The 2026 Edition was held from January 9-11th 2026
The UAE InnovAIte Hackathon 2026 brought together over 223 students from 40+ schools, creating an incredible and diverse showcase of innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving embodying the very essence of a hackathon.
This year's theme, Sustainability, challenged participants to develop AI-driven solutions aimed at making a real impact. From AI-powered environmental monitoring systems to innovative resource management tools, the projects that emerged were nothing short of extraordinary.
A huge thank you to our participants, mentors, judges, and supporters — your dedication and passion made this event possible. The energy in the room was a testament to the power of technology, innovation, and creativity in shaping the future.
2026 Winners
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Winners - GTA
Project:
The winning team created a comprehensive solar adoption tool utilising a novel duo model AI architecture. The system features an algorithm that instantly assesses rooftop viability via 3D mapping, a regression model (trained on NASA meteorological data) to predict energy output with greater than 95% accuracy, and an integrated LLM agent to navigate local zoning laws and calculate precise ROI timelines. We bridge the gap between physical potential and actual installation.
Members: Tanmay Devaraj, Nicolas Rodriguez, Anirudh Harikrishnan, Finley Uddin -
Best Female-Majority Team – NEXUS
Project: UrbanFlow
UrbanFlow is an advanced AI-powered app designed to solve the UAE's toughest transport challenges—chronic rush-hour traffic jams, school drop-off chaos, prayer-time road surges near mosques, unexpected Salik toll costs, and rising carbon emissions. By combining reinforcement learning with real-time traffic data, cultural awareness (like avoiding residential areas during Jumu'ah or school zones at peak hours), and smart cost-benefit analysis, it delivers personalized, multi-objective routes that balance speed, affordability, sustainability, and convenience—automatically suggesting whether to pay Salik, switch to Metro/public transport, or choose eco-friendly options, while tracking your carbon footprint and rewarding green choices. The result is significantly faster, cheaper, less stressful, and more environmentally friendly journeys across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond, actively supporting the UAE's vision for net-zero mobility by 2050.
Members: Saanvi Rout, Anushree Halde, Lyn Rose
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Best Emirati-Majority Team – Antelopes
Project: AquaGuard
AquaGuard AI is a computer-vision–based water waste detection system that uses a pre-trained YOLO model to monitor video feeds and automatically identify visible water leaks in sinks and pipelines. The system provides real-time visual alerts and timed notifications, enabling faster maintenance response and reducing unnecessary water loss. Designed for rapid deployment in buildings and public facilities, AquaGuard AI supports the UAE’s sustainability goals by addressing everyday water wastage at the source using practical, scalable AI.
Members: Khaled Aldribi, Elias Muoawad, Zain Salaheldin, Imad Ataya, Sultan Alhmoudi
Meet the 2026 Team
The 2026 team included three Year 12s—Alizeh Ali, Ada Yilmaz, and Abhinav Sobti—alongside Year 11 student Prisha Odhrani. With a mix of experience and fresh ideas, they worked well together and supported each other throughout. Whether it was problem-solving, planning, or thinking creatively, they handled every challenge as a team
2026
Sponsors
University of Birmingham Dubai
UAE InnovAIte Hackathon 2026’s Official Venue Sponsor
The University of Birmingham Dubai is the official venue sponsor of the UAE InnovAIte Hackathon 2026. The University of Birmingham Dubai’s Computer Science Department supports InnovAIte by providing venue space, technical resources, and industry expertise. Their involvement provides a strong foundation for AI-driven innovation, empowering young developers.
