Prototypes for Humanity 2024

Have your project showcased during COP28 in Dubai.

Prototypes for Humanity is a programme for university students and graduates from across the world working on social impact innovation. We empower, promote and help develop projects that offer solutions to challenges affecting communities, individuals. Our activities include exhibitions, prizes, an entrepreneurship programme, and knowledge exchange forums and events.  

Who can participate?

Students and recent graduates of any undergraduate or postgraduate course are welcome to apply. Graduates who gained their qualification no more than two years ago are also eligible to participate.
Applications can be submitted either by the student/graduate, or, by the project supervising professor on behalf of the student/graduate.

Evaluation Criteria

Our criteria outlined will serve as the basis for the evaluation and is used by the jurors to evaluate all aspects of each entry.

• Positive impact on people, communities or the planet: Whether addressing social issues, environmental concerns, or community development, the potential positive influence of each project will be a crucial factor.

• Rigour of academic research: We are seeking projects that demonstrate a deep understanding of the challenges addressed, demonstrating the students’ ability to identify pertinent issues, as well as their subsequent comprehensive research.

• Application of technology: Technological integration, be it low or high, will be a significant aspect for consideration. Whether incorporating cutting-edge advancements or utilising simple yet efficient solutions, the effective leveraging of technology is crucial for your project’s success.

EXHIBITION

• Showcase: 100 top global innovators are invited and subsidized to take part in our international exhibition taking place in Dubai during COP28, the conference uniting the world’s leading entities and people across government, private sector and civil society working towards a better future and planet for everyone.
• Prizes: $100,000 in prizes are awarded to students and professors across different categories, to celebrate academic excellence.
• Entrepreneurship Training: All applicants are invited to take part in the multi-phased entrepreneurship training, dedicated to graduates who want to take their projects to market. Selected participants will have the opportunity to work with industry-specific startup experts, and pitch for investors and partners. 
• Collaboration Programme: An initiative enabling professors across different disciplines and countries to exchange knowledge and join efforts towards shared goals.

If your project is selected, we will sponsor one person from your team with accommodation and a subsidized return flight. The rest of your team is also welcome to come at their own expense. We are also sponsoring one professor from each university that has students participating.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME

Students and graduates looking to take their innovations to market are invited to participate in a world-class entrepreneurship programme designed specifically for impact innovators, with access to funding.

• Entrepreneurship foundation training: Free for all applicants.
• Accelerator: 10-week accelerator for selected high-potential projects, designed and delivered by an international team of experts.
• Funding: Accelerator participants interact with investors, partners and stakeholders from the impact industry and have access to over $2.5 Million in funds pledged to startups from the programme.