startAD AI for Good Sandbox
The startAD AI for Good Sandbox brought together the brightest minds across MENA to build
open-source AI solutions advancing health and well-being in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
Over four weeks, teams from across MENA tackled 18 real-world challenges aligned with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being to improve the lives of real people in the UAE and KSA.
Selected from a pool of nearly 1000 applications, the finalist teams presented breakthrough solutions addressing children’s mental health, digital safety, nutrition, rehabilitation, and inclusive education.
The Sandbox demonstrates what’s possible when regional innovators and global partners come together to build AI that works for people and communities.
188
Builders upskilled
56
Universities represented
53
Solutions built
$41k
Awarded to selected projects
Q-Adam
$4000 | Abu Dhabi Youth Challenge Award powered by ECA
SafeKey by Q-adam protects children in digital spaces through intelligent, real-time intervention. By analyzing typing patterns and content, the system identifies potential risks and gently guides children toward safer online choices. This proactive approach empowers young digital citizens while giving parents and educators peace of mind.
Bidaya
$15000 | AI for Good Grant
Bidaya empowers high school students to navigate their future with confidence. By analyzing student interests, skills, and aspirations, this AI assistant provides personalized career guidance and connects youth with mentors who can support their journey. Addressing a critical gap in educational guidance systems, Bidaya ensures every student has access to the tools they need to plan their future.
Shaheen
$12000 | AI for Good Grant
Sahib AI (صاحب AI) by Shaheen provides culturally sensitive emotional support for young people navigating mental health challenges. By translating complex emotions into engaging, personalized narratives, the platform helps youth develop healthy coping mechanisms while respecting regional cultural contexts. This innovative approach makes mental health support accessible, relatable, and effective.
Socia
$10000 | AI for Good Grant
Socia revolutionizes how organizations manage grant applications through transparent, efficient AI systems. By automating eligibility assessments and review processes while maintaining explainability, Socia ensures that deserving projects receive timely consideration without bias. This solution enables social impact organizations to scale their reach and maximize their community benefit.
Our Partners and Challenge Statements
The AI for Good Sandbox brought together mission-driven organizations and innovators to address 18 real-world challenges aligned with SDG 3, Good Health & Well-being.
Each challenge statement was co-created with a partner organization committed to driving positive change.
- Empowering Emirati Youth in Life Planning, Family Formation & Financial Readiness
- Homegrown Health Heroes
- The Smart School for Healthy Habits
- Optimizing Assessment-to-Treatment Workflows for Better Rehabilitation Outcomes
- Easing Parent Engagement in Pediatric Home Therapy Programs
- AI-Powered MS Companion for Independence, Motivation, and Personalized Self-Management
- AI-Powered Support for Screening, Reviewing & Ensuring Compliance in Research Grant Applications
- AI for Early Detection & Support in Riyadh Schools
- Improving Analysis of Helpline and Support Service Feedback for Faster System Adaptation
- PathFinder: AI-Powered Career and Academic Guidance for Remote Emirati Youth
- MindForward: Culturally Sensitive AI Support for Youth Mental Well-Being and Job-Seeking Resilience
PITCH DAY HIGHLIGHTS
On November 15, 2025, 15 finalist teams came together to present solutions that will shape the future of health and well being in the UAE and KSA.
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PARTNER
PITCH DAY VENUE PARTNER
startAD experts will be present in Al Warsha during a two-hour timeslot to help you experiment with prototyping and turn your idea into something tangible
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Latest News & Events
Supported by Google.org, the initiative recognized four selected projects driving inclusive AI solutions for community good health and well-being aligned with SDG3
- December 15, 2025
- 4 Mins Read
The UAE could be on the verge of a healthcare revolution – if we foster the right environment for biotech innovation.
- May 21, 2025
- 3 Mins Read
Strategic partnership between startAD and AIWF to drive forward the new ‘Impact Hub for Emirati Women Achievers,’ empowering Emirati women in expanding their businesses
- November 1, 2024
- 4 Mins Read
AI Opportunity Initiative for MENA to Make Benefits of AI More Accessible and Inclusive for Everyone
We believe in the importances of making AI accessible to everyone. Doing that means not just developing AI powered products, but also ensuring everyone has the skills needed to thrive in an AI-first world, while supporting the critical work conducted by academics & researchers.
- October 31, 2024
- 4 Mins Read
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