Theme: Agile Micro-Satellite Platforms for Rapid, High-Impact Missions

As industries demand faster, smarter space-based data - from climate monitoring to crisis response - there’s a growing need for satellites that launch quickly, think autonomously, and work collaboratively.

This challenge invites startups to pioneer the next generation of micro-satellite systems and orbital networking architectures designed for speed, adaptability, and real-time impact.

Design agile, modular satellites for short-duration, high-impact missions. Your solution should be cost-effective, launch-ready on compressed timelines, and equipped with novel sensors and onboard data processing. Propose a decentralized mesh network for satellite-to-satellite communication to reduce ground station dependence. Systems must be resilient, scalable, and optimized for dynamic, real-world missions like Earth observation—and beyond.

Theme: Ways of driving faster and broader adoption of autonomous robotics technologies

This challenge, led by VentureOne and SteerAI, calls on startups and scale-ups driving innovation in autonomous robotics across air, land, and sea. It seeks breakthrough solutions that can accelerate the adoption of autonomy in environments where infrastructure is limited, workforces are scarce, distances are vast, or terrain is difficult. From warehouse automation and off-road missions to last-mile delivery and advanced AI for navigation and decision-making - this is a platform to showcase how robotics and AI can solve real-world problems and deliver commercial, societal, and environmental value.

Startups should demonstrate scalable, modular systems with strong commercial viability and integration potential across logistics, defense, and transport. Whether you're building next-gen autonomy infrastructure or multi-modal platforms, this is your chance to stand out. Top-performing teams will be considered for pilot collaborations and venture acceleration with VentureOne and SteerAI.

Theme: Redefining Airport Sustainability from the Ground Up

As global aviation adapts to the challenges of a changing world, the future of airports must be built on sustainability. From carbon-neutral infrastructure and circular design to energy-efficient operations, tomorrow’s airports must serve both people and planet.

The Airports of the Future Challenge seeks bold, scalable innovations that can be embedded into every stage of airport development and operations. In line with the UAE’s commitment to climate leadership, we invite startups and innovators worldwide to propose solutions that transform airports into regenerative ecosystems, resilient to desert conditions. Imagine terminals that generate clean energy under extreme heat, purify air despite frequent dust storms, eliminate landfill waste, and restore biodiversity in arid zones.

We’re looking for practical, high-impact technologies and business models that align with the UAE’s net-zero agenda, redefining how airports are designed, built, and operated for a sustainable future.