Ten finalists chosen for Khalifa University’s Global Water Hackathon as innovation tackles the world’s water crisis

Young innovators from nine countries have been selected to showcase solutions addressing water security, resource efficiency and climate resilience ahead of December's UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi

From a pool of 238 registered teams spanning 56 countries, Khalifa University has narrowed the field to ten finalists for the Global Water Hackathon 2026, a competition designed to nurture the next generation of water innovators and accelerate solutions to one of the world’s most pressing challenges. The selection reflects an extraordinary breadth of global engagement: eight teams hail from outside the UAE, whilst two emerge from within the country, including one representing Khalifa University itself.

The rigorous evaluation process began with 238 initial registrations, progressed through a shortlist of 63 teams representing 26 countries, and culminated in the assessment of 54 final submissions. Selection criteria emphasised the scientific and technical merit of proposals, their innovation potential, feasibility, scalability, and anticipated impact on real-world water challenges.

Organised by Khalifa University’s Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology in partnership with UNESCO and Youth4Water, the Hackathon forms part of the University’s broader Water Action Platform. This initiative weaves together research, innovation, international collaboration, and youth engagement to build water resilience and translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions that address water security, resource efficiency and climate adaptation.

Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, reflected on the broader significance of the endeavour. Addressing the world’s water challenges, he observed, demands more than identifying solutions. It requires scientific capabilities, partnerships, and genuine commitment to transform promising ideas into meaningful impact. As the UAE prepares to co-host the 2026 UN Water Conference, the University’s ambition extends beyond the event itself to strengthen collaboration, accelerate innovation, and help translate global water commitments into tangible progress.

Professor Shadi W. Hasan, Director of the Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology and Chairholder of the UNESCO Chair on Global Water Resilience, Innovation and Sustainable Solutions, emphasised that the finalists demonstrate the potential of emerging innovators to bring fresh perspectives to complex water challenges. What distinguishes this initiative, he noted, is its emphasis on scientific rigour and practical feasibility, ensuring that innovation is assessed not only for originality but also for its grounding in sound science and potential to address real-world needs.

The finalists will showcase their projects during the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, scheduled for 8th to 10th December in Abu Dhabi. The event, co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Senegal, will provide these teams with an opportunity to engage with international researchers, policymakers, industry representatives, and stakeholders contributing to water security and sustainable development. The next stage will allow them to present their solutions, engage with experts, and identify the further validation and partnerships needed to advance their development.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s role in hosting the 2026 UN Water Conference positions the emirate at the centre of global efforts to address water security. The Global Water Hackathon exemplifies how the city is leveraging its research institutions and convening power to catalyse innovation in one of the world’s most critical domains. By supporting young talent from across the globe, Khalifa University is reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s commitment to translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions that benefit communities worldwide.

For the UAE and the broader region, the initiative reflects a strategic commitment to water resilience and sustainable development. As Khalifa University shortlists teams for the UNESCO Hackathon, the University continues its work as an anchor for research and innovation that addresses shared global challenges. The competition demonstrates how Abu Dhabi’s institutions are empowering emerging leaders to develop solutions that tackle water security, climate resilience and resource efficiency, reinforcing the emirate’s role as a hub for transformative innovation.

Source: WAM