The UAE AI & IoT Challenge has officially opened registrations for its 8th edition, serving as a premier national capacity-building and pre-incubation pipeline for deep-tech talent across all seven Emirates.
At a Glance
- Opportunity Type: National Competition and Pre-incubation Program
- For: High school students, university seniors (graduation projects), and tech startups
- Key Benefits: Technical training, entrepreneurial mentorship, and regional representation
- Location: United Arab Emirates
Competition Overview
The 8th edition of the UAE AI & IoT Challenge is a strategic initiative designed to move participants from theoretical education to operational reality. In partnership with the Robotics and Automation Society UAE (RAS UAE) and Global Innovation & Entrepreneurship (GIE), the challenge aims to bridge the “Implementation Gap” by transforming high-potential concepts into market-ready startups. The program focuses on critical sectors including Smart Cities, Healthcare, FinTech, and Energy, supporting the nation’s transition toward a knowledge-based economy under the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031.
Key Benefits
- Expert Mentorship: Access to over 250 hours of intensive technical and entrepreneurial guidance.
- Capacity Building: Hands-on training in AI, IoT, and emerging technologies, alongside career-readiness workshops.
- Incubation Pathways: Direct pathways to startup incubation for high-potential projects.
- Global Exposure: Top innovators earn the opportunity to represent the UAE at the regional Arab IoT & AI Challenge.
- Networking: Integration into a transformational movement that has already supported over 3,500 participants and 120 startups.
Eligibility Criteria
The challenge features three distinct tracks for participation:
- High School Track: For students across the UAE interested in engineering real-world tech solutions.
- Graduation Projects Track: Dedicated to university seniors working on AI and IoT-related final year projects.
- Startups Track: For early-stage tech startups looking to refine their business models and scale their innovations.
How to Apply
To be part of the UAE’s tech future, teams must register through the official competition portal. Early registration is encouraged as the 2026 phase is currently live.
- Registration Link: uae.arabiotai.org
About Global Innovation & Entrepreneurship (GIE)
Global Innovation & Entrepreneurship (GIE) is a premier Innovation Ecosystem Architect in the MENA region. By bridging policy, industry, and academia through the Quintuple Helix Model, GIE focuses on deep-tech and ecosystem development to drive technological excellence and economic growth.
Learn More: GIE
