Over 450 students across UAE universities participated in the second cycle of the Universal Design for Inclusion Program, developing accessibility-focused solutions for People of Determination in collaboration with Ma’an and Technip Energies.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has announced the winners of Cycle Two of its flagship Universal Design for Inclusion Program (UDIP), highlighting a new generation of student innovators developing real-world solutions for accessibility and inclusion across the UAE.

The program, delivered in collaboration with the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an and supported by Technip Energies, brings together university students to design solutions that address challenges faced by People of Determination across mobility, cognitive, and communication accessibility.

This year’s cycle engaged more than 450 students across six UAE universities and 12 campuses, with over 100 students submitting a total of 51 projects focused on improving independence, usability, and everyday access for people living with disabilities and chronic conditions.

At the heart of the initiative is a simple but powerful idea: inclusive design works best when it is shaped by empathy, lived experience, and practical problem-solving. Through workshops and mentorship sessions, students were encouraged to move beyond theoretical concepts and instead develop solutions grounded in real-world user needs.

Student Projects Driving Real-World Impact

In the Mobility category, the winning project Mashi, developed at the Higher Colleges of Technology in Sharjah, is a smart navigation application designed to make movement more predictable and accessible. It helps users identify accessible routes, locate infrastructure such as ramps and elevators, and receive real-time updates on accessibility conditions in their surroundings.

In the Cognitive category, Konstant, created by students from New York University Abu Dhabi, is a mobile application that passively tracks patterns in daily activity such as movement, sleep quality, and phone usage. By identifying changes over time, it helps provide insights into day-to-day functioning for individuals living with multiple sclerosis and similar conditions.

In the Communication category, ECHO (Empathic Communication Helper for Others), also developed at NYU Abu Dhabi, focuses on improving interpersonal interaction by guiding users on how to listen, respond, and communicate more effectively in real time. The tool is designed to reduce misunderstandings and support more inclusive everyday conversations.

Building a Culture of Inclusive Innovation

Speaking on the initiative, Maral Alexandrian, Acting Executive Director of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, said the program reflects a growing shift toward embedding inclusion at the heart of innovation and education.

“Initiatives like UDIP reflect the growing importance of inclusive thinking in how we design and innovate. As expectations around accessibility continue to evolve, it is critical that we equip the next generation with the mindset and awareness needed to contribute to more inclusive communities,” she said.

She added that such programs help ensure that People with MS and all People of Determination are better supported in navigating daily life with greater ease, independence, and dignity, while also improving accessibility for society as a whole.

The program also saw strong engagement across universities including Abu Dhabi University, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, University of Sharjah, and Al Ain University, reflecting growing academic interest in inclusive design and social impact innovation.

Recognition and Support

Each winning team received AED 6,000 in recognition of their work, supported through collaboration between Ma’an and Technip Energies. The awards aim to encourage continued innovation in accessibility-focused design and reinforce the importance of student-led solutions in addressing real-world challenges.

According to organizers, the second cycle of UDIP demonstrates how structured mentorship, cross-campus collaboration, and industry support can translate academic learning into meaningful societal impact.

As the program continues to grow, it is positioning itself as a key platform for nurturing inclusive design thinking among students in the UAE—bridging the gap between education, innovation, and social responsibility.