The Prototypes for Humanity Awards celebrate the next generation of innovators and their commitment to finding solutions for social and environmental issues.
Since 2017 prizes have been presented to outstanding participants from the showcase each year, awarded to academic innovators who use problem-solving to address challenges of global proportions. An independent jury selects recipients, enabling them to further develop their projects.
In 2024, $100,000 in prizes was presented to the students and lead professor behind each of the best solutions across 5 categories:
– Health
– Energy
– Civil Society
– Nature
– Data science and AI-enabled solutions (across all above)
Health
Angie, Magnetically guided microcapsules for brain tumour treatment
By Fabian Landers. ETH Zurich, Switzerland
Energy
Terracell, Soil-powered renewable energy for IoT sensors
By Bill Yen. Stanford University, USA
Civil society
Freza Nanotech, Biodegradable solutions for fruit and vegetable preservation
By Ainembabazi Samantha. Uganda Christian University, Uganda
Nature
Plasma Wastewater Purification, dvanced plasma treatment for wastewater contaminants
By Deepchandra Joshi. Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India
AI & data-science
In-network Machine Learning, In-network ML for ultra-low latency in time-sensitive applications
By Xinpeng Hong. University of Oxford, UK
The selection criteria to the exhibition remain originality, positive impact for people and the planet and use of technology (low or high tech).
Chaired by Her Highness Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, and member of the Dubai Council, the jury for the 2024 Awards included leaders across private and public sector, and intergovernmental agencies, who contributed their expertise to select projects with outstanding potential:
