The Challenge

Innovators have long sought news ways in which to help their communities and those around the world. The challenge for Innovation Tournament 2021 contestants is to provide solutions — which could either be bold new ideas or implemented solutions with demonstrated results — for the following topic, which has had its genesis in the United Arab Emirates Vision 2021 planning document.

The Vision 2021 document is summarized by stating that “In a strong and safe union, knowledgeable and innovative Emiratis will confidently build a competitive and resilient economy. They will thrive as a cohesive society bonded to its identity, and enjoy the highest standards of living within a nurturing and sustainable environment”.

Describe an innovation that has had, or has the potential to have, substantial positive social impact.

Social impact may include one or more of these dimensions:

1. economic opportunity for historically disadvantaged individuals, groups, and regions.
2. positive impact on the natural environment, either through mitigation of negative effects or encouragement of environmentally sustainable practices.
3. increased access to education.
4.  improved health.
5. addressing basic needs in water, nutrition, shelter, safety, health, and sanitation.
6. cities life (transportation, city information, public spaces).

Innovations that address the needs of those with the most limited opportunities and resources are particularly encouraged.

Two types of  submissions are welcome:

1. Implemented solutions with proven results.
2. Bold, but as yet unproven, ideas.

The goal of this Tournament is to serve as a catalyst for genuine innovations that substantially benefit society.

We are accepting submissions from individuals and organizations of all types, including not-for-profit organizations, universities, companies, and governmental entities. Special awards will be given to student innovators.

In describing your innovation, please be sure to carefully describe the problem you are attempting to solve, how your solution addresses the problem, and the estimated impact of your solution on the articulated problem. In the case of implemented solutions, please document your proven results.

For implemented innovations:

• Does the innovation address a compelling social need?
• How significant to society and the global economy is the innovation?
• Is the solution an excellent way to address the need?
• How novel is the solution?
• To what extent has the team proven that the innovation has created value?
• How clear and compelling was the presentation?

For ideas:

• Does the innovation address a compelling social need?
• How significant to society and the global economy is the need?
• Is the proposed solution likely to address the need?
• How novel is the proposed solution?
• To what extent has the team validated this opportunity for innovation?
• How clear and compelling was the presentation?

Your submission is preferably a PDF file, but we will also accept documents in MS-Word or MS-Powerpoint format. Files may include hyperlinks to web resources. It must have fewer than 10 pages and submitted in English. Files may include hyperlinks to web resources.
Full credit and substantial recognition will be given to the originating party for the winning entries.