From the Leading AI Competition for Next-Gen Talent in MENA to the AI Talents Accelerator - AI Futures by /function1 returns for its second edition as the UAE's premier launchpad for young innovators, empowering them to build and showcase AI solutions for global challenges in a high-stakes competition.
your gateway to opportunities in AI
Program Spotlight in Media
Gain visibility through global press coverage
Free Access for Students
Attend the world's fastest growing AI conference
Mentors from top UAE universities
Learn from leading professors and AI researchers
Live pitching for finalists
Showcase your solution on stage to judges, investors, professors
Official Certificate of Participation
Get certified by /function1 and ecosystem partners
Launchpad for Your AI Career
Visibility among recruiters and tech leaders scouting talent
Prizes & Scholarships from Partners
Past winners got scholarships, NVIDIA credits, career fast-tracks
Workshops: Online & Offline
Join a hybrid, expert-led learning experience
AI Talent Pavilion
Connecting Students, Universities & Industry — All Under One Roof
Corporate HR Booths
From leading tech enterprises presenting open roles, internships, and talent programs
University Career
Centers showcasing their academic offerings and connecting students with industry
Student Project Booths
Selected teams presenting their Al prototypes and innovations live on the floor
SUPPORTED BY education and ecosystem partners
WHERE AI TRANSFORMS ECONOMIES
FinTech & Crypto
GovTech & Smart Cities
Healthcare & BioTech
Energy & Climate
Mobility & Logistics
Cybersecurity
EdTech & Human Capital
Real Estate & PropTech
Tourism, Hospitality & Retail
Our Mission is to inspire and equip the next generation of AI innovators to develop transformative solutions for key UAE industries.
AI Futures by /function1 supports ambitious projects that deliver innovative AI applications across critical sectors - from fintech to smart cities, healthcare to energy, mobility to cybersecurity - driving tangible impact on the economy.
By nurturing talent that solves real industry challenges, we contribute to AED 335 billion in economic growth through sustainable innovation, as outlined in the UAE National AI Strategy 2031 and 'We the UAE 2031' vision.
AI Futures by /function1 supports ambitious projects that deliver innovative AI applications across critical sectors - from fintech to smart cities, healthcare to energy, mobility to cybersecurity - driving tangible impact on the economy.
By nurturing talent that solves real industry challenges, we contribute to AED 335 billion in economic growth through sustainable innovation, as outlined in the UAE National AI Strategy 2031 and 'We the UAE 2031' vision.
The Annual AI Talent Funnel
Connecting the UAE's brightest students with leading AI companies — through mentorship, competition, and a path to real impact
Fill in the student application form to get your free conference pass, workshop invites, partner opportunities, and first access to the competition launch — all as part of the AI Futures community.
Join the conversation early! Share on social media that you're attending the conference with #function1 #AIFutures to connect with the community.
All community members join an exclusive pre-conference program: pitch training, skill-building sessions, workshops and networking with industry leaders and fellow builders.
Work with your academic supervisor or mentor to shape your AI idea into a complete submission — project description, presentation, and demo materials.
When the competition opens, you'll be the first to know — submit your project for a chance to unlock even more opportunities.
Applications close September 27. By October 2, finalists are notified. Outstanding projects may be invited to pitch to investors or showcase at a dedicated expo stand — at no cost.
Take the stage at /function1 Conference. Present your project at the AI Pitching Competition, exhibit at your stand, and meet future employers at the AI Talent Pavilion — and investors face to face.
Winners receive prizes and bonuses. Finalists whose projects attract investor or recruiter interest will be personally introduced — opening doors to funding, hiring, and beyond. All participants are invited to share their experience — helping us grow AI Futures year after year.
2025 in numbers
- 645 MembersStudents and graduates across UAE and Middle East universities
- 100+ ProjectsSubmitted for AI Futures Competition
- 8 FinalistsTeams, presented their solutions on Pitch stage
- 10 JudgesFrom global corporations, top universities, the UAE Ministry
Partners 2025
JURY HIGHLIGHTS 2025
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