Al Ain University Students Win First Place at INSPIRE ’26 Hackathon Among More Than 100 Teams
- Posted on:Sep 05, 2026
Al Ain University has achieved a new milestone in innovation and emerging technologies after a team of students from the College of Engineering – Abu Dhabi Campus secured First Place at the INSPIRE ’26: Engineering the Invisible – Arduino UNO Q Hackathon, held on 5 September 2026 at the American University of Sharjah, with the participation of more than 100 student teams and projects from universities across the UAE.
The winning team presented AeroHalo – AI-Powered Predictive Airside Safety System under the Smart Aviation Systems track. The innovative solution utilizes artificial intelligence and computer vision technologies to enhance safety in aircraft operational areas by detecting ground-support vehicles, personnel, and foreign object debris (FOD), while analyzing their movement, direction, distance, and closing speed to predict potential hazards before accidents occur.
AeroHalo aims to move beyond conventional proximity-warning systems by introducing a proactive safety approach capable of assessing real-time risk levels and issuing escalating alerts. The system is designed to support safer airside operations and contribute to reducing the likelihood of accidents in aviation environments.
Dr. Yazan Al Ahmed, Director of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at Al Ain University, said: “We are proud of this achievement, which reflects the creativity, talent, and technical capabilities of our students and demonstrates their ability to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions with real-world value. The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center is committed to supporting students’ participation in high-impact competitions and hackathons, empowering them to develop innovative projects that address real challenges and strengthen Al Ain University’s presence in innovation and emerging technologies.”
He added that securing first place among more than 100 participating teams from universities across the UAE provides further motivation to continue investing in student talent and expanding opportunities for training, collaboration, and participation in innovation-driven initiatives and competitions.
This achievement reflects Al Ain University’s ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, empowering students to develop their skills in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies and encouraging them to represent the University in local and national competitions. It also reinforces Al Ain University’s academic and innovation excellence and its growing contribution to the UAE’s innovation ecosystem.
