Innovation at GFS

At GEMS Founders School, innovation is at the heart of teaching, learning, and school life. We believe that preparing students for the future means equipping them with the creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Innovation at GFS is not just about technology, it’s about fostering a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and courageous thinking.

Our approach ensures that students are not only consumers of knowledge but also creators, entrepreneurs, and leaders who can shape the future. From classrooms to community projects, innovation runs through everything we do.

Entrepreneurship at GFS

At GFS, students take part in exciting Entrepreneurship Challenges that put their creativity and teamwork to the test. From designing and marketing a new toy to developing eco-friendly products or planning charity fundraisers, these challenges give children the chance to think like innovators and problem-solvers. Each project concludes with a showcase event, where students celebrate their ideas, reflect on their teamwork, and share their achievements with the wider school community.

This year we also partnered with Snack Troops to launch the Cookie Cubs Challenge for our Year 5 and 6 students. Over three weeks, they took on the role of young entrepreneurs, marketing and selling 12 cookie packets while stepping outside their comfort zones. A portion of the proceeds was donated to the Al Jalila Foundation, giving students the chance to develop real-world selling skills while supporting a meaningful cause.

In addition, we also offer an Entrepreneurship Super Curriculum in Year 12, which students can take alongside their AS Levels. Through this programme, they create their own start-up company, design an app, and explore intrapreneurship.

Adam Burfield Enterprise Award

Each year, students from Years 5 to 13 take part in this exciting competition, working to solve real-world business challenges. Four new companies participate annually, each setting a unique objective for students to tackle. Over several weeks, students develop and submit their business plans. The competition runs across multiple GEMS schools, and each year 10 finalists are selected to present their ideas in front of parents, teachers, and peers for cash prizes.

Global Innovation Challenge

Every year, our students take part in the GEMS Global Innovation Challenge (GIC), a nine-month innovation marathon uniting creative minds across GEMS schools. Themed 'We the UAE 2031,' the 2024–25 edition challenged students to envision transformative, inclusive, and forward-thinking solutions grounded in the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Winners benefited from mentorship and accelerator support, helping their ideas evolve into real-world startups.

F1 in Schools

Our students have the exciting opportunity to take part in F1 in Schools in Abu Dhabi. Through this global STEM challenge, they work in teams to design, build, and race model cars, developing skills in engineering, creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. Supported by Yas in Schools at Yas Marina Circuit, the programme inspires young learners by bringing real-world innovation and motorsport to the classroom.