Abu dhabi: Khalifa University, in collaboration with UNESCO, has announced the launch of the Global Water Hackathon 2026, a research-centered international initiative that aims to unite university students from around the globe with researchers, industry experts, and policymakers. The initiative is designed to develop practical solutions for pressing global water challenges.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Hackathon is spearheaded by Khalifa University's Centre for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology (CMAT) and seeks to provide a comprehensive process for participants. This includes framing, research, solution development, technical mentoring, validation, and impact assessment. The initiative will conclude with a global showcase and awards ceremony at the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi in December.
The Hackathon is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, with its six challenge themes reflecting the UN Water pillars. It aims to connect youth-led innovation with international water priorities, ensuring that proposed solutions are informed by scientific, technological, societal, environmental, and policy considerations. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students from accredited higher education institutions worldwide, the initiative promotes interdisciplinary collaboration across fields such as engineering, science, data science, public policy, health, and environmental studies.
Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, emphasized the importance of the conference as an opportunity for the UAE to leverage science, talent, and international cooperation to address global water challenges. He stated that the Global Water Hackathon will bring together young innovators with experts to create practical, science-based solutions, ultimately contributing to a water-secure and resilient future.
Professor Shadi W. Hasan, Chair of the Youth4Water Advisory Board and Director of CMAT, highlighted the role of young people in shaping global water solutions. Through the Global Water Hackathon and Youth4Water engagement, young participants are encouraged to transform their ideas into real-world solutions, connecting them with science, industry, and policy.
Sarah Dousse, Executive Director of the International Secretariat for Water, noted the necessity of involving young people in decision-making and action on global water challenges. The Global Water Hackathon serves as a platform to facilitate youth participation in the global water agenda, enabling them to engage with experts and decision-makers and influence future water policies and investments.
Participants in the Hackathon will work on solutions across six challenge themes aligned with the UN Water pillars, including areas such as water security, sustainable desalination, and smart water systems. Teams will collaborate with academic advisers and industry mentors to develop evidence-based solutions, which may include technical concepts, prototypes, simulation models, AI tools, and digital platforms.
Projects will be evaluated on various criteria, including scientific rigor, alignment with UN Water pillars, feasibility, industry relevance, and communication quality. The Hackathon will offer a prize pool recognizing scientific excellence, societal impact, and practical relevance, with the overall winner receiving the Khalifa University - UN Water Innovation Award. Additionally, six Best Theme Awards and three Strategic Recognition Awards will be given to outstanding projects.