F.U.E.L. PROGRAMME

Empowering future utilities leaders with the skills and connections to drive sustainable progress.

Inspiring Future Generations

The World Utilities Congress 2026 is more than just a global event — it's a catalyst for change, centered around sustainable energy, water security, and digital innovation. As the utilities sector undergoes rapid transformation, the future depends on the fresh ideas and passion of the next generation. 

That’s where the F.U.E.L. (Future Utilities and Energy Leaders) Programme comes in.  

Designed to engage university students, young innovators, and fresh graduates, F.U.E.L. is a dynamic initiative that gives rising stars the opportunity to connect, learn, and lead in shaping the future of utilities.

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PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES

Empower Future Leaders

EMPOWER FUTURE LEADERS

Connect young professionals and students with global leaders, policymakers, and innovators to foster the next generation of industry leaders.

Sustainable Education

PROMOTE SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION

Inspire and educate the next generation about the crucial role of sustainability, energy transition, and digital innovation.

Internship Opps

INTERNSHIP & MENTORING OPPORTUNITIES

Support career development by offering structured mentoring and internship pathways, enabling students to gain real world experience, professional guidance, and industry exposure.

Collaboration

ENCOURAGE COLLABORATION

Facilitate collaboration between young talents and established professionals to drive innovation and transformative solutions.

Innovative Solutions

CHAMPION INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

Motivate youth to develop creative, real-world solutions for the current global energy and water challenges.

Onsite Learning

ENABLE ONSITE LEARNING

Offer immersive experiences through attending conference sessions and exploring live demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies.

PROGRAMME COMPONENTS

The F.U.E.L. Programme will host 4-6 universities showcasing innovative, industry-related projects and research developed by their students. 

This platform connects UAE-based and international student innovators with industry leaders over the three days offering:

• Exposure to real industry challenges
• Opportunities to exchange ideas and insights
• Interaction with young professionals and senior industry representatives
• Early visibility into career pathways within the utilities sector

The F.U.E.L. Water Innovation Sprint is a fast-paced, interactive challenge designed to engage university students and young innovators attending the World Utilities Congress.

Through a simple QR-code entry, participants are invited to reflect on key water sustainability challenges in the UAE and submit concise, innovative ideas in just a few minutes.

The challenge aims to raise awareness, stimulate creative thinking, and capture fresh perspectives on water innovation while providing an accessible entry point for youth participation.

Winning submissions will be recognised during the event, creating opportunities for engagement, mentoring, and future collaboration within the utilities sector.

The Internship & Mentoring component bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world industry application by connecting university students with experienced professionals and leading organisations across the utilities sector.

The programme showcases internship opportunities and offers career insight talk sessions led by industry experts, providing students with practical exposure to career pathways within energy and water utilities. 

Through mentoring and skills development, students gain practical insights,
leadership skills, and industry connections-leaving World Utilities Congress more confident and employable.

Access to World Utilities Congress Conference sessions where youth can hear from thought leaders about the future of utilities, energy transition, and water security.

PROGRAMME OUTCOMES

F1 (1)

Increased Youth Involvement

Increased youth involvement in key global conversations around sustainability, energy, and water.

Increased youth involvement in key global conversations around sustainability, energy, and water.

F2

Stronger Industry Connections

Enhanced professional networks for young participants, linking them with industry experts and potential employers.

Enhanced professional networks for young participants, linking them with industry experts and potential employers.

F3

Future-Ready Graduates

Career-ready graduates with real industry experience and professional connections.

Career-ready graduates with real industry experience and professional connections.

F4

Driving Industry Innovation

Tangible contributions to the future of utilities, including innovative solutions and new ideas for sustainability and digital transformation.

Tangible contributions to the future of utilities, including innovative solutions and new ideas for sustainability and digital transformation.

F5

Real-World Sustainability Experience

Inspiring innovative solutions while giving students practical insights into water sustainability challenges.

Inspiring innovative solutions while giving students practical insights into water sustainability challenges.

WHY ATTEND AS A F.U.E.L. PARTICIPANT

  • Global Exposure: Be part of a high-profile international event influencing the future of utilities.  

  • Internship Opportunities: Connect with industry experts and gain skills and insights that can open doors for your future career.  

  • Impactful Experience: Gain the opportunity to contribute to solutions for global sustainability challenges while working alongside industry leaders.

  • Recognition: Showcase your projects and ideas to an audience of global decision-makers.  

  • Knowledge & Capacity Building: Participants will gain access to the World Utilities Congress conference sessions - hearing firsthand from thought leaders about the future of utilities, energy transition and water security.

2025 PARTICIPATING UNIVERSITIES

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