The process behind the awards was built for transparency and rigour. Applications were collected through a structured form covering innovation, market potential, business model, team strength, ecosystem contribution, and long-term impact. Approximately 50 submissions were received across the four verticals, reflecting strong appetite from within the community.

Phase 1 used an AI-assisted evaluation model to score every application objectively against weighted criteria, shortlisting the Top 5 startups from each vertical. This produced 20 finalists who advanced to Phase 2, where industry experts with deep vertical expertise conducted qualitative assessments and selected one winner per category. In Phase 3, a Venture Capital judge evaluated the four vertical winners and selected the Best Overall in5 Startup.

All application and evaluation data across the three phases has been stored securely in Airtable, accessible only to authorised in5 and TECOM personnel, ensuring full auditability of the process.

Four startups claimed the top spot in their vertical, each selected by an appointed judge with deep expertise in their field. in5 Tech winner Camb AI impressed judge Maria Carolina, an Investment Readiness Coach, for its high product-market fit, proven funding trajectory, and a meaningful social mission: preserving indigenous languages through AI-powered localisation technology. in5 Science winner Albert Health was chosen by Khalid Ali Abdulqader of the Dubai Health Authority for tackling the widespread challenge of chronic disease and medication management, with a proven user base and a frictionless patient experience.

In in5 Media, Wild Camels took the award, recognised by Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree Mashal Waqar for their effective use of AI in marketing campaigns and an impressive portfolio of high-quality client work. In in5 Design, Makan earned its trophy from Rijal Hikmatullah of the Chalhoub Group for solving a universal pain point: the stress of setting up a new home, met with a convenient on-demand service delivered directly to residents.

The final decision fell to Youssouf Kamal, Managing Partner at U+ Digital Ventures, a Silicon Valley-headquartered venture builder. His verdict was clear: Camb AI stood apart as the only startup building a true platform shift in a market ready for disruption.

Camb AI operates in the global localisation and AI dubbing space, with proprietary technology trusted by companies including Google. Their combination of a strong technical moat, proven revenue traction, and genuine global reach made them the standout pick across the entire field of applicants.