10 UAE entrepreneurs have been selected by the Expo City Dubai Foundation to receive funds, training and support as part of a new Changemakers Academy. Each of the winners will receive a grant of up to Dh50,000 ($13,613), a business licence and a workspace at the academy in Alif, or the Mobility Pavilion, on the Expo City Dubai site. The start-ups were selected from 16 teams who made it to the final round. Winning projects include wearable devices to give blind people real-time spatial information, a smart system that uses sensors to alert residents about floods, an AI-powered tool to monitor mangroves, and hands-on training on a satellite kit for young students. Abdullah Al Salmani, 25, an Emirati engineer who was selected, described it as an incredible opportunity to scale up his company, which brings satellite building into classrooms. The award will help to connect him with potential investors and reach more high schools and universities so students gain technology training using modular satellite kits. 'We have found that school students don't get a chance to identify their career paths because they don't get the chance to experience what they will work with when they are in the workforce,' said the Al Ain resident, who has worked as a systems engineer with the National Space Science and Technology Centre. 'It's the same with university students: many don't work on actual projects that simulate the workplace. We have chosen space and satellites as a niche but our main aim is to dive deeper into satellite components and subsystems and give students experience with these robotic kits.' The start-up has already held workshops for more than 560 pupils in the UAE and groups of students in Saudi Arabia, Oman and Egypt. Space workshops start at Dh500 per student. Transforming lives Yousuf Caires, executive director of Expo City Dubai Foundation, said the academy was launched because 'transformative ideas require an entire ecosystem to thrive'. 'We're inspired by the creativity and commitment of these changemakers, whose solutions have real potential to improve the lives of people in our communities,' Mr Caires said. He said Expo would provide a space so these 'bright minds can collaborate, access resources and ultimately turn their boldest visions into tangible projects that benefit both society and our environment'. The aim is to help the teams access mentors who could support these transformations. Expo authorities worked with Dubai's Community Development Authority to identify priority areas, including traffic congestion, accessible design and sustainable food, for entrepreneurs to formulate solutions. Mohammed Al Mheiri, director of the CDA's social regulations department, said he looked forward to seeing how the young entrepreneurs transformed ideas into meaningful solutions. 'This initiative exemplifies the power of cross-sector collaboration, bringing together government, academia, the private sector and civil society with a unified purpose: to address a range of societal needs and build a more sustainable and inclusive future,' he said. The Expo City Foundation received more than 140 applications for the year-long programme.
Zawya
18 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Expo City Dubai's Changemakers Academy awards 10 aspiring UAE entrepreneurs with support to turn bold ideas into impact
Solutions tackle community issues spanning sustainability, mobility and mental health Academy empowers UAE youth, spurring innovation and social and economic growth DUBAI – Projects tackling mental health, traffic congestion, sustainable food and accessible design are among 10 purpose-driven solutions awarded grants and support as part of Expo City Dubai Foundation's Changemakers Academy – the city's incubator to empower aspiring entrepreneurs to drive social, environmental and economic impact. A shortlist of 16 teams from universities across the UAE presented their ideas to an expert panel of judges at a live pitching event on Wednesday. The successful projects include an AI-powered tool for monitoring mangroves, a smart, recyclable exhaust filter that reduces emissions in older vehicles, and a wearable device to assist blind people with spatial awareness. Each will receive a grant of up to AED 50,000, a business licence and workspace at Expo City. Part of Expo City Dubai's wider business ecosystem, they will also have access to mentorship and support, helping transform their solutions into commercially viable businesses that drive positive change in the UAE community. Yousuf Caires, Executive Director, Expo City Dubai Foundation, said: 'We're inspired by the creativity and commitment of these changemakers, whose solutions have real potential to improve the lives of people in our communities. At Expo City Dubai Foundation, we recognise that transformative ideas require an entire ecosystem to thrive, which is why we're building a dynamic environment where these bright minds can collaborate, access resources and ultimately turn their boldest visions into tangible projects that benefit both society and our environment.' Launched in February, the Changemakers Academy incentivises creative problem-solving, channelling the passion and ingenuity of young entrepreneurs to unearth impactful solutions across priority areas, chosen in consultation with Dubai's Community Development Authority (CDA), aligning with the UAE's Year of Community and reinforcing Expo City's commitment to inspiring the next generation. Mohammed Al Mheiri, Director of the Social Regulations Department at the Community Development Authority, said: 'We are proud to support the Expo City Dubai Foundation and its Changemakers Academy. This initiative exemplifies the power of cross-sector collaboration, bringing together government, academia, the private sector and civil society with a unified purpose: to address a range of societal needs and build a more sustainable and inclusive future. All candidates demonstrated authenticity, ownership and creativity, and we look forward to seeing how these promising teams of young entrepreneurs transform their ideas into meaningful social change with lasting, positive impact.' The Changemakers Academy is part of Expo City Dubai Foundation, which aims to bridge the gap between people, ideas and resources by actively supporting social enterprises and problem-solvers to find, grow and scale innovative solutions to our most pressing challenges. It received 148 applications from youth and students across public and private universities, from which it shortlisted 49 promising ideas to take part in a structured, hands-on training and mentorship programme, including an online bootcamp to support the design and development of their innovative solutions, delivered by Lumi, an AI-enabled platform that takes participants through design-thinking quests to enhance their critical skills. The final selection is listed below: About Expo City Dubai Expo City Dubai, the legacy city of Expo 2020 Dubai, is an innovation-driven, people-centric community rooted in the belief that collaboration can propel sustainable progress. Its prime location and world-class connectivity place it at the centre of Dubai's future – the lynchpin between Dubai Exhibition