ADNOC has expanded its STEM education program to empower UAE students in artificial intelligence (AI) through the ‘STEM for Life: Future of AI Schools Challenge.’ The finals were held at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center.
The event was attended by prominent figures including His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO; Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of Education; His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy; Her Excellency Hajer Ahmed Mohamed Al Thehli, Secretary-General of the Education, Human Development and Community Council; and His Excellency Khalaf Abdulla Rahma Al Hammadi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund.
Launched in January 2025, the challenge attracted 14,500 applicants from 351 schools across the UAE. A total of 896 teachers assisted students in designing AI solutions under themes such as creating real-world impact and winning local community support. Out of 1,500 submissions, 80 students in 27 teams reached the final stage.
During the final event, ADNOC and AIQ demonstrated ENERGYai, an agentic AI solution for the energy industry aimed at improving decision-making and operational efficiencies.
Saif Al Falahi, Director of Group Business Support & Special Tasks at ADNOC said: “We warmly congratulate the winning teams of the Future of AI Schools Challenge for their innovative ideas, creativity and can-do mindset. Through our STEM education program, ADNOC is equipping the UAE’s young talent with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in an AI-driven future. As we work to become the world’s most AI-enabled energy company, we will continue to nurture the next generation of innovators who will harness the power of AI to drive progress for the UAE and unlock solutions to global challenges.”
Winning projects were evaluated by a jury from various institutions including ministries and universities. Nine teams received gold, silver or bronze awards for projects like an automated greywater purification system and a smart farming system.
The challenge aligns with UAE’s vision to be a global leader in AI by 2031 and supports integrating AI into academic curricula starting from 2025–26. Since its inception in 2018, ADNOC’s program has empowered over 351,000 young scientists and engineers.
