Dubai asks companies to help address seven future challenges

Dubai Future Foundation is asking companies and entrepreneurs to apply to help address seven future challenges as part of its future accelerator programme.

The programme will include the application of technologies including AI and robotics, automated transportation, 3D printing and biotechnology with a focus on identifying and deploying futuristic prototypes city-wide.

It will be backed by seven founding government entities: Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Police, Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Holding, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority

“The Dubai Future Accelerator is the most ambitious program in the world. It is designed to link our most powerful and influential government leaders with the world’s most ambitious companies and entrepreneurs to create radical new solutions to change the world,” said minister of the UAE cabinet affairs and the future, and vice chairman of the board of trustees and managing director of Dubai Future Foundation H.E. Mohammed Al Gergawi.

“The challenges represent some of the most urgent issues facing cities in the 21st century. They also represent some of the most cutting edge opportunities to address them.”

The seven challenges

Reducing water and energy consumption in the home, in production and distribution – led by DEWA

Prototyping automated transport systems that could cut congestion in half and reduce transport-related CO2 emissions, particularly in relation to public transport and freight – led by the RTA

Testing automated, recycled and nature-inspired building materials and solutions that use energy and CO2, including robotics automation, bacteriological, mycology, algae, biomimicry, regenerative systems, sand-based 3D printing materials – led by Dubai Municipality

Harnessing Dubai’s genetic diversity to enhance diagnostic speed and effectiveness using genomics, analytics, telepresence and personalised medicine – led by Dubai Health Authority

Testing 21st century assessment systems and personalised learning solutions that across across curriculums, with an emphasis on Arabic language education, STEAM, well-being, coding, and other disciplines – led by Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority.

Deploying digital solutions across hospitality, real estate and telecommunications to reduce paperwork increase transaction speeds, and increase customer satisfaction – led by Dubai Holding

Testing integrated behavioural, genetic and biological systems for identifying, tracking and sharing information on criminals, in particular across borders and between jurisdictions – led by the Dubai Police

Applications are open to companies around the world on the Dubai Future Accelerators website, where the selection criteria and assessment process are explained.

The launch of the Dubai Future Accelerators initiative is part of Dubai’s plan to accelerate the development of the work of local, regional and global emerging companies working in future technology fields.