Global Grad Show announces proposals from COVID-19 initiative that will go into development phase

• 125 universities in 40 countries submitted entries in disciplines ranging from technology to design, statistics and medicine, from institutions such as Harvard, Oxford and Imperial College alongside universities in developing economies such as Peru, Kenya, Iraq and Philippines.
• Applications were evaluated by a jury of experts in innovation, technology and new ventures, who looked for solutions that can create direct impact and are ready to be accelerated
• Global Grad Show selected four proposals to go into acceleration phase, which will receive business training, mentorship and connection with the industry to be developed towards implementation
• The proposals address issues faced by people in virtually every country, creating solutions for health data monitoring, safer home delivery methods and assistance to vulnerable community members

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: A year-round social impact innovation programme for graduate students across the world, Global Grad Show, held under the patronage of HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), has selected four proposals that will go into a structured development programme, following its initiative to find solutions to the collateral issues of COVID-19.

The selected proposals apply research and expertise in fields ranging from medical engineering to industrial design and computer science and are: Anti-Viral Packaging, a delivery box made of materials that prevent viral proliferation, Foresight, an AI system to monitor patient information, VEA, a simple device to make bleach at home and Help Ourselves, an app to connect volunteers to people in need.

The creators of selected proposals will be invited to embark on an acceleration programme offered by Global Grad Show, receiving business training, mentorship and networking opportunities within their industries, to advance their ideas. Over the next two months, they will be equipped with tools and guidance to take their projects to pilot stage and find opportunities to go to market. Each selected proposal will also be supported with a grant equivalent to the creator’s tuition fees.

Commenting on the initiative, Mohammad Al Shehhi, CEO of A.R.M. Holding, that has pledged AED 10m to support Global Grad Show startups, said:

“The level of response to the initiative mirrors the strength and potential of the global academic community, of which Global Grad Show has been a significant catalyst and champion for so many years. We support graduate talent and have seen their contribution to all dimensions of life and society through our partnership with Global Grad Show and feel ever more hopeful about their ability to work to the benefit of people and the planet”.   

One of the first innovation programmes in the world to react to the pandemic, Global Grad Show, that is held in partnership with Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), and supported by A.R.M. Holding and Dubai Culture, launched an open call on the March 12^th, leveraging its unique community of 260 universities across six continents to gather proposals addressing COVID-19 collateral issues, receiving 390 applications within three weeks, from 125 universities.

The proposals were evaluated over two assessment rounds by a jury of senior representatives from leading private and public organisations in Dubai, followed by a series of detailed analysis and interviews with shortlisted teams. Global Grad Show objective was to identify innovative projects that can create real impact around the world, taking into account their development requirements, scalability and readiness to be accelerated.

“The problem-solving power of Global Grad Show’s platform demonstrates - arguably more than ever - our community’s strength and relevance to address complex issues. Thanks to our alignment with Dubai’s future-looking vision and policies, we are able to attract top international talent and continue to develop high impact projects in the city” said, Tadeu Baldani Caravieri, Global Grad Show’s Director. 

SELECTED PROPOSALS

Foresight – an AI system to monitor patients. A trained AI system which is able to constantly process patients’ clinical information, providing an algorithmic distribution of intensive care results, increasing patient turnover and easing clinical staff workload through a prioritising system. By Samyakh Tukra and Martha Kedrycki, Imperial College London

Anti-viral Package – an anti-proliferation delivery container. Anti-proliferation materials (such as medical grade kraft paper) are repurposed and combined with QR code technology to make delivery packages safer. The solution prevents viral proliferation and can be used inside sterilising machines. By Erick Heredia Carrillo, National Autonomous University of Mexico.

