ADU’s 13th Undergraduate Research and Innovation Competition receives 1,350+ student entries from 71 world-renowned universities

Under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Abu Dhabi University (ADU) successfully concluded the 13th edition of the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Competition (URIC). Convening more than 1,350 undergraduate students presenting over 500 research papers from over 71 universities across the region and beyond, the competition focused on 24 strategic disciplines including healthcare, sustainability, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies, aligning with the UAE’s national priorities under We the UAE 2031, which focuses on building a competitive knowledge economy, empowering future talent, and fostering innovation-driven sustainable development.

Among winning entries across all disciplines, Khalifa University’s ‘Computer vision-based automated monitoring of industrial gas flares using detection, segmentation, and multi-modal analysis’ project won first place in the artificial intelligence and machine learning category. It was a proud moment for the host university as ADU’s entry titled, ‘MeetSafe - AI powered meeting monitoring system for hostility detection’ was announced as a winner in the cybersecurity specialization.

The award ceremony welcomed distinguished representatives from government entities, academia, and industry, including Genetics and Rare Disease Center, CPX, ADVA, Ferticlinic Fertilization Group, Multilevel Group, Alimny, TAWASOL, Autograph, Digital Factory Hub, Emirates Cyber Security Academy, Advanced Mobility Hub, ICG Holding, The Platform, MLD Pharma, and Drhaim Company.

Prof. Montasir Qasymeh, Associate Provost for Research Innovation and Academic Development at Abu Dhabi University, said: “The Undergraduate Research and Innovation Competition continues to strengthen Abu Dhabi University’s commitment to fostering a culture of research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration among youth. The competition has received tremendous interest and participation year-on-year, and we are proud to provide a platform to students, entrepreneurs and changemakers that will inspire and empower them to cultivate a research-oriented mindset from early stages of their academic journey and address real-world challenges. I congratulate our 2026 winners in both the Innovation Track and Research Track, whose projects have demonstrated strong potential to deliver real-life value and positively impact human wellbeing.”

As part of the competition agenda, ADU also hosted an insightful panel discussion titled “Building Resilient Families in a Changing World: Health, Food Security, Digital Safety, and Social Wellbeing,” which brought together Prof. Ayman W. El-Hattab, Consultant Clinical Genetics and Director, Genetics and Rare Disease Centre at Burjeel Medical City, , Ms. Fatima Al Mazrouei, Lawyer at Salloum & Partners LLC and Andrea Multari, Vice President of CPX Cyber Security Company. Moderated by Prof. Nisreen Alwan, Professor of Environmental Health and Safety, the discussion explored how research-driven collaboration can support societal progress, healthcare innovation, sustainability, food security, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.

Sabila Mohammedsiddiq Patel, student at Abu Dhabi University, said: “What stood out for me at URIC this year was how impactful ideas were developed using cutting-edge research tools. I was inspired by the innovative solutions and thinking that each student, researcher and entrepreneur showcased when approaching real-world problems and it has driven me to adopt a more scientific outlook towards problem-solving.

Aligned with the UAE’s vision to build a globally competitive knowledge economy, URIC continues to support national priorities focused on innovation, advanced technologies, scientific research, and youth empowerment.

For more information about URIC 2026, visit: https://www.adu.ac.ae/uric