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Challenge 1: OrbitX: Agile Space Systems Challenge

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

Design micro-satellite networks that launch fast, think smart, and work together. From emergency response to global comms — modern missions demand more. Let’s build it.

We're seeking startups to build modular, cost-effective micro-satellites for rapid, high-impact missions. Systems must feature novel sensors and a decentralized mesh network for direct satellite-to-satellite data transfer, bypassing ground stations. Designs should be robust, scalable, and responsive to real-time challenges. Earth observation is just the beginning — we're looking for bold innovations in architecture, protocols, and practical applications.

Challenge 1: OrbitX: Agile Space Systems Challenge

In partnership with

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

Design micro-satellite networks that launch fast, think smart, and work together. From emergency response to global comms — modern missions demand more. Let’s build it.

We're seeking startups to build modular, cost-effective micro-satellites for rapid, high-impact missions. Systems must feature novel sensors and a decentralized mesh network for direct satellite-to-satellite data transfer, bypassing ground stations. Designs should be robust, scalable, and responsive to real-time challenges. Earth observation is just the beginning — we're looking for bold innovations in architecture, protocols, and practical applications.

Evaluation Criteria: 
Technical Innovation
Feasibility & Maturity
Responsiveness & Agility
Decentralized Networking Design
Autonomy & Ground Independence
Scalability & Constellation Readiness

Prize

The winner will enter a structured collaboration with FADA to advance the maturity of their concept. This effort will focus on both the technical development of the solution and the business case validation, preparing the project for future investment, prototyping, or deployment.

Don’t miss out — the deadline to submit your application is 10 October

Challenge 2: Accelerating the Autonomous Robotics Revolution

In partnership with

a

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

Design micro-satellite networks that launch fast, think smart, and work together. From emergency response to global comms — modern missions demand more. Let’s build it.

We're seeking startups to build modular, cost-effective micro-satellites for rapid, high-impact missions. Systems must feature novel sensors and a decentralized mesh network for direct satellite-to-satellite data transfer, bypassing ground stations. Designs should be robust, scalable, and responsive to real-time challenges. Earth observation is just the beginning — we're looking for bold innovations in architecture, protocols, and practical applications.

1
Evaluation Criteria: 
AI & Tech Differentiation
Deployment Readiness
⁠Commercial Viability
Integration Potential
Scalability and Modularity
Sustainability & Efficiency

Prize

Real impact, not just reward.
Winning teams gain more than cash—they unlock access, exposure, and a fast track to pilot opportunities.

1st Prize: $5,000

2nd Prize: $3,000

3rd Pize: $2,000

Don’t miss out — the deadline to submit your application is 10 October
Challenge 3: Airports of the Future

In partnership with

a

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.

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

Design micro-satellite networks that launch fast, think smart, and work together. From emergency response to global comms — modern missions demand more. Let’s build it.

We're seeking startups to build modular, cost-effective micro-satellites for rapid, high-impact missions. Systems must feature novel sensors and a decentralized mesh network for direct satellite-to-satellite data transfer, bypassing ground stations. Designs should be robust, scalable, and responsive to real-time challenges. Earth observation is just the beginning — we're looking for bold innovations in architecture, protocols, and practical applications.

1
Evaluation Criteria: 
Sustainability Impact
Scalability
Innovation
Relevance
Feasibility
Commercial Viability
Prize

Dubai Airports is pleased to offer dedicated mentorship support the winner of this challenge. The winner will receive a set number of mentorship hours each month from Dubai Airports experts to help guide and strengthen their initiatives. Where relevant, Dubai Airports will also facilitate introductions to members of the oneDXB Sustainability Alliance to ensure access to the right expertise and networks.

Evaluation Criteria: 
  • Technical Innovation
  •  Responsiveness & Agility 
  • Autonomy & Ground Independence 
  • Scalability & Constellation Readiness  
  • Decentralized Network Design
  • Feasibility & Maturity 
Prize:

The winning team will enter a structured collaboration with FADA to advance the maturity of their concept. This effort will focus on both the technical development of the solution and the business case validation, preparing the project for future investment, prototyping, or deployment.

Prize

Seize new opportunities at the world’s most exciting and innovative aerospace event. Join more than 1,400 exhibitors from 98 countries, and 135,000 professional attendees to profit from the present and prepare for the future.


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