AI for a
greener
future
UAE InnovAIte 2026 brought together more than 220 students from over 40 schools for a weekend of innovation, teamwork and problem-solving: the very essence of a hackathon.
This year's theme, Sustainability, challenged teams to build AI-driven solutions with real impact. From environmental monitoring systems to smart resource-management tools, the projects that emerged were nothing short of extraordinary.
A huge thank you to our participants, mentors, judges and supporters. Your energy and dedication made the weekend what it was, and showed the power of technology, innovation and creativity in shaping the future.
The
winners
solAI
A comprehensive solar adoption tool built on a novel dual-model AI architecture. It instantly assesses rooftop viability through 3D mapping, predicts energy output with over 95% accuracy using a regression model trained on NASA meteorological data, and uses an integrated LLM agent to navigate local zoning laws and calculate precise ROI timelines, bridging the gap between a roof's physical potential and an actual installation.
Tanmay Devaraj · Nicolas Rodriguez · Anirudh Harikrishnan · Finley Uddin
View projectUrbanFlow · NEXUS
An AI-powered mobility app built for the UAE's toughest transport challenges: rush-hour jams, school drop-off chaos, prayer-time surges near mosques, unexpected Salik costs and rising emissions. Combining reinforcement learning with real-time traffic data and cultural awareness, it plans personalised routes that balance speed, cost, sustainability and convenience, suggests when to pay Salik or switch to the Metro, and rewards greener choices in support of the UAE's net-zero 2050 vision.
Saanvi Rout · Anushree Halde · Lyn Rose
AquaGuard · Antelopes
A computer-vision system that uses a pre-trained YOLO model to watch video feeds and automatically detect visible water leaks in sinks and pipelines. Real-time visual alerts and timed notifications speed up maintenance and cut water loss. Designed for rapid deployment in buildings and public facilities, it tackles everyday water waste at the source with practical, scalable AI.
Khaled Aldribi · Elias Muoawad · Zain Salaheldin · Imad Ataya · Sultan Alhmoudi
Highlights
Photo
gallery
Meet the
2026 team
The 2026 team brought together three Year 12s, Alizeh Ali, Ada Yilmaz and Abhinav Sobti, alongside Year 11 Prisha Odhrani. With a mix of experience and fresh ideas, they backed each other throughout, and whether it was problem-solving, planning or thinking creatively, they took on every challenge as a team.
2026
partners
University of Birmingham Dubai
The University of Birmingham Dubai is the official venue sponsor of UAE InnovAIte 2026. Its Computer Science Department supports InnovAIte with venue space, technical resources and industry expertise, giving young developers a strong foundation for AI-driven innovation.
UAE Artificial Intelligence Office
2027 is next.
Registration opens soon. Get on the list and hear first.