Budding innovators showcase talent at Innovator Show

Kids, teens and adults came together at the Abu Dhabi Corniche to showcase their ideas and futuristic innovations in science and technology.
The third edition of the Innovator Show was officially inaugurated by Shaikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court on Thursday afternoon, and will continue until Friday night. The annual interactive event inspires budding innovators to showcase and celebrate their innovations.
The show, organised by Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec) and Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee, helps facilitate the creation and realisation of home-grown innovations across the spectrum of science, technology, engineering, maths (Stem) and arts, throughout the different stages of their innovation development - from inspiration to creation.
Hundreds of residents showed up at the event; parents roamed around and watched innovators reveal their signature projects and interactive demonstrations to spectators, while youngsters got creative in workshops, whether in art or technology.
Some skilled innovators spoke to Khaleej Times about what inspired them to design, create and bring to life their ideas, and how such events help bring out their entrepreneurship.
Ten-year-old Sulaiman Azim Shah from Cambridge High School said he always had a passion for creating solar projects with basic household objects, such as a toilet tissue role and tape, and converting them into a solar car, fan and house.
"I made this solar car because today's cars are causing pollution, so I thought of something that is renewable and doesn't cause pollution - which is the sun!" said Shah who hopes to one day become a scientist or aircraft engineer.
Mohammed Al Hashimi, a 27-year-old Emirati who works as an air-craft control in Abu Dhabi International Airport, showcased his innovation in car designing on which he has been working on for six years. The spectacular car model, made of wood, reflects on the history and heritage of the UAE, through its beautifully rendered designs that somehow remind viewers of the country's dream-like desert landscapes.
"The car shape is inspired by the UAE. I tried to reflect the sand-dunes in this project because I want to symbolise my culture through my work," he added.
Three teenage girls from the Applied Technology High School showed Khaleej Times their unique "Heart Belt Car Belt," design which can help save lives of motorists.
The 16-year-old girls, Shouq Al Qubaisi, Mariam Al Mansoori and Rayaan Al Mashjari, said there needs to be more dynamic awareness on wearing safety belts in cars.
Al Qubaisi pointed out that the idea came after her loved ones suffered from car accidents. They did not wear their seat belts she added.
"We created a special sensor that tells you when you have to put your belt on, and it's unlike conventional sensors."
Signature projects at the event also included the RE-ACT, which is Rehabilitation through Assistive Cable-driven Technology, presented by Khalifa University, as well as Aircraft Inspection Drone, presented by some bright talents from Khalifa University.
Innovator Show and the awards it offers:
The Innovator Show is part of the Innovator Programme that was set up by the Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee to nurture innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship within the UAE community. The show offers innovators six development funds to support the best creations and innovations, and winners will be awarded Dh10,000 on Friday evening."The Best Project Fund," which consists of five different categories and is judged based on set criteria, is one of the awards, along with "The People's Choice Fund," which is voted by the event attendees.
The annual event has helped bring like-minded UAE-based budding innovators, thinkers, tech enthusiasts, builders, crafters, car tuners, IT programmers and designers, who have built something exciting based on the use of science or technology.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com

Mohammed Al Hashimi invented a wood car that reflects the history and heritage of the UAE, through its beautiful designs.