Monday, April 27, 2020

Global Grad Show Receives Applications from Students and Professors across 125 universities in 40 countries for initiative addressing COVID-19 Collateral Issues


  • Global Grad Show, an initiative by the Art Dubai Group, launched an open call for university professors and students around the world to look for solutions to COVID-19 collateral issues. 

  • The application phase ran between March 16 and April 2, receiving 390 entries by undergraduates, graduates and professors from 125 universities in 40 countries.

  • Applications were evaluated by a jury including experts in innovation, technology and new ventures, whose input will inform the next assessment phase

  • In the coming month, Global Grad Show will undergo a detailed analysis of the requirements of the recommend proposals, with a view to identify which can be supported towards implementation.   
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  • Proposals profile:
    • Academic backgrounds ranged from technology to design, statistics and medicine, from institutions such as MIT, Harvard, Oxford and Imperial College alongside universities in developing economies such as Kenya, Iraq, Pakistan, Mexico and The Philippines. 
    • 8 UAE universities submitted 20 entries, ranging from a low-cost sticker that clocks handwashing time to a future-looking study on how Dubai can cope with the pandemic from a city design point of view. 
o   Proposals addressed urgent needs (e.g. medical supplies), short-term priorities (e.g. mental health during isolation) and long-term strategies (e.g. epidemic-ready urban infrastructure).


Global Grad Show is a leading social impact innovation platform for graduate students across the world, including India. It gives first-hand access to the next generation of innovators who are designing solutions for a better world. Held in partnership with Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), and supported by A.R.M. Holding and Dubai Culture, this first of its kind (special edition) program is extending its efforts, beyond the yearly program, to involve the global academic network looking for solutions only related to COVID-19 collateral issues.

The program has received 390 entries from 125 universities in 40 countries during the application phase of its initiative. India has also been an active participant in the competition. Here are a few entries that universities from India have submitted as a part of this initiative

AVEAR – A wearable unit to keep our hands clean and away from our face
The most effective way of protecting against the virus is to keep our hands clean and away from our face. When users unconsciously move their hand towards their face, the odor from the capsule on AVEAR remind them of their action. The user can then use the sanitising tube to disinfect their hands. By Rajeesh Nittor, National Institute of Design, Bangalore

Untapped – A mat to unlock the door with your feet
Project Untapped Mat reduces the risk of contagion through surfaces by creating a doormat that can unlock the door. The doormat is connected through an electronic circuit and works based on sensors. Similar to entering passwords with buttons, users can tap a certain pattern with their foot to complete the lock functions. By Saksham Panda, National Institute of Design,

Gandhinagar
SiliM – A reusable medical mask for front-line workers
Healthcare workers around the world are facing a shortage of medical-grade personal protection equipment and are forced to create masks through available resources. SiliM is a mask for medical workers made from medical grade silicone and can be sterilized using conventional methods, including UV light, chemical treatment or autoclaving. By Ajinkya Bhalchandra, MIT ADT

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About Global Grad Show 
Global Grad Show, an initiative by the Art Dubai Group, is a year-round programme for graduates and universities working on Social Impact Innovation projects. Every year, a cohort of academics is selected to follow a structured process of development and showcase of their projects and talent. As part of Dubai Design Week, Global Grad Show promotes graduates on an international stage and its entrepreneurship programme helps innovators to accelerate their projects towards market implementation, with the support of A.R.M. Holding’s AED 10m fund. Global Grad Show also engages its community through knowledge exchange opportunities, where academics and industry professionals share their experiences and insights about innovation and solutions for a better future.     

Recently named as one of the key initiatives under the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority’s plan to realize its vision of evolving Dubai into a global hub for culture and innovation, Global Grad Show received over 1,200 applications from 200 universities worldwide for its fifth edition, with graduate projects covering the fields of design, science, technology and engineering. Applying universities included the world’s leading institutions alongside those from developing countries. 

Social media:
FB: @globalgradshow IG: @globalgradshow | #GlobalGradShow #GGSopencall | @dubaidesignweek 

About Investment Corporation of Dubai
Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) is the principal investment arm of the Government of Dubai. It was established in May 2006 by decree (11) of 2006 and mandated with the consolidation and management of the Government of Dubai’s portfolio of commercial companies and investments. ICD was also assigned the provision of strategic oversight to portfolio companies through the development and implementation of effective corporate governance policies, and sound investment strategies. ICD is focused on maximizing stakeholder value for the long term benefit of the Emirate.

ICD’s portfolio comprises some of Dubai’s most recognized companies, and represents a cross-section of vital economic sectors that the Government of Dubai has deemed strategic for the continued development and growth of the Emirate. The sectors include financial services, transportation, energy and industry, real estate and leisure, retail, and other holdings. In addition, ICD has embarked on a disciplined and sustainable strategy of global investments, which are synergistic with its existing portfolio, to extend Dubai’s presence and expertise into international markets. Further information can be found at www.icd.gov.ae

About A.R.M. Holding
A.R.M. Holding is a multi-focused economic enabler that creates synergies and opportunities through local, regional and global investments. At the core of the company’s business strategy is its commitment to social responsibility. A.R.M. actively employs its resources to advance society and empower its players to pursue innovative solutions and inspire a better future. A.R.M. collaborates with like-minded organizations and leverages its network and partnerships to create meaningful relationships and create growth opportunities. It holds equity stakes in some of Dubai’s foremost companies in a variety of economic sectors including Banking, Telecom, FMCG, Property, and Hospitality. Investing in Real Estate since 1976, A.R.M. has contributed to society with significant investments in numerous industries and versatile projects across the region and internationally.
 To learn more about A.R.M. Holding, please visit: www.armholding.ae   

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