Centre, Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port and a key driver of Dubai's Economic Agenda (D33) A world-class free zone, it is home to a thriving business community that supports cross-sector collaboration and provides a springboard for businesses of all sizes to scale and grow, enhancing Dubai's position as a global centre of trade and reinforcing the UAE's development and diversification ambitions Its residential communities redefine urban living, exemplifying best practice in innovative, environment-friendly design with a focus on wellbeing and happiness An incubator for innovation, it is a testbed for solutions and a platform for groundbreaking ideas that benefit both people and the planet Packed with educational, cultural and entertainment offerings, with more than 30 indoor and outdoor venues attracting globally significant events, it celebrates human creativity and ingenuity and inspires future generations Designed as a blueprint for sustainable urban living and one of five hubs on the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, its roadmap to achieving net zero by 2050 and its broader decarbonisation targets raise the bar on responsible urban development
Emirates 24/7
19-02-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Expo City Dubai Foundation launches Changemakers Academy
Expo City Dubai Foundation has launched the Changemakers Academy – an innovation and entrepreneurship incubator for young innovators that will incentivise creative problem-solving and unearth bold solutions to social and environmental challenges relevant to the UAE. With an open call for applications from final-year students and fresh graduates of UAE-based universities, the intensive, multi-stage programme supports the UAE Year of Community by inspiring and equipping the next generation to act and channelling their creativity and passion into developing real-world solutions. The Changemakers Academy offers a structured incubation journey with rigorous training and practical support, with the final selected projects receiving grants of up to AED 50,000, mentorship, investor introductions and help with business setup, including licence, visa and a workspace at Expo City Dubai. The programme represents an exceptional opportunity for ambitious young entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into commercially viable businesses. Yousuf Caires, Executive Director, Expo City Dubai Foundation, said: 'Our innovation programmes throughout Expo 2020 Dubai and COP28 have demonstrated the tremendous potential of UAE youth, which Expo City stands ready to champion as a hub for pioneers and groundbreaking solutions. The Changemakers Academy aims to incentivise the best young minds to come up with solutions to challenges that are particularly pertinent to the UAE, to nurture and develop these ideas into marketable, successful businesses and drive positive, tangible change in the community.' Priority areas were chosen in consultation with Dubai's Community Development Authority (CDA), and include opportunities to improve traffic congestion, mental wellbeing and work-life balance, as well as environmental responsibility and better inclusion for people of determination and the elderly. Students must submit their applications by end-March, after which selected projects will be invited to a 'bootcamp' to help refine their ideas. Shortlisted projects will advance to the Accelerated Incubation Programme where they will participate in AI-based design-thinking training covering ideation, prototyping, digital skills and certification. The concluding pitching sessions and final selection will take place in June 2025. The Changemakers Academy takes forward the previous Expo Live University Innovation Programme, which received more than 1,000 applications from 40-plus universities across the UAE and supported 58 student teams. It is part of the Expo City Dubai Foundation, a non-profit organisation launched in June 2024 to bridge the gap between people, ideas and resources, driving innovation and collaboration to deliver positive social, economic and environmental change. Already home to future-focused entities such as Emirates Group's ebdaa innovation hub and the Expo City Urban Lab – a city-wide testbed dedicated to piloting urban development technologies – Expo City is a haven for pioneers, entrepreneurs and innovators who believe in its mission to create a better future for people and planet, supporting sectors driving the delivery of Dubai's Economic Agenda (D33). Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Hi Dubai
19-02-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Expo City Dubai Foundation Launches Changemakers Academy to Foster Young Innovators
Expo City Dubai Foundation has unveiled the Changemakers Academy, a pioneering incubator designed to empower young innovators and entrepreneurs in the UAE. The initiative aims to drive creative problem-solving and generate impactful solutions to pressing social and environmental challenges. Open to final-year students and fresh graduates from UAE-based universities, the intensive multi-stage programme aligns with the UAE Year of Community. It seeks to channel youthful creativity into real-world applications, fostering a new generation of changemakers equipped with the skills and resources to make a difference. The Changemakers Academy offers a structured incubation journey featuring expert training, mentorship, and financial support. Selected projects will receive grants of up to AED 50,000, investor introductions, business setup assistance, including a licence and visa, and a dedicated workspace at Expo City Dubai. This initiative presents a transformative opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their visionary ideas into viable businesses. Yousuf Caires, Executive Director of Expo City Dubai Foundation, emphasized the programme's significance: 'Our innovation programmes throughout Expo 2020 Dubai and COP28 have highlighted the immense potential of UAE youth. Expo City is committed to nurturing this talent, fostering groundbreaking solutions, and driving tangible, positive change in our communities.' The programme's priority areas, developed in consultation with Dubai's Community Development Authority (CDA), include traffic congestion, mental well-being, work-life balance, environmental responsibility, and enhanced inclusion for people of determination and the elderly. Applications are open until the end of March, after which selected candidates will participate in a bootcamp to refine their concepts. Shortlisted teams will progress to the Accelerated Incubation Programme, featuring AI-driven design-thinking training and digital skills certification. The final pitching sessions and project selection will conclude in June 2025. Building on the legacy of the Expo Live University Innovation Programme—which attracted over 1,000 applications from 40 universities and supported 58 student teams—the Changemakers Academy reinforces Expo City Dubai's role as a hub for future-focused innovation. With strategic initiatives like the ebdaa innovation hub and the Expo City Urban Lab, Expo City continues to support Dubai's Economic Agenda (D33) by fostering cutting-edge solutions for a better future. News Source: Dubai Media Office
