Global Innovation Challenge Launched to Empower Young Leaders in Agentic AI Development
A landmark partnership between the World Economic Forum and Dubai Municipality will engage 10,000 Global Shapers across 150 countries to create innovative artificial intelligence solutions for urban enhancement and community wellbeing.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has witnessed the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Global Innovation Challenge and the Agentic AI Award. This transformative initiative represents a collaborative endeavour between the World Economic Forum and Dubai Municipality, unveiled during the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026.
The challenge aspires to mobilise 10,000 Global Shapers distributed across 150 nations, inviting them to conceive and realise innovative solutions and practical applications anchored in agentic artificial intelligence technology. These endeavours will be directed towards the enhancement of urban services and the elevation of quality of life within their respective communities. The award programme offers US$1 million in prize money, distributed amongst three distinguished winners, whose achievements will be announced at the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2027.
The initiative welcomes innovators from across the globe to develop pragmatic, scalable agentic AI solutions that address the specific needs of their communities. Participants will benefit from the AI for All training programme, a comprehensive offering from Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, which strengthens their capacity to develop intelligent, reliable and responsible artificial intelligence applications.
Alois Zwinggi, President and Chief Executive Officer of the World Economic Forum, expressed that the challenge would empower the emerging generation to catalyse meaningful change through the development of responsible, scalable AI solutions that yield tangible benefits for cities and communities worldwide. His Excellency Engineer Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, affirmed that this initiative will engage young people in the conception of future cities through artificial intelligence powered solutions that prioritise human wellbeing and sustainable development.
Throughout the challenge, participants will receive comprehensive specialist support, encompassing interactive sessions conducted by leading experts and an array of carefully tailored tools designed to facilitate the development, testing and refinement of their concepts. By March 2027, participants will be able to present solutions at varying stages of evolution, ranging from foundational concepts and prototypes to early stage implementations.
Submissions will be evaluated across multiple dimensions, including innovation, feasibility, scalability, accountability and demonstrable, sustainable impact, with a particular emphasis on enriching human experience and ensuring responsible artificial intelligence deployment. The judging panel comprises representatives from the United Arab Emirates, the World Economic Forum and recognised artificial intelligence specialists. Winners will be honoured at the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders in 2027.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Engineer Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita and Ida Jeng Christensen, Director of the Forum of Young Global Leaders at the World Economic Forum. The initiative endeavours to empower young people globally to develop practical artificial intelligence solutions whilst strengthening international partnerships that foster smarter, more sustainable and resilient cities.
Source: WAM News Agency