- ATRC and the UAE Ministry of Education launch a national competition for students and recent graduates to develop working technology prototypes for challenges in AI, sustainability and communications.
The Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) and the UAE Ministry of Education have launched the Advanced Technology Pioneers (ATP) competition, inviting university students and recent graduates to develop working prototypes for technology challenges presented by major UAE organisations. The initiative is being conducted under the National Science, Technology and Innovation (NSTI) Festival.
The inaugural competition features three challenge tracks covering artificial intelligence and data science, robotics and sustainability, and communications networks. The challenges are set by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC), and EDGE Group.
DCT Abu Dhabi is asking participants to develop a scenario simulator that examines how changes in aviation capacity can affect hotel demand. The proposed tool will connect flight data with visitor and accommodation trends to help model potential changes in tourism activity.
ENEC’s challenge focuses on the sustainable management of seasonal jellyfish blooms near coastal infrastructure. Participants are expected to develop solutions that address the environmental issue while supporting operational resilience. EDGE Group, meanwhile, is seeking solutions that enable seamless connectivity as users move between Wi-Fi, 5G, satellite and wired networks.
Teams comprising three to four members can participate in the competition. Eligibility extends to bachelor’s and master’s students at UAE universities as well as graduates who completed their studies within the past two years. Teams can be formed across UAE universities or through ATRC’s ChallengeON platform.
Participants receive mentorship from subject-matter experts during the challenge period. Applications remain open until October 11, 2026. Finalists will showcase their prototypes at the NSTI Festival in November, where one winning team will be selected from each challenge track.
Each winning team receives AED 50,000, along with opportunities for internships, participation in national and international technology and innovation events, and potential exposure to employers from the participating organisations.
ATRC says the competition forms part of its wider talent development efforts. Its initiatives have engaged more than 40,000 students to date, providing exposure to advanced technology, practical skills and the UAE’s research and innovation ecosystem.
