Dubai, UAE – The “Dubai Solutions for the Future – Innovations for Humanity” initiative has attracted one of the largest programs to support innovation and entrepreneurship in universities worldwide. It is held annually in Dubai, under the patronage and supervision of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) – three university startups, from Switzerland, the United States and Egypt, announced their transition to the operational testing phase and commercial expansion in the UAE.
The initiative is being held with the participation of 100 startups, selected from thousands of entries from the most prestigious universities around the world. It is organized in partnership between Dubai Future Foundation and the Dubai International Financial Centre. Art Dubai and the Hussein Sajwani-Damak Charitable Foundation.
Oxara, B-Vita and Ferrovi will operate.AI, starting from the UAE. To employ the latest scientific innovations in the fields of disease surveillance supported by artificial intelligence, agricultural biotechnology, and highly efficient building materials.
Full support for the march
Khalfan Juma Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, said: “Through the (Dubai Solutions for the Future – Innovations for Humanity) initiative, we seek to build an integrated system that transforms promising university ideas and projects into practical applications and innovative companies that can expand and grow from Dubai.”
He added: “The role of the Dubai Future Foundation is to support this process in all its stages, from idea to application, by linking global talents with local partners, and transforming scientific capabilities into a tangible and sustainable impact that contributes to the development of various sectors”.
In turn, the CEO of the Dubai International Financial Centre Authority, Arif Amiri, said: “The community of innovators brought together by this global initiative represents a strategic opportunity to enhance the competitiveness of the innovation and leadership sectors in Dubai, which provides a participatory model in which government agencies, private companies, investment companies and corporations integrate to support the success of innovation. Our participation in the initiative (Dubai Solutions for the Future – Innovations for Humanity) reflects our conviction that the most sustainable economic systems are built on the ability to attract, support and retain the best innovators in the world.
innovations
Oxara, from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, will operate in Zurich, Switzerland. To convert construction waste into high-performance, low-carbon construction materials, using a fraction of the energy compared to traditional solutions. This technology could contribute to reducing carbon emissions associated with the construction sector by up to 90% compared to traditional cement production processes.
B-Vita, a company from Zewail City of Science and Technology in the Arab Republic of Egypt, relies on patented biotechnology supported by artificial intelligence. To produce natural, low-cost raw materials for the agriculture, food and pharmaceutical sectors. This technology is of particular importance as it contributes to the production of fertilizers that address global shortages resulting from disruptions in international supply chains.
And the development of the company “Verovi”. AI, from Stanford University in the USA, has its own smartphone app. With the aim of detecting several respiratory diseases by analyzing cough sound patterns. Relying on unique data sets, advanced algorithms and specialized expertise. Which may contribute in the future to improving the health of one billion users in developing countries.
Projects from Harvard and Imperial College
In its upcoming session, the program continues to attract innovative projects and start-up companies from leading international universities and academic institutions. Among them are Harvard University, Imperial College London, Petronas University of Technology, and Duke University. With support from the programme, these projects are currently in advanced stages of discussions with leading entities in the UAE, with the aim of launching their work locally starting in the second half of 2026.
specialist support
The program provides academic founders with funding, business expertise, and specialized support, in addition to directly managing industry partnerships. To transform scientific research into solutions compatible with the needs of different markets and sectors. This journey begins with testing technology in real-world environments, and continues to establishing companies, implementing business projects, and achieving sustainable growth.
The program adopts a practical approach that balances risk reduction with business focus. By working directly with founders to develop the foundations for collaboration with business partners and investors during and after the program.
invitation to participate
Applications are now open for the next session of the Dubai Solutions for the Future – Innovations for Humanity initiative. Which invites graduates, students and researchers from various disciplines and universities to participate in the Global Innovation Exhibition hosted annually by Dubai.
More information can be found about the “Dubai Solutions for the Future – Innovations for Humanity” initiative. By visiting the website: www.prototypesforhumanity.com
