UAE Space Agency offers AED 4 million for innovative ideas

Up to AED 4 million is up for grabs as part of a competition organised by the UAE Space Agency.

The event is open to scientists, entrepreneurs, academics and innovators seeking to address some of humanity’s greatest challenges.

Climate change and food security are the two key focus points of the contest.

Two projects will be selected from the competition, each of which will receive up to AED 2 million in funding, technical support, assistance from leading experts and help to secure commercial partnerships.

The competition was announced under the umbrella of the Space Analytics and Solutions (SAS) programme as part of Expo 2020 Dubai’s Space Week and launched in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE).

It aims to find technically feasible, scalable and innovative ideas using data gathered from outer space to create services that support agricultural or environmental practices. This could be using data to map and monitor greenhouse gas emissions or analysing soil moisture levels to boost crop yields.

The proposals are due on January 15, 2022.

The top six will be invited to pitch in front of a committee of experts in February, with the top two selected as the winners.

The competition will recognise proposals based on a variety of factors including the professional experience and academic background of the individuals, as well as the originality and viability of the idea.