Dubai, UAE, has witnessed the successful conclusion of the second edition of InnovAIte, the country’s largest student-led National AI Hackathon. Organized by Aryav Odhrani, Nirvaan Thawani, Dasuni Gunasekara, and Alizeh Ali, the event declared Team ‘Machine Mindset’ from GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis as the winner. The hackathon took place in collaboration with the National Program for Coders and received support from major sponsors including Emirates NBD, EDGE Group, Hale Education Group, and the University of Birmingham, Dubai.

The three-day event culminated in a grand finale held on March 16, 2025, at the University of Birmingham, attended by students, teachers, parents, and partners. This year’s theme, ‘Mental Health and Wellbeing,’ aligned with the nation’s strategic vision to utilize artificial intelligence for societal advancement. Team ‘Machine Mindset’ developed an AI-powered emotion detection system that analyzes students’ emotions in real-time using DeepFace technology and facial recognition.

The hackathon showcased the talents of 289 young AI enthusiasts from 34 nationalities and 44 registered schools, who worked diligently to create innovative solutions focusing on mental and financial wellbeing. Runner-up teams included ‘Data Minors’ and ‘ModernAItes,’ both from GEMS Modern Academy. Additionally, ‘STEMPALS’ from Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills was recognized as the Best Female-majority team, while ‘Desert Innovators’ from the American Academy for Girls received the title of Best Emirati-majority team.

Dr. Abdulrahman Al Mahmoud, Director at the Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office, emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships within the UAE’s AI ecosystem. He highlighted that such collaborations reflect the UAE’s commitment to leveraging AI for the greater good. Dr. Al Mahmoud stated that these partnerships facilitate the creation of innovative solutions that address global challenges and pave the way for a future where AI drives progress for humanity.

Miguel Rio-Tinto, Group Chief Digital and Information Officer at Emirates NBD, expressed pride in the students’ creativity and dedication during InnovAIte 2025. He noted that the innovative solutions developed by the students demonstrated the transformative potential of AI in tackling critical societal issues. Furthermore, he affirmed Emirates NBD’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of AI leaders through support of initiatives like InnovAIte.

The grand finale also featured student presentations, workshops, and speaking sessions evaluated by a panel of 25 esteemed judges, including experts from Emirates NBD and the University of Birmingham. The evaluation criteria centered on innovation, feasibility, impact, and presentation quality, highlighting the caliber of projects presented.