Help Ourselves – a docking app for Covid-19 volunteering. People have shown willingness to help others get through these difficult times, but they lack reliable channels for mutual collaboration and an aggregating database. Help Ourselves is a docking app for people who are in need and those who want to help. By Hanhui Deng, He Xu, Zijing Wan and Yidi Zhao, Hunan University

VEA – a device to make bleach at home. A low-cost home-made option to produce disinfecting liquid bleach anywhere in the world, through the use of an electrical component that converts a simple mix of water and salt into bleach. By Mostafa Barmchi, Sepideh Golgoon, Ali Mohammad Sharifi and Amir Rezaei, Islamic Azad University

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Regional Press | Asda’a BCW
Fatina Alarda | fatina.alarda@bcw-global.com  | T: +971 (0) 44 507 669 

About Global Grad Show

Global Grad Show, an initiative by the Art Dubai Group, is a year-round programme for graduates and universities working on Social Impact Innovation projects in the fields of design, science, technology and engineering. Global Grad Show aims to promote graduates on an international stage and its entrepreneurship programme helps innovators to accelerate their projects towards market implementation, with the support of A.R.M. Holding’s AED 10m fund. Global Grad Show also engages its community through knowledge exchange opportunities, where academics and industry professionals share their experiences and insights about innovation and solutions for a better future.     

Recently named as one of the key initiatives under the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority’s plan to realize its vision of evolving Dubai into a global hub for culture and innovation, Global Grad Show has built a community of over 260 universities across the world that includes the world’s leading institutions alongside those from developing countries. Visit www.globalgradshow.com  for further information.

About Investment Corporation of Dubai:

Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) is the principal investment arm of the Government of Dubai. It was established in May 2006 by decree (11) of 2006 and mandated with the consolidation and management of the Government of Dubai’s portfolio of commercial companies and investments. ICD was also assigned the provision of strategic oversight to portfolio companies through the development and implementation of effective corporate governance policies, and sound investment strategies. ICD is focused on maximizing stakeholder value for the long-term benefit of the Emirate.

ICD’s portfolio comprises some of Dubai’s most recognized companies and represents a cross-section of vital economic sectors that the Government of Dubai has deemed strategic for the continued development and growth of the Emirate. The sectors include financial services, transportation, energy and industry, real estate and leisure, retail, and other holdings. In addition, ICD has embarked on a disciplined and sustainable strategy of global investments, which are synergistic with its existing portfolio, to extend Dubai’s presence and expertise into international markets. Further information can be found at www.icd.gov.ae 

About A.R.M. Holding:

A.R.M. Holding is a multi-focused economic enabler that creates synergies and opportunities through local, regional and global investments. At the core of the company’s business strategy is its commitment to social responsibility. A.R.M. actively employs its resources to advance society and empower its players to pursue innovative solutions and inspire a better future. A.R.M. collaborates with like-minded organizations and leverages its network and partnerships to create meaningful relationships and create growth opportunities. It holds equity stakes in some of Dubai’s foremost companies in a variety of economic sectors including Banking, Telecom, FMCG, Property, and Hospitality. Investing in Real Estate since 1976, A.R.M. has contributed to society with significant investments in numerous industries and versatile projects across the region and internationally. To learn more about A.R.M. Holding, please visit www.armholding.ae  and www.instagram.com/a.r.m.holding/ 

About Dubai Culture & Arts Authority:

On 8th March 2008, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, launched Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture). The mandate of the Authority is to serve as a dedicated entity for culture, arts, heritage, and literature in the Emirate of Dubai, and to drive the growth of the city’s artistic and cultural landscape.

Dubai Culture focuses on establishing Dubai as a regional and global centre for creativity, and also seeks to enhance the city's cultural identity in order to drive the creative economy. The Authority strives to enhance the quality of life for Dubai residents to help achieve a key pillar of the Dubai Plan 2021 objectives, which is to create a city of happy, creative, and empowered people.

Under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, the Authority has played an integral role in reinforcing Dubai’s position as a vibrant global centre for creativity, and in enhancing the city's cultural identity. www.dubaiculture.gov.ae 

© Press Release 2020