Athar+ launches 2nd HACK4IMPACT hackathon in Abu Dhabi

Athar+, Abu Dhabi’s first purpose-driven hub dedicated to accelerating social impact and operated by the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, has launched the second edition of its HACK4IMPACT hackathon. The three-day programme will run from 16-18 June 2026 at Athar+ and brings together aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators, professionals and community members to develop practical solutions addressing family-related challenges. The event focuses on three family-centred priorities and offers high-potential concepts the chance to enter Athar+’s incubation ecosystem for further support.

His Excellency Salem AlShamsi, Executive Director of Social Incubation and Contracting at Ma’an, said: “HACK4IMPACT reflects Athar+'s commitment to empowering innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs to develop practical solutions that address real social priorities and enhance quality of life across our communities. By empowering future talent through Athar+, we are strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional hub for social entrepreneurship while advancing the Authority’s vision of fostering a culture of giving, participation, and measurable social progress.”

Event focus and format

The June hackathon, launched in line with the objectives of the UAE’s Year of Family, will concentrate on community-driven, practical approaches to family wellbeing. Participants will be guided through a structured innovation journey using design thinking methodologies to explore challenges, validate ideas, develop prototype concepts and present solutions to a panel of judges. Athar+ positions the hackathon as an accessible entry point for youth and first-time innovators to contribute to community challenges through entrepreneurship and social innovation.

• Building stronger family foundations
• Enhancing financial wellbeing for parents
• Supporting families caring for aging parents

Organisers say the initiative aims to advance family wellbeing, strengthen social cohesion and support the development of solutions that respond to the evolving needs of families in Abu Dhabi. The programme supports collaboration by convening participants from diverse backgrounds and expertise and strengthens practical innovation skills while identifying scalable concepts capable of addressing key social priorities.

Support and pipeline

Athar+ will back participants with dedicated workspaces, expert mentorship, professional services and tailored growth programmes to help transform ideas into prototype concepts. High-potential concepts emerging from HACK4IMPACT will have the opportunity to be considered for further incubation and support through Athar+'s ecosystem, enabling teams to continue developing their solutions beyond the event.

Aligned with the objectives of the UAE’s Year of Family, the initiative also supports broader national efforts to strengthen family wellbeing, social resilience and community cohesion through collaborative innovation and inclusive engagement. With its second edition, HACK4IMPACT seeks to convert community insight into tangible products and services that improve quality of life for families across Abu Dhabi and feed into the emirate’s social entrepreneurship pipeline.