Dubai self-driving transport challenge announces Top 10 finalists
Dubai World Challenge Finalists Ten finalists have been selected for the 3rd Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, which is centered around the theme of Self-Driving Buses and includes categories for Industry Leaders and Local Academia.
Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport
The winners of the challenge will be announced during the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport, which is scheduled to take place at the Dubai World Trade Center on September 26 and 27, 2023.
International and Local Contenders In the Industry Leaders category, five international firms have made it to the final stage: Alexander Dennis (United Kingdom), BrightDrive (Egypt), Xiamen King Long (China), Quadribot (France), and iAuto Technology (Taiwan). In the Local Academia category, five universities have been selected as finalists: Heriot-Watt University, Dubai; Khalifa University; University of Dubai; University of Bolton Ras Al Khaimah; and the American University of Sharjah.
Prioritize Self-Driving Buses The focus of this year's challenge is on self-driving buses in line with Dubai's Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which intends to convert 25% of Dubai's mobility trips to smart and driverless trips by 2030. The event will include a self-driving vehicle display that is anticipated to attract more than 60 exhibitors and 2,000 guests.
Prize Allocations
The challenge has allocated a total of $2 million for the Industry Leaders category, with $1 million awarded to the winner and $750,000 to the runner-up. Additionally, $250,000 will be earmarked for a contract to run trials of driverless buses with one of the category winners to support Dubai's Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy. In the Local Academia category, the winner will receive $200,000, while the runner-up will be awarded $100,000.
Record-Breaking Submissions
This year's challenge attracted an exceptional number of submissions, with 27 applications received from around the world. This exceeded expectations, with submissions for the Industry Leaders category surpassing the target by 130%, and the Local Academia category seeing a 175% increase.
The finalists were selected based on standardized tests covering various criteria, including traffic safety, technological maturity, user convenience, innovation, expertise, feasibility, and value addition. The tests were conducted at designated locations, ensuring safety protocols were met.
Dubai's Global Leadership Statements
Dubai's Global Leadership Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, emphasized that the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport positions Dubai as a global pioneer in self-driving transport and innovation.
As He also highlighted that the challenge contributes to shaping the future through public-private partnerships, research and development, and aligns with Dubai's D33 Agenda to strengthen its global economic standing.
Expert Judging Panel
The judging committee for the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport includes a diverse team of global experts with proficiency in autonomous technology, research and development in autonomous mobility, and prior participation in previous challenge editions.
Moreover, The winners of this prestigious challenge will be announced in September, highlighting groundbreaking innovations in the field of self-driving transport and aligning with Dubai's ambitious goals in this sector.
