Expo City Dubai Foundation Accelerates Support for Heat-Resilience Innovators in Global South
The Expo City Dubai Foundation’s Global Innovators Programme is making significant strides in supporting entrepreneurs who are tackling global challenges, particularly in vulnerable communities across the Global South. Launched as part of Expo 2020 Dubai’s $100 million innovation commitment, this initiative has already empowered over 200 entrepreneurs from more than 90 countries since its inception in 2016.
Yousuf Caires, Executive Director of the Expo City Dubai Foundation, highlighted that each grantee receives up to $100,000 in funding, along with technical guidance, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Recently, the Foundation announced the selection of seven innovators from Nigeria, Peru, Morocco, India, and Egypt for its eighth cohort, focusing specifically on solutions to combat extreme heat.
Caires noted that the selected projects range from heat-resilient construction panels made from previously unrecyclable plastic to long-lasting animal feed derived from wheat straw waste. Each initiative addresses pressing issues faced by vulnerable, often rural, communities in the region. He emphasized the rigorous, multi-stage selection process that is independently governed.
The latest cohort attracted over 1,000 applications from 84 countries. These submissions were evaluated using an iterative scoring system based on three core criteria: innovation, quality of submission, and potential impact in humanitarian and marginalized settings. Additional factors included geographic diversity, the range of solutions across thematic areas, and the representation of enterprises at various stages of maturity. Ultimately, ten projects advanced to a live virtual pitch event, where an independent evaluation committee, including representatives from Emirates Airline and ENGIE, selected the seven winners.
Caires explained that the grantees were chosen based on the scalability of their projects, the credibility of their implementation plans, and their potential to effectively address extreme heat in vulnerable communities. He expressed optimism about helping these innovators build momentum and expand their impact.
Addressing Global Challenges of Extreme Heat
Rising temperatures are increasingly exacerbating droughts, food insecurity, and deteriorating conditions for health, water, shelter, and energy for millions worldwide. The Global South is particularly at risk due to its reliance on food production sectors that depend on stable weather patterns, water availability, and soil health, such as agriculture and fishing.
The Foundation aims to create an enabling environment for problem-solvers in these regions. Innovative projects supported by the Foundation include Fuselage’s AI-driven drone solution for crop monitoring and analytics, and Visenleer’s ocean-waste-derived cooling shade, which protects coastal communities and essential services from extreme heat while supporting local fishers.
The Importance of Low-Carbon Materials and Passive Cooling Solutions
The built environment sector is responsible for approximately 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making the adoption of low-carbon materials and passive cooling technologies essential for achieving net-zero targets. In the region, reducing embodied carbon—GHG emissions generated during the lifecycle of building materials—and employing passive design to lower cooling loads are crucial for enhancing urban resilience.
As part of its decarbonization roadmap, Expo City Dubai has implemented passive cooling strategies, including large shaded canopies and reflective pavements, to maintain a comfortable environment for staff, tenants, and future residents. The construction industry, however, remains vulnerable to heat, with rising temperatures leading to resource scarcity and increased cooling costs.
Ecodome Maroc, one of the innovators from Morocco, is championing sustainable bricks made from abundant local materials, providing accessible, affordable, and climate-resilient housing solutions to communities in need. This initiative, like many others supported by the Foundation, has the potential for adaptation and replication in various markets.
Overcoming Barriers to Innovation in the Global South
Innovators in the Global South often face structural barriers such as limited access to capital, constrained networks, and underdeveloped support ecosystems. Despite these challenges, community-centered solutions that protect vulnerable populations frequently emerge from those who need them most. With adequate support, the selected projects have the potential to scale and create lasting impacts on communities grappling with the effects of extreme heat.
The Foundation is dedicated to building a global network of organizations focused on addressing these challenges. By providing funding, facilitating partnerships, and promoting knowledge exchange, it fosters an environment conducive to social enterprises and problem-solvers.
Each selected project is assigned a grant manager to assist with milestone setting, progress monitoring, and fund allocation, ensuring that these solutions receive the necessary support to reach their full potential.
The Green Innovation District: A Hub for Sustainable Development
Launched in October 2025, the Green Innovation District is a collaborative initiative between Expo City Dubai and the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. This district serves as a platform for environmentally conscious businesses to innovate and grow, integrating policy, research, education, and community engagement to deliver tangible impacts.
The district was established in partnership with four strategic allies, including Palmade, a UAE-based company converting local date-palm waste into biodegradable cutlery, as well as Nestlé, Intesa Sanpaolo, and Majra. The Foundation plans to introduce the Green Licence, a pioneering product designed for companies with proven ESG credentials committed to green technology and circular economy practices.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-06-19 21:47:00 • By the Editorial Desk
