EDGE - Open Innovation Hub

Innovate to Defend by EDGE

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Competition Description:

EDGE is launching a national Call for Ideas, inviting UAE-based innovators, researchers, and startups to contribute bold, solution-oriented concepts addressing critical defence and security challenges.

Selected ideas will have the opportunity to be evaluated by EDGE experts, with top submissions receiving a cash award.

Why It Matters:

  • Contribute to strengthening national defence and security capabilities

  • Address real-world challenges impacting critical infrastructure and emerging threats

  • Enable the development of innovative, scalable solutions with real impact

  • Engage directly with EDGE experts and advanced defence ecosystems

Contribute to National Defence and Security

Who:

  • UAE Based Innovators

  • Researchers

  • Startups & Entrepreneurs

When & Where:

  • Date: 4th – 7th May 2026

  • Location: EDGE Main Stand, Hall #7, Stand #EN33

Challenge domains:

Underwater Warfare Systems:

Solutions focused on detecting, classifying, and neutralizing underwater threats to enhance maritime defence capabilities.

Example: An underwater system that detects and classifies underwater threats (e.g., mines or unmanned vehicles) and enables response mechanisms to neutralize them.

Critical Maritime Infrastructure Protection Systems:

Technologies designed to secure and protect commercial ports and critical maritime infrastructure from physical and cyber threats.

Example: A smart surveillance system that monitors port activities and detects unauthorized vessels or suspicious movements in restricted zones.

GNSS-Denied Autonomous Operations:

Solutions that enable autonomous air, land, or maritime systems to operate reliably in environments where GPS signals are unavailable, disrupted, or jammed.

Example: A smart surveillance system that monitors port activities and detects unauthorized vessels or suspicious movements in restricted zones.

Civil Early Warning Systems:

Systems that provide early detection and alerting of potential threats to civilian populations or critical infrastructure, enabling timely response.

Example: An AI-powered platform that analyzes multiple data sources to detect potential threats and alert authorities and recommend course of action.