Expo City Dubai Foundation has announced the selection of 10 innovative youth-led projects as part of the second edition of the \u201cChangemakers Academy,\u201d which aims to support practical social and environmental ideas and solutions in the UAE.<\/p>\n
The projects were selected after the academy received more than 200 applications, marking a 39% increase compared to 2025. This reflects a growing interest among young people in presenting initiatives that help address community and environmental challenges through innovative approaches.<\/p>\n
The selected projects focus on several key areas, including occupational safety, mental health, social inclusion, financial literacy, and support for people of determination. Each winning project will receive a grant of up to AED 25,000, in addition to mentorship and guidance programs, technical support, and services related to licensing and visas.<\/p>\n
The list of winning projects includes a variety of solutions, such as a smart system that helps correct body posture, an AI-powered tool for translation between sign language and spoken language, and an Arabic-language digital platform to support women during menopause.<\/p>\n
The projects also include initiatives in smart mobility, improving workplace safety, teaching sign language, and strengthening financial awareness among young people, highlighting the diversity of ideas submitted by participants.<\/p>\n
Yusuf Caires, Executive Director of Expo City Dubai Foundation, said the diversity of the projects reflects the growing role of young people in developing solutions capable of creating a positive social impact. He reaffirmed the foundation\u2019s commitment to supporting social entrepreneurs and helping them expand the reach of their projects.<\/p>\n
He added that Changemakers Academy works to provide young innovators with the tools and resources they need to turn their ideas into practical solutions that support social, environmental, and economic development.<\/p>\n
The project selection process went through several stages. A number of candidates were chosen to present initial pitches last April, after which they took part in a specialized training bootcamp in social entrepreneurship before delivering their final presentations to an independent judging panel.<\/p>\n
The judging panel included representatives from local and international organizations working in community sports, inclusion and cognitive well-being, and digital education. A total of 24 projects reached the final stage, from which 10 were selected to receive grants and support.<\/p>\n
Changemakers Academy is one of Expo City Dubai Foundation\u2019s initiatives aimed at supporting social enterprises and young innovators, while encouraging them to develop solutions that contribute to addressing social and environmental challenges.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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