ADNOC Expands STEM Education Programme To Empower UAE Students In Artificial Intelligence

ADNOC has broadened its STEM education initiative to empower UAE students in AI and advanced technology. The 'STEM for Life: Future of AI Schools Challenge' concluded its finals at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre. Key attendees included Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of Education, among other notable figures.

The challenge, launched in January 2025, attracted 14,500 applicants from 351 schools nationwide. With the guidance of 896 teachers, students developed AI solutions focusing on real-world impact, innovative thinking, or community engagement. From these efforts, 1,500 submissions were received, leading to 80 students in 27 teams reaching the finals.

During the event's final stage, ADNOC and AIQ demonstrated ENERGYai. This pioneering AI solution for the energy sector aims to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. Saif Al Falahi from ADNOC praised the participants: "We warmly congratulate the winning teams of the Future of AI Schools Challenge for their innovative ideas, creativity and can-do mindset."

Winning teams presented their projects to a jury comprising members from various esteemed organisations like Khalifa University and Microsoft. The jury awarded gold, silver, and bronze positions to nine teams each. Projects included an automated greywater purification system and a smart farming system.

ADNOC’s initiative aligns with the UAE's vision to become a global AI leader by 2031. It supports integrating AI into the UAE academic curriculum for the 2025–26 academic year. This effort is part of ADNOC’s commitment to promoting STEM education through its corporate social responsibility program.

Since its inception in 2018, ADNOC has empowered over 351,000 young scientists and innovators. The Future of AI Schools Challenge continues this legacy by equipping students with skills essential for a technology-driven future while addressing real-life challenges through AI solutions.

With inputs from WAM