The inaugural ‘Prototypes for Humanity Award’ recognises projects in the fields of Environment, Health, Society and Corporate Solutions

November 15, 2020 - Bringing together stakeholders from the private and public sectors to unlock the potential of international academic ingenuity, Prototypes for Humanity emerges as one of the world’s most diverse assemblies of academic innovation. Its inaugural event showcases 100 best-in-class impact innovation projects developed by university students across various science, tech and creative disciplines, chosen from 450 universities in over 100 countries addressing critical challenges affecting humanity today.

Organised in partnership with Dubai's DIFC, the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region, and supported by Dubai Culture and A.R.M. Holding, the exhibition is a key Dubai initiative for discovering solutions to complex challenges facing the world.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and member of the Dubai Council, inaugurates the Prototypes for Humanity exhibition bringing together these trailblazing ideas from universities from across the world just a year ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP-28, which will be held in the Emirate in 2023. 

“'Prototypes for Humanity' closely aligns with Dubai's ambitious vision and its commitment to empowering a creative and innovation-embracing community. In light of the global challenges we constantly face, it is time to unite efforts and utilise our creativity to address these issues and build a better future for the world. I am highly confident in the capabilities of the participating students to foster a better and more sustainable tomorrow,” Her Highness said. 

Sheikha Latifa also highlighted the importance of collaboration in accelerating change and building a sustainable future. Through bringing together stakeholders from the private and public sector, the venture capital community and academia, the event supports the transformation of scientific research into real-life solutions that address global challenges, further strengthening Dubai’s rise as an innovation hub and driving force for impact.

The recipients of the first ‘Prototypes for Humanity Award’, which offered prizes worth USD 100,000, aims to champion academic excellence in critical areas for sustainable development. Recognising four projects each receiving USD 25,000 for their outstanding work in the fields of Environment, Health, Society, and Corporate Solutions, this year's winners in their respective categories are:

HEALTH

FormaCyte: A revolutionary Implant for Type 1 diabetes management

By Nam Chan, Chi Pham and Chen Yang - Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

SOCIETY

AkoFresh: A solar-powered cold storage solution reducing post-harvest loss

By Mathias Charles Yabe, Dhruvika Sosa and Arina Machine - Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana

ENVIRONMENT

Aerostat: A smart helium-filled balloon for early forest fire detection

By Merve Kalan - Middle East Technical University, Turkey

CORPORATE SOLUTIONS

Carbon Capture Battery: A solution to generate energy whilst capturing carbon

By Mohammad Saghafifar and Seyed Mojtaba Hashemi - University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

As part of the event, a high-profile group of leaders from private businesses, public agencies, investors, academics, local and international stakeholders, including A.R.M. Holding, which has dedicated a AED 10 million (USD 2,7 million) fund to support innovations, have met at DIFC to discuss how to unlock the potential of academic ingenuity to create a better future.

The exhibition is open to the public from 16-17 November.