Global talent converges on Abu Dhabi’s water innovation stage as Khalifa University shortlists 63 teams for UNESCO Hackathon

Emerging innovators from 26 countries have been selected to advance solutions for the world's most pressing water challenges, ahead of the UN Water Conference.

Khalifa University of Science and Technology has selected 63 teams from 26 countries to advance to the next stage of the Khalifa University–UNESCO Global Water Hackathon 2026, reflecting the international momentum building around innovative approaches to global water security. The selection emerges from an initial registration pool of 238 teams spanning 56 countries across every continent, underscoring the breadth of creative thinking now focused on water challenges.

Nearly three quarters of the shortlisted teams hail from outside the UAE, representing 45 organisations whose projects address six interconnected themes: Smart, Digital and AI Enabled Water Systems; Water Reuse, Circularity and Resource Efficiency; Water Security and Sustainable Desalination; Energy Water Nexus and Climate Resilience; Water Quality, Health and Environmental Protection; and Integrated Water Systems, Governance and Cooperation. These themes align with the United Nations Water Pillars, positioning emerging talent to contribute meaningfully to recognised global priorities.

Led by Khalifa University’s Centre for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology, and organised in partnership with UNESCO and Youth4Water, the hackathon creates a distinctive pathway for promising ideas to be developed, rigorously evaluated and presented to an international audience. As we reported in Khalifa University’s recent expansion of scientific talent development, the institution continues to cultivate emerging voices in research and innovation.

Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, emphasised the significance of the moment: “The participation of shortlisted teams from 26 countries demonstrates the value of international cooperation in advancing water innovation. Through this Hackathon, Khalifa University is connecting emerging talent with scientific expertise and opportunities to develop solutions that respond to shared water challenges. As the UAE prepares to co-host the 2026 UN Water Conference, Khalifa University remains committed to connecting research, innovation and talent to solutions that can deliver meaningful impact.”

The evaluation process considers scientific and technical rigour, alignment with UN Water Pillars, feasibility and scalability, industry relevance and adoption potential, and communication quality. Professor Shadi W. Hasan, Director of the Centre for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology and Chair of the Global Water Hackathon, noted that the competition has challenged participants to balance scientific strength with practical viability and potential for real world application.

Ten finalists are expected to be announced on 6th November 2026. The winners will be revealed during the UN Water Conference in December, where they will showcase their solutions through on-site presentations and participate in an awards ceremony. Teams will compete for the Khalifa University–UNESCO Water Innovation Award, six Best Theme Awards, and three Strategic Recognition Awards honouring UAE water priorities, climate and environmental resilience, and potential for industry adoption.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The hackathon represents a significant contribution to Abu Dhabi’s preparation to co-host the 2026 UN Water Conference, positioning the emirate as a convening hub for global water innovation and collaborative problem solving. The international calibre of participating teams and the diversity of proposed solutions underscore Abu Dhabi’s role in shaping the global water action agenda and demonstrating how emerging markets and developed nations can work together on shared challenges.

For Abu Dhabi’s residents and institutions, the competition exemplifies how the emirate’s commitment to scientific excellence and sustainability translates into tangible engagement with the world’s most pressing resource challenges. The focus on water security, desalination, resource efficiency and climate resilience directly addresses priorities that will shape the region’s future, whilst the platform itself attracts international expertise and innovation that enriches the local research and business ecosystem.