Science fair projects think for the future
dubai — One of the UAE’s largest science fair exhibitions has kicked off in Dubai, with almost 700 students taking part from schools across the country.
The 6th annual Think Science Fair is showcasing 240 science fair projects, by 678 young innovators.
The two-day event is being held by the Emirates Foundation at the Dubai World Trade Centre and is expected to have more than 17,000 visitors.
This year’s Think Science Fair has dedicated a special ‘Future Science Entrepreneurs platform’, where successful Think Science Ambassadors showcase and offer their projects to both public and private sector companies, for investment and incubation opportunities.
“In another successful year of Think Science, we recognise the importance of supporting our youth’s potential and ambitions with capital, investment and knowledge sharing. This will allow our nation’s science, technology and innovation capabilities to flourish.
Through our Think Science Programme, we aim to power the youth drive the UAE’s economy towards sustainable progress and development.” Maytha Al Habsi, CEO, Emirates Foundation What’s required is R&D investment, early stage incubation and funding, as well as mentorship and this is our main focus for the next phase of the Think Science Program,” said Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon, managing director of the Emirates Foundation.
Within the ‘Future Science Entrepreneurs Platform’, successfully incubated projects are showcased as case studies.
Emirates Foundation partner companies that have enabled these youth innovations to be launched include D’s Group Supplying Solutions and Care, which incubated the ‘Autism Shirt’, a unique project to reduce neurological meltdowns and tantrums suffered by autism patients.
‘Mohareb Drone’ is a project adopted by Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments, aiming to identify unauthorised drones using a manned helicopter. ‘Braille Eye’, incubated by UAE University Science Park, is a phone-like device with a fixed camera which allows writing recognition in various languages.
“Through our Think Science Programme, we aim to foster sustainable innovation based on science and technology, in an attempt to empower the youth to build and drive the UAE’s economy towards sustainable progress and development,” Maytha Al Habsi, CEO of Emirates Foundation, said.
A total of 17 prizes will be awarded in 13 science categories. Awards will include first prize for each school and university category, including ‘Best of the Best Project at School Level’, ‘Best of the Best Project at University Level’ and the ‘Think Science 2018 People’s Choice Award’ and, for the first time, ‘Think Science 2018 Outstanding Display Award’.