The AI Futures Lab is the UAE's premier launchpad for young innovators, empowering them to build and showcase AI solutions for global challenges in a high-stakes competition
JURY MEMBERS
Pressing Issues We Face
Hunger & Food Security
Healthcare Access & Quality
Climate Change & Environmental Degradation
Clean Water & Sanitation
Education Inequality
Urbanization & Smart Cities
Economic Inequality
Disaster Prediction & Response
Public Safety & Humanitarian Crises
Our Mission is to inspire and equip the next generation of AI innovators to drive UAE’s vision of becoming a global AI leader by 2031, contributing AED 335 billion to the economy through talent development and sustainable growth, as outlined in the UAE National AI Strategy 2031 and We the UAE 2031 vision.
10+ Interdisciplinary Teams
combining tech, business, design, and social sciences backgrounds
Online & Offline Workshops
with Mentors from Leading Universities
Live Pitching
with Top teams, showcasing best ai projects from young talents
10+ Interdisciplinary Teams
combining tech, business, design, and social sciences backgrounds
Online & Offline Workshops
with Mentors from Leading Universities
Live Pitching
with Top teams, showcasing best ai projects from young talents
about ai futures lab
Connect with buyers and investors
Network in the exclusive Founders Lounge
Join 5,000+ AI founders with a free ticket
Get your free conference ticket
Exhibit with a free booth
Alongside 150+ exhibitors
Share the stage with leading AI voices
Across one of three stages
Pitch to global VCs & Enterprise leaders
Take the stage and showcase your vision
Get featured by media and influencers
Tech, business, and mainstream – global & local
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Free Conference Tickets for Students & Faculty -
Exclusive Mentorship from AI experts, industry leaders, and innovators -
Media Exposure & Global Press Coverage for AI Futures Lab Program -
Winning Project Showcase on stage for 10,000+ attendees -
Certificate of Participation endorsed by /function1 and partner organizations -
Career Opportunities and visibility among recruiters and tech leaders scouting talent
Ask yourself If you could use AI to tackle any problem on Earth – from your local community to the global stage – what would you solve first?
Learning & Career Opportunities
- Top 3 winning projects will receive NVIDIA DLI Course Coupons – access to any paid Deep Learning Institute course (valued $30–$90 each).
- Winners of /function1 AI Futures Lab receive a 30% scholarship from from American University in the Emirates for their first year of study in any program starting Spring or Fall 2026. The scholarship continues for the full duration of study if a 3.0 CGPA is maintained.
- All participants gain visibility among leading companies attending /function1, including talent acquisition representatives invited specifically to scout for new AI talent at AI Futures Lab.
- Outstanding participants will be fast-tracked for career opportunities via Sphinque and other hiring partners, connecting them directly with companies shaping the AI future.
Ecosystem Partners
apply for student pass
Although submissions for our AI Futures Lab pitch event are now closed, the conversation is just beginning. Get your free Student pass now.
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