MIT Technology Review Arabia has announced the 20 winners of its 2024 Innovators Under 35 MENA award, recognizing young visionaries making significant contributions across various fields.   

This year's cohort hails from diverse backgrounds, including Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Egypt, Lebanon, Qatar, Bangladesh, and Russia. Their innovative work addresses critical global challenges, ranging from food waste and climate change to healthcare and sustainable technology.   

Key Highlights:

Diverse Innovations: The winners' achievements encompass a wide range of fields, including biotechnology, artificial intelligence, energy, and medicine.   

Addressing Global Challenges: Their innovations tackle pressing issues such as food waste, climate change, and access to healthcare.
Notable Winners:Asrar Damdam (Saudi Arabia): Developed a UV-based device to extend the shelf life of fresh food without chemicals.   

Bassem Al-Shaib (Egypt): Advances in CRISPR technology with applications in genetic therapies and climate change mitigation.
Dhabia Al-Mohannadi (Qatar): Developed a process to convert oil wastewater into hydrogen, contributing to decarbonization efforts.   

Saudi Arabian Representation: Five Saudi innovators were recognized, including Mohammed Alamer for sustainable graphene production, Lamyaa Almemadi for mRNA vaccine research, Taghreed Sindi for AI-powered children's hospital care, and Maha AlJuhani for sustainable catalyst design.   

Selection Process: The winners were selected by a distinguished panel of 19 judges, including academics and entrepreneurs from leading institutions worldwide.   

About the Award:

Regional Impact: The Innovators Under 35 MENA award, launched in 2018, is the regional version of the global award scheme established by MIT Technology Review in 1999.   

Global Recognition: The award has previously honored prominent figures such as Google co-founder Larry Page and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.   

This year's honorees demonstrate the exceptional talent and innovative spirit of young individuals in the MENA region, inspiring hope for a brighter and more sustainable future.

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