ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 28, 2026--
From AI that can predict pregnancy complications months in advance and robots that navigate water networks, to new technologies restoring degraded soil and heat-resilient corals rebuilding reefs, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has unveiled its 2027 finalists following the most competitive cycle in its history.
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A record 10,233 submissions from 177 countries were received for the 2027 cycle, a 32% increase year-on-year, reflecting the growing global reach of the UAE’s pioneering award for innovative solutions to global challenges.
Following a rigorous evaluation process by the Prize Jury, finalists have been selected across six categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools.
Together, they represent solutions already delivering measurable impact on the ground. Their work spans maternal health, food security, energy access, water scarcity, ecosystem restoration and disaster preparedness, demonstrating how practical innovation can strengthen resilience, expand access to essential services and create lasting opportunities for communities.
The winners will be announced at the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony on 12 January 2027, during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, said:
“At a time when resilience, stability and human wellbeing have never been more important, this year’s finalists remind us what is possible when perseverance and purpose come together. The finalist’s work demonstrates that the most powerful solutions are those rooted in real-world needs, breaking down barriers and delivering meaningful, measurable impact. Inspired by the enduring legacy of Sheikh Zayed, the UAE remains committed to advancing practical solutions that uphold human dignity, strengthen self-reliance and create lasting socioeconomic value for communities around the world.”
For the 2027 cycle, every finalist is guaranteed financial support, extending the Prize’s backing beyond the eventual winners and helping more high-impact solutions advance and scale.
Organisational finalists across Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action will receive US $100,000 each, while Global High Schools finalists will receive US $25,000 each. Those who go on to win their category will instead receive the winner award: US $1 million for organisational categories and US $150,000 for Global High Schools.
Introduced with the 2026 cycle, the increased funding recognises both the proven impact and the potential of solutions reaching the Prize’s final evaluation stage.
H.E. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chair of the Prize Jury, said:
“The 2027 finalists demonstrate the enduring value of innovation in strengthening resilience, advancing human wellbeing and equipping communities to navigate an increasingly complex world. Their work shows that meaningful progress is built not only through technology, but through determination, local knowledge and the capacity of communities to adapt and thrive. The Prize continues to identify and support solutions that offer greater stability, opportunity and prosperity.”
Health: Reaching patients earlier
This year’s Health finalists are using artificial intelligence, community-based delivery and advanced medical technologies to expand access to healthcare, improve early diagnosis and strengthen frontline health systems.
Food: Building resilience from the ground up
The Food finalists are applying advanced technologies and regenerative practices to strengthen farmer resilience, restore soil health, improve agricultural productivity and reduce waste.
Energy: Expanding access and advancing storage
The Energy finalists are improving efficiency, expanding last-mile energy access and advancing energy storage.
Water: Protecting every drop
The Water finalists are combining community ownership, circular treatment systems and advanced technologies to expand access to safe water and strengthen resilience in water-stressed communities.
Climate Action: Restoring natural systems
The Climate Action finalists span carbon removal, climate resilience and ecosystem restoration, combining technology with approaches that strengthen natural systems and support livelihoods.
Global High Schools: The next generation takes the lead
Across six regions, Global High Schools finalists are developing student-led, project-based solutions to sustainability challenges in their own communities.
The Americas: École Secondaire Lacombe Composite High School (Canada); Instituto Etnoeducativo Distrital Tayrona de Bunkwímake (Colombia); and Instituto Técnico Nuestra Señora de Fátima (Argentina).
Sub-Saharan Africa: Asifiwa Institute (Democratic Republic of the Congo); Oloosirkon Secondary School (Kenya); and Swami Vivekananda State Secondary School (Mauritius).
Middle East & North Africa: Applied Technology Schools, Ajman (United Arab Emirates); Inkhil Secondary School (Syria); and Rachaya High School (Lebanon).
Europe & Central Asia: Agrupamento de Escolas Gândara Mar (Portugal); General Education School No.101, Astana (Kazakhstan); and Keban Multi-Program Anatolian High School (Türkiye).
South Asia: A/Kagama Tract 09 Secondary School (Sri Lanka); Motithang Higher Secondary School, Thimphu (Bhutan); and Shree Saraswati Secondary School (Nepal).
East Asia & Pacific: Garuda Baturotok Secondary School (Indonesia); Votualevu College (Fiji); and YK Pao School (China).
The winners will be announced at the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony on 12 January 2027, during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
Through its winners, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has positively impacted more than 411 million lives worldwide, expanding access to healthcare, nutritious food, reliable energy and safe water while supporting stronger and more resilient communities.
Source:AETOSWire
Members of the Zayed Sustainability Prize Jury gathered in Abu Dhabi to determine the 2027 winners and finalists (Photo: AETOSWire)
