Dubai has long been a city that attracts the world’s best — and now, one of the most exciting youth innovation programs in the world has set up here. TKS (The Knowledge Society) is a 10-month in-person accelerator for students aged 13 to 17, and applications for the September 2026 intake are open.
What is TKS?
TKS is not your typical after-school program. It is a high-intensity innovation accelerator that brings together cohorts of driven young people to work on real-world problems alongside global companies. Past student cohorts have collaborated on challenges with organisations including Microsoft, Google, Airbnb, Walmart, and the United Nations.
The program runs weekly three-hour in-person sessions from September through June. Each cohort has around 40 students and is led by a full-time Program Director and Associate Director dedicated to coaching and guiding students throughout the year.
What Students Actually Do
The TKS curriculum is built around six core pillars: project building, real-world company challenges, Moonshot thinking, mentorship and coaching, community, and practical skills like networking, public speaking, and personal branding.
One of the program’s standout features is the Focus Process — a project-based learning method that helps students discover their interests and then build real projects around them, supported by expert mentors. Students also work on Moonshot Projects inspired by Google’s approach to radical innovation, pushing them to think beyond conventional limits and design solutions that could impact millions of people.
The 33-week curriculum covers topics ranging from artificial intelligence and blockchain to quantum computing, genetic engineering, brain-computer interfaces, and human longevity. Sessions are designed to be fast-paced, hands-on, and collaborative — nothing like a classroom lecture.
Supported by Dubai Future Foundation
TKS Dubai has the backing of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), which is offering full scholarships covering 100% of the 27,000 AED tuition to 30 UAE Nationals accepted into the program. Non-Emirati students can also apply for needs-based financial aid. The message from TKS is clear: don’t let finances stop you from applying.
Who Should Apply
The program is open to students between the ages of 13 and 17 (applicants can be 12 at the time of applying). No prior knowledge of technology or coding is required — just curiosity, drive, and a willingness to be challenged.
Sessions are held on weekends in three cohort options: Saturday mornings, Saturday afternoons, or Sunday mornings.
Where TKS Alumni End Up
TKS alumni have gone on to secure internships at companies including SpaceX, Shopify, Deloitte, and XPRIZE. Others have gone on to top universities and research labs, or started their own companies. The program’s year-end Showcase connects students directly with venture capital investors, startup founders, and executives.
How to Apply
Applications for TKS Dubai’s September 2026 cohort are now open. Visit tks.world/program/dubai to learn more and apply.
