Abu Dhabi-based startup accelerator startAD, powered by Tamkeen and anchored at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), has concluded its AI for Good Sandbox Pitch Day, showcasing breakthrough innovations that leverage artificial intelligence for social impact. The initiative, supported by Google.org, is part of a multi-year program aimed at developing AI-powered applications to improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, including senior citizens, disadvantaged youth, and individuals from low-income backgrounds.
The event, held at 42 Abu Dhabi, brought together 15 finalist teams to present solutions addressing children’s mental health, digital safety, nutrition, and inclusive education, all aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-being.
Innovations for Youth Wellbeing and Safety
Following a rigorous evaluation by a jury of experts, four projects were recognized for their exceptional potential to create positive and lasting social change, receiving grants to further their development.
The top award of USD 15,000 went to Bidaya, a web-based AI assistant designed to help high school students discover their strengths, explore career paths, and connect with mentorship opportunities.
Shaheen’s Sahib AI (صاحب AI) received a USD 12,000 grant for its emotion-support companion that transforms a youth’s feelings into personalized, story-based coping journeys.
Socia was awarded USD 10,000 for its explainable AI platform that automates grant eligibility and review workflows, ensuring fairness and efficiency in the process.
Finally, Q-adam’s SafeKey secured the USD 4,000 Abu Dhabi Youth Challenge Award, powered by the Early Childhood Authority Abu Dhabi. The project is an intelligent keyboard for children that detects digital risks in real-time and nudges users toward safer online behavior.
Fostering a Collaborative AI Ecosystem
The Pitch Day opened with a panel discussion titled “Growing Up with AI: The Future of Mental Health of Children and Youth,” highlighting the program’s collaborative approach. Key regional organizations, including the Early Childhood Authority Abu Dhabi, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the National Center for Mental Health Promotion of Saudi Arabia, and the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, contributed challenge statements that guided the participating teams.
Dr. Yousef Alhammadi, Executive Director of Knowledge and Impact at the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), praised the innovators. “Today’s pitches showed the true potential of our youth. Their solutions directly addressed the challenges we outlined, from family wellbeing to healthy habits and community support, with creativity and real purpose.”
A Strategic Vision for AI in the Middle East
The initiative underscores a broader vision to harness AI for economic growth and societal benefit across the region.
Ashwin Joshi, Director of startAD, stated, “AI could contribute about USD 320 billion to Middle East GDP by 2030. Our aim at startAD is to ensure a meaningful share of that growth comes from solutions that improve health and well-being. Through our Sandbox and Market Access tracks, teams pressure test ideas with real users, form partnerships for pilots and MOUs, and, when viable, progress toward sustainable ventures that can scale across the region, with support from Google.org.”
He added, “AI for Good demonstrates what’s possible when regional innovators and global partners collaborate to address shared human challenges. These teams are not just building technology, they are designing pathways for well-being, inclusion, and empowerment across our communities.”
About startAD’s AI for Good Initiative
The AI for Good program is a structured, multi-track initiative designed to take AI solutions from concept to implementation. Over 18 months, it progresses through four connected tracks: AI Readiness Workshops to help organizations adopt AI; Fireside Chats to share insights and spark collaboration; the AI Sandbox competition for young innovators to build prototypes; and Market Access & Partnerships to connect solutions with implementation partners and scaling opportunities. The initiative will continue with workshops through 2025, culminating in a Market Access Day in early 2026.
Source: Zawya
