Dubai: Moroccan brickmakers reviving traditional building techniques, Indian innovators transforming straw into animal feed, and Egyptian producers of ocean-waste-derived cooling shades are among the seven projects selected for Expo City Dubai Foundation’s latest Global Innovators Programme. Tackling extreme heat challenges in the Global South, the programme’s eighth cohort received more than 1,000 applications from 84 countries, with winners selected by an independent judging panel that included representatives from Emirates Airline and ENGIE.
According to Emirates News Agency, the selected projects stem from five countries – Egypt, Morocco, Peru, India, and Nigeria – with implementation spanning South America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Each will receive funding of up to USD 100,000, alongside technical guidance, visibility, and access to networking opportunities.
Yousuf Caires, Executive Director of Expo City Dubai Foundation, expressed delight over the announcement of the latest cohort of global innovators who are leaving a lasting impact on the world. He highlighted the strong response as a testament to the wealth of ideas available to tackle extreme heat, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. Caires noted the immense potential of these projects across a range of industries and expressed honor in supporting their growth.
Celebrating a decade since the announcement of their first cohort in 2016, Expo City Dubai Foundation aims to advance solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues through collaboration and innovation. The foundation provides a platform for social enterprises and entrepreneurs worldwide to forge meaningful partnerships, share sustainable solutions, and help these ideas grow and thrive.
The seven projects selected from the latest cohort of the Global Innovators Programme bring the total number of entrepreneurs supported to over 200 from 97 countries. This global initiative has positively impacted more than 6 million people worldwide, demonstrating the foundation’s commitment to securing a sustainable future for all.