A Total of 238 Registered Teams Across 56 Countries to Showcase Projects at 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi
Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced that 10 teams from nine countries have been selected as finalists for the Khalifa University–UNESCO Global Water Hackathon 2026, advancing an international initiative to translate youth-driven innovation into practical approaches to global water challenges. The finalists will showcase their projects during the 2026 United Nations Water Conference in Abu Dhabi.
The selection process began with 238 registered teams from 56 countries and progressed through a shortlist of 63 teams representing 26 countries. The final assessment evaluated 54 team submissions, with 10 teams selected based on the scientific and technical merit of their proposals, innovation potential, feasibility, scalability, and anticipated impact.
The finalists represent nine countries across five broad geographic regions, with eight teams from outside the UAE and one team representing Khalifa University. Their selection reflects the international reach of the initiative and the growing engagement of young innovators in addressing shared water challenges.
Organized by Khalifa University’s Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology (CMAT), in partnership with UNESCO and Youth4Water, the Hackathon is part of the University’s wider Water Action Platform, which brings together research, innovation, international collaboration, and youth engagement to advance water resilience and accelerate the translation of scientific knowledge into practical solutions.
His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University, said: “Addressing the world’s water challenges requires more than identifying solutions. It demands the scientific capabilities, partnerships, and commitment to turn promising ideas into meaningful impact. Through our Water Action Platform, Khalifa University is connecting emerging innovators with the expertise and international networks needed to advance practical solutions. As the UAE prepares to co-host the 2026 UN Water Conference, our ambition extends beyond the event itself: to strengthen collaboration, accelerate innovation, and help translate global water commitments into tangible progress.”
Professor Shadi W. Hasan, Chairholder of the UNESCO Chair on Global Water Resilience, Innovation and Sustainable Solutions, Chair of the Youth4Water Advisory Board, and Chair of the Global Water Hackathon, and Director, CMAT, said: “The finalists demonstrate the potential of emerging innovators to bring fresh perspectives to complex water challenges. What distinguishes this initiative is its emphasis on scientific rigor and practical feasibility, ensuring that innovation is assessed not only for originality but also for its potential to address real-world needs. The next stage will provide these teams with an opportunity to present their solutions, engage with experts, and identify the further validation and partnerships needed to advance their development.”
The Conference showcase will give finalists an opportunity to engage with international researchers, policymakers, industry representatives, and stakeholders contributing to advance water security and sustainable development.
A total prize allocation of AED290,000 has been designated for the Hackathon, comprising the Khalifa University–UNESCO Water Innovation Award of AED50,000, six Best Theme Awards of AED30,000 each, and three Strategic Recognition Awards of AED20,000 each. Winners will be announced during the Conference.
The diversity of the selected projects highlights the importance of bringing different scientific perspectives and technological approaches together. Through its Water Action Platform, Khalifa University is advancing water research, innovation, capacity building and partnerships to support evidence-based solutions and implementation.
The 2026 UN Water Conference, co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Senegal, will take place in Abu Dhabi from 8 to 10 December 2026. For more information about the Khalifa University–UNESCO Global Water Hackathon 2026, click here.
