Abu Dhabi opens applications for global digital health innovation challenge

Abu Dhabi has opened applications for an international digital health innovation challenge inviting startups, researchers, clinicians and entrepreneurs to develop technology-based solutions across fertility, population health and wellbeing.

The Future Health Digital Innovation Challenge 2026 will support the development of solutions using artificial intelligence (AI), software and connected technologies. Applications are open to individuals and multidisciplinary teams worldwide, with a deadline of 15 November 2026.

Three finalists will share a total prize pool of US$105,000, with US$50,000 awarded to the winner. The two remaining finalists will receive US$35,000 and US$20,000, respectively. The finalists are due to present their solutions at an awards ceremony during GITEX 2026.

The programme will provide selected teams with technical and clinical guidance from experts across Abu Dhabi’s health and innovation ecosystem. Support will include refining concepts, testing assumptions and developing working prototypes. Some solutions may also be considered for further validation, incubation, pilot projects and potential scale-up.

The challenge is divided into three areas. The fertility track will focus on technology to improve understanding of reproductive health and support decision-making around fertility care. The population health track will explore the use of data and technology to identify health risks, strengthen prevention and screening, and enable earlier intervention. The wellbeing track will focus on tools to help people monitor changes in their health, maintain healthier behaviours and access personalised support.

Applications can include new concepts, early-stage prototypes or existing technologies that could be adapted to one of the three areas.

The challenge has been co-developed with Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), Inception42 and Microsoft, bringing together expertise in AI, technology development and healthcare.

H.E. Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said the initiative aims to help translate earlier identification of health needs and risks into practical interventions.

She said Abu Dhabi’s clinical capabilities, connected health information and technology expertise could provide an environment for innovators to develop solutions addressing healthcare needs, with potential applications beyond the emirate.

The initiative is part of Future Health – A Global Initiative by Abu Dhabi, a year-round platform convened by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. Its 2026 theme, To Sense is to Predict, focuses on how improved understanding of health signals can support earlier and more informed action.

Future Health operates under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. Its founding partners are PureHealth, M42, the Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi and Mubadala Bio. Mediclinic Middle East is its strategic partner, while Burjeel Holdings is an associate partner.

Further information on eligibility and applications is available through the Future Health Digital Innovation Challenge portal.