The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has announced the graduation of the second cohort of its Dubai TKS Innovation Programme, a 10-month accelerator designed to cultivate the next generation of tech leaders. The programme, which saw a 77% increase in enrollment this year, equips students aged 13 to 17 with the skills to tackle real-world challenges in fields like artificial intelligence, nanomedicine, and clean energy.
Quick Facts
- 160 students graduated in the second cohort.
- 77% year-over-year enrollment growth.
- Challenges set by the UN and XPANCEO.
Fostering a Global Community of Innovators
The graduation ceremony, held at the Museum of the Future, celebrated 160 students from various nationalities, bringing the total number of Dubai TKS graduates to 250. These students now join a global TKS community of over 5,500 participants across 500 cities.
The 10-month programme immerses students from Dubai schools in a curriculum that mirrors the work environments of top technology firms and R&D centers. It provides advanced technical training and connects participants with a global network of mentors and experts, positioning Dubai as a hub for future-focused talent development.
Alia Al Mur, Chief Transformation and Partnerships Officer at Dubai Future Foundation, said: “Dubai is committed to investing in future generations by empowering young people with the skills, networks, and opportunities needed to shape and lead the future. By connecting students with experts, mentors, and real-world opportunities, we are enabling the next generation of innovators, creators, and problem-solvers to contribute to a better future for humanity.”
From UN Moonshots to Wearable Tech
This year’s cohort tackled complex projects, including integrating geospatial AI with conflict mitigation strategies and forecasting risks associated with pastoral migration. They also worked on challenges from XPANCEO, a company developing wearable optical technologies, focusing on issues like vision protection in space and athlete recovery.
The programme featured six “moonshot” challenges set by the United Nations, pushing students to develop new approaches to complex problems in satellite connectivity, supersonic air travel, data storage, and nanomedicine.
Navid Nathoo, Founder of TKS, commented on the cohort’s achievements: “Throughout the programme, students tackled some of the world’s most important challenges, from AI and climate technology to health and advanced computing, while building the confidence to lead in an increasingly complex world. We are proud to partner with Dubai Future Foundation to help develop the next generation of innovators and builders.”
Sahil Arora, TKS Dubai Program Director, added: “This year, I’ve had the privilege of watching our students tackle challenges that most people never encounter until much later in their careers—from designing satellite mesh networks and reimagining the future of solar energy to exploring stem cell therapies for cancer treatment.”
Applications for the third cohort of the programme are now open.
About Dubai Future Foundation
The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) is a government entity in Dubai established to institutionalize future-shaping. It leads strategic initiatives and projects aimed at positioning Dubai as a leading city of the future, fostering innovation, and preparing the city for emerging challenges and opportunities.
About TKS
The Knowledge Society (TKS) is a global innovation programme for youth designed to develop the next generation of innovators and leaders. The programme provides students with real-world experience, mentorship, and training in emerging technologies and sciences to solve global problems.
Source: Zawya
