Hub71 startup Jade Autism has secured a major victory by winning the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Health category. The accolade, presented during a high-profile ceremony attended by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, includes a $1 million award. This significant funding will boost the company's mission to revolutionize neurodiverse care through its innovative artificial intelligence platform, marking a milestone for Abu Dhabi's innovation ecosystem.
Pioneering AI for Neurodiverse Support
Jade Autism earned global recognition for its groundbreaking use of gamification and artificial intelligence to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. The platform cleverly captures crucial cognitive data during engaging gameplay, translating complex information into detailed developmental reports for therapists and educators. This data-driven process enables faster, more accurate diagnoses and facilitates the creation of highly personalized therapeutic interventions tailored to each child's unique needs.
A Mission Driven by Personal Experience
The company's origins are deeply rooted in the personal experience of its founder, Ronaldo Lima Cohin Ribeiro, who celebrated the award with his son. His journey as a parent to his autistic son, Lucas, inspired him to develop technology that could genuinely support neurodivergent children worldwide. Ribeiro emphasized that the goal was to understand specific cognitive difficulties, providing clarity on why a child might struggle with learning or attention.
From Abu Dhabi to Global Impact
Abu Dhabi has been instrumental in Jade Autism's rapid growth, serving as a strategic launchpad for its global ambitions and impact. After winning the Supernova Challenge at GITEX Future Stars, the Brazilian-founded startup strategically relocated its headquarters to the UAE capital. By joining the Hub71 tech ecosystem, the company gained access to capital, partnerships, and incentive programs crucial for scaling its operations internationally.
The support from its Abu Dhabi base has enabled Jade Autism to achieve a remarkable global footprint, now supporting nearly 200,000 children. Its platform is currently utilized in over 600 schools across more than 170 countries, including the UAE, Brazil, the UK, and Portugal. This focus on partnering with public schools to reach underserved communities aligns perfectly with the core ethos of the Zayed Sustainability Prize.
A Prestigious Recognition for Sustainable Innovation
The Zayed Sustainability Prize, established in 2008, is a globally respected honor that celebrates the humanitarian and environmental legacy of the UAE's founding father. It recognizes organizations and schools delivering impactful solutions across critical sectors like health, food, energy, water, and climate action. Winning this award places Jade Autism among an elite group of global innovators committed to creating a sustainable and inclusive future for all.
Jade Autism's victory is more than a financial achievement; it is a powerful endorsement of its mission and a catalyst for future growth. The founder views the prize not just as an award but as a renewed mission to expand the platform's reach to help many more children globally. This success story powerfully illustrates Abu Dhabi's growing role as a nurturing ecosystem for technology startups that are driving meaningful social impact worldwide.