ADNOC has broadened its Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education programme to empower UAE students in artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technology. This initiative, named ‘STEM for Life: Future of AI Schools Challenge,’ held its finals today at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre.

Since its launch in January 2025, the Future of AI Schools Challenge attracted 14,500 applicants from 351 schools across the UAE. With the assistance of 896 teachers, students were tasked with designing, building, and pitching AI solutions addressing one of three themes: creating real-world impact, demonstrating blue sky thinking, or winning the hearts and minds of local communities. A total of 1,500 submissions were received, and 80 students from 27 teams were selected to attend the finals.

During the final event, ADNOC and AIQ demonstrated how ENERGYai, the world’s first agentic AI solution for the energy industry, can enhance decision-making, unlock value, and drive operational efficiencies.

Saif Al Falahi, Director, Group Business Support & Special Tasks at ADNOC, expressed congratulations to the winning teams for their innovative ideas and creativity. He emphasized that through the STEM education program, ADNOC is equipping young talent in the UAE with essential skills for an AI-driven future. He added that the company aims to nurture the next generation of innovators who will leverage AI to drive progress for the UAE and address global challenges.

Winning teams presented their projects to a jury that included representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Ministry of Education, Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, ADNOC, Khalifa University, ADNOC Technology Academy, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, Microsoft, and Neubio. After careful evaluation, nine teams were awarded gold, silver, and bronze positions, showcasing impressive AI-powered solutions such as an automated greywater purification system, a mobile app, a personalized learning platform, and a smart farming system.

ADNOC’s Future of AI Schools Challenge is designed to equip students with critical skills for a technology-driven future while harnessing AI’s potential to create value and tackle real-life challenges. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s vision to establish the country as a global AI leader by 2031 and supports the integration of AI into the UAE academic curriculum for the 2025–26 academic year. Additionally, it builds on ADNOC’s corporate social responsibility efforts aimed at promoting STEM education, having empowered over 351,000 young scientists, engineers, and innovators since its launch in 2018.