The shortlist comes from 238 registered teams across 56 countries. According to the university, 45 selected teams are from outside the UAE, accounting for 71% of the shortlist.
Projects cover six themes, including water reuse, sustainable desalination, digital systems and links between water, energy and climate. Evaluation will consider scientific rigour, feasibility and deployment potential. Winners are expected in December during the UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi; selection does not yet establish that the proposed solutions work.