Khalifa University is inviting applications for the Khalifa University–UNESCO Global Water Hackathon 2026, a global competition for university students developing innovative water solutions. Registration closes on 7 September 2026, so interested teams should prepare their entries early.
The contest focuses on water innovation and sustainability. Teams must register with their project title, research theme, team leader details, team members, and faculty advisors and/or industry mentors.
Application Deadline
- Team Registration Deadline: 7 September 2026
Tell Me About The Hackathon
The Global Water Hackathon 2026, hosted by Khalifa University of Science and Technology in partnership with UNESCO and Youth4Water, is an international innovation program focused on developing science‑based solutions for global water security. It goes beyond traditional hackathons by including structured phases of research, mentoring, validation, and impact assessment, culminating in a global showcase at the UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi.
Which Fields are Eligible
Solutions must align with one of six UN Water pillars:
- Water Security & Sustainable Desalination
- Water Reuse & Circularity
- Smart & AI‑Enabled Water Systems
- Water Quality & Environmental Protection
- Energy–Water Nexus & Climate Resilience
- Integrated Water Systems & Governance
Type
- International Hackathon | Research & Innovation | Water Security
Who Can Apply
Applicants must:
- Be undergraduate or graduate students from recognized higher education institutions worldwide.
- Form a team of 4–5 students, supported by 1–2 academic mentors and 1 industry expert.
- Be willing to collaborate across disciplines (engineering, science, data science, public policy, health, environment, etc.).
How Are Teams Selected
- Based on team registration and submission of solutions aligned with UN Water pillars.
- Evaluated on scientific rigor, feasibility, scalability, industry relevance, and communication quality.
Which Countries are Eligible
- Global – open to universities worldwide.
Where Will the Hackathon Be Taken
- Abu Dhabi, UAE (final pitching and awards at the UN Water Conference).
How Many Teams
- Multiple teams selected globally; finalists chosen after jury review.
What is the Benefit of the Hackathon
- Grand Prize: 50,000 AED (UN Water Innovation Award).
- Best Theme Awards: 6 × 30,000 AED (180,000 AED total).
- Strategic Recognition Awards: 3 × 20,000 AED (60,000 AED total).
- Total Prize Pool: 290,000 AED.
- Mentorship from leading researchers, industry experts, and policymakers.
- International recognition and networking opportunities.
- Potential for future project incubation and adoption.
How Long Will the Hackathon Last
- Runs from September to December 2026, culminating in the finale on 8–10 December 2026.
Required Documents
- Team registration form.
- Problem framing and solution development documents.
- Technical report and impact brief.
- Final pitch materials (prototype, simulation, AI tool, or digital platform).
How to Apply
- Form a team of 4–5 students with mentors and industry expert.
- Register online by 7 September 2026.
- Participate in problem framing and solution development phases.
- Submit final solution by 1 November 2026.
- Await jury decision (6 November 2026).
- Finalists pitch onsite in Abu Dhabi (8–10 December 2026).
📍 Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
👉 Visit the official contest page for details
