Innovative student competition bridges classroom learning with real-world environmental impact
Global design and engineering firm AtkinsRéalis (TSX: ATRL) has successfully expanded its School of the Future UAE initiative, now in its second consecutive year in the Emirates. Originally launched in the UK, this award-winning programme challenges secondary students to reimagine what sustainable school campuses of the future could look like—using innovation, data, and design to solve real-world environmental challenges.
Held at Dubai English Speaking College (DESS) on 14 May, the 2025 edition welcomed student teams from four leading schools: Repton School Dubai, Jumeirah College, JESS Dubai, and DESS. Through a multi-phase journey of mentorship, ideation, and presentation, students worked alongside AtkinsRéalis STEM Ambassadors to design sustainable, smart school campuses that prioritise environmental responsibility and social impact.
Empowering Youth with Sustainability Skills
Targeting students aged 14 to 16, the School of the Future UAE initiative equips young minds with a practical understanding of key sustainability issues. Teams explored renewable energy, AI-integrated infrastructure, water conservation, waste reduction, and community engagement—critical pillars in designing future-proof education environments.
“As this initiative continues to grow year on year, we are proud to see the strong interest and engagement from both students and educators alike in the UAE,” said Campbell Gray, CEO – Middle East, AtkinsRéalis.
“By expanding the programme across more schools in the region, we hope to continue strengthening the link between industry and education by helping young people become future-ready leaders in sustainability and innovation.”
Mentored by AtkinsRéalis STEM Ambassadors, participants designed proposals using AI tools and prioritised elements like:
- Renewable energy integration
- Smart infrastructure and automation
- Water conservation systems
- Community impact and social inclusion
These elements were not only theoretical. Teams developed data-driven, actionable designs showcasing how sustainable thinking can be implemented on real-world campuses.
Innovation Meets Impact: The 2025 Showcase
The final showcase at DESS saw each team pitch their design proposals to a multidisciplinary panel of judges. The presentations were assessed for their innovation, practical feasibility, and alignment with core sustainability principles. From smart campus layouts to AI-powered energy management systems, students impressed both educators and experts with their forward-thinking solutions.
“Partnering with AtkinsRéalis for the School of the Future Competition has been a powerful opportunity to bring industry and education together,” said Laura Reidy, Head of Information, Advice and Guidance at DESS.
“Our students were inspired by the challenge to think big, design boldly, and reimagine what learning could look like for future generations. We’re proud to be part of a collaboration that champions innovation, sustainability, and student voices.”
The initiative directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those focused on quality education (SDG 4) and sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11).
With growing enthusiasm and participation across the UAE, AtkinsRéalis plans to expand the programme further in 2026—empowering the next generation to design a more sustainable, equitable, and tech-enabled future.
Find Out More
For full details about the School of the Future initiative, visit the official AtkinsRéalis site: