ABU DHABI — Athar+, the pioneering social impact hub in Abu Dhabi operated by the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, has unveiled its second edition of the HACK4IMPACT hackathon. This community-driven initiative aims to foster innovative solutions to significant social challenges that families face today.
The event is scheduled for June 16-18, 2026, at Athar+, and will gather entrepreneurs, innovators, professionals, students, and community members for a collaborative exploration of impactful ideas that can deliver genuine social benefits in Abu Dhabi.
Aligning with the UAE's Year of Family, this year’s hackathon centers on enhancing family wellbeing through innovative solutions that can be scaled. Participants will address three critical areas affecting families: building stronger family structures, enhancing financial wellness for parents, and assisting families with elderly care.
Designed to push beyond mere ideas, the hackathon will guide participants through a structured design-thinking process, covering challenge identification, concept validation, prototype development, and final presentations to a panel of industry experts and judges.
In addition to the competition, HACK4IMPACT participants can further develop their projects within Athar+’s extensive social innovation ecosystem. High-potential ideas may attract additional support, mentorship, and incubation, guiding innovators to convert nascent ideas into sustainable ventures beneficial to the Abu Dhabi community.
This initiative embodies Athar+’s larger mission of promoting social entrepreneurship and empowering individuals to engage actively in solving community challenges. By uniting participants from diverse sectors, the programme seeks to cultivate collaboration, knowledge sharing, and inventive solutions.
The hackathon also provides an opportunity for youth and first-time innovators to contribute to society through entrepreneurial efforts focused on community needs. Participants will benefit from expert mentorship, tailored support, and additional resources that help refine their ideas and enhance their innovation skills.
His Excellency Salem AlShamsi, Executive Director of Social Incubation and Contracting at Ma’an, emphasized the initiative’s role in empowering aspiring entrepreneurs to craft solutions for pressing social challenges. He noted, “HACK4IMPACT underscores Athar+’s commitment to nurturing innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs, aiming to develop solutions that directly impact quality of life in our communities.”
AlShamsi highlighted this initiative's contribution to national efforts to bolster family welfare, social resilience, and community integration through collaborative innovation and inclusive participation.
Participants will also gain access to Athar+’s workspaces, professional services, tailored development programmes, and connections to Abu Dhabi's expanding entrepreneurship ecosystem, all designed to help turn promising concepts into impactful solutions.
As Abu Dhabi reinforces its status as a hub for social innovation and entrepreneurship, HACK4IMPACT 2026 is poised to ignite new ideas that enhance family wellbeing, strengthen communities, and foster long-term social development across the emirate.
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