Several projects focused on education, sustainability, mental health, and accessibility have received funding and support from the Change Makers Academy, an initiative of Expo City Dubai. This platform fosters innovation and entrepreneurship among young creators, aiming to inspire the development of creative solutions to social and environmental challenges relevant to the United Arab Emirates.
After a preliminary selection process, a chosen group of 16 teams from various universities across the UAE presented their projects to a panel of expert judges during a live showcase event. From these, 10 projects were selected to receive grants of up to AED 50,000, alongside business licenses and workspaces at Expo City.
By joining the leading business ecosystem at Expo City, the students will also gain access to mentorship and support, aiding them in transforming their solutions into viable business ventures that can bring about positive change within the UAE community.
The selected projects include an AI tool for monitoring mangrove trees, a smart, recyclable filter that reduces emissions from older vehicles, and a wearable device designed to enhance spatial awareness for blind individuals.
Yousef Kirs, Executive Director of Expo City Dubai, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled by the level of creativity and innovation exhibited by these change makers, whose solutions hold real potential for improving lives in our communities. At Expo City Dubai, we understand that ideas aimed at positive change require a holistic system to succeed.
Thus, we provide a dynamic environment that empowers these bright minds to collaborate, access resources, and ultimately turn their bold visions into tangible projects that benefit both society and the environment.”
Mohammed Al Mehairi, Director of Social Organization at the Community Development Authority, remarked, “We take pride in supporting the Expo City Dubai Foundation and its Change Makers Academy. This initiative embodies the power of collaboration across sectors.
It brings together governmental entities, academia, the private sector, and civil society to achieve a shared goal: addressing a range of community needs while building a more sustainable and inclusive future.
All candidates demonstrated remarkable innovation and creativity, and we look forward to seeing how these promising teams transform their ideas into meaningful social impact, translating that impact into lasting positive change.”