Spotlighting 50 cutting-edge projects pushing the boundaries of what governments can achieve

An exciting showcase of 50 cutting-edge initiatives pushing the boundaries of what governments can achieve, the Edge 50, was launched today by Apolitical and Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation (MBRCGI).

The 50 people and projects have been carefully curated from across the world for their originality, interdisciplinary thinking and potential to transform public impact by challenging conventional government logic. From using radioactive rhinos to enable conservation, to rewilding pre-schools to build stronger immune systems, or to treating cities as patients to aid urban planning, it is celebrated in the list. 

Edge 50 sits at the heart of the new Edge of Government hub – a digital platform spotlighting the people and projects that reimagine how and what government can deliver for citizens. Together, the hub and list elevate bold, creative and often counter-intuitive initiatives to inspire innovative public sector work across the globe. 

Her Excellency Huda Al Hashimi, Deputy Minister for Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs, UAE commented “We’ve learned to look at ‘the edge’ rather than the center: early signals and practices that may still be unproven, but point to entirely new ways of governing.”

Abeer Tahlak, Director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Government Innovation, added:, “Real innovation requires a specific capability: sensing new signals and engaging with them with curiosity, rather than feeling threatened by them.”

 The launch coincides with the 2026 World Governments Summit in Dubai, aligning with the summit’s focus on Shaping Future Governments and complementing the MBRCGI’s annual Edge of Government exhibition – an interactive experience hosted at the Summit designed to trigger new thinking among policy leaders and practitioners from around the world.

“Governments face complex, interconnected challenges that cannot always be solved with business-as-usual approaches,” said Chris Ferguson, Chief Partnerships Officer at Apolitical. “Edge 50 celebrates the people and projects willing to think differently, who are testing new ideas, crossing boundaries and expanding what’s possible in government. By sharing these stories globally, we aim to spark confidence and creativity across the public sector.”

The Edge of Government hub will host a year-long programme of interviews, case studies and four global masterclasses throughout 2026, offering deeper insight into the people and projects featured in Edge 50.

Explore the Edge 50 on the Edge of Government hub.

For media enquiries or further information, please contact jessica.vanonselen@apolitical.co  

More about the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation (MBRCGI)

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation (MBRCGI) was established to embed innovation at the heart of the UAE Government, in line with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Centre develops innovation capabilities, inspires possibilities, and celebrates achievements and lessons learned, positioning the UAE Government among the most innovative globally. Its mission revolves around three main pillars: innovation enablers, innovation possibilities, and innovation platforms. Through collaboration across the ecosystem, MBRCGI fosters a culture where innovation becomes a daily practice, advancing public sector innovation and strengthening the UAE’s position as a global innovation hub.

More about Apolitical

Apolitical is the world’s largest online network of public servants, with a mission to make governments smarter. It is used by half a million public servants and policymakers across 170 countries, providing governments with the tools, skills and networks they need to become more effective and tech-enabled organisations. Apolitical is a strategic partner to governments, helping them prepare their workforces for the future. We achieve this by upskilling government workforces through short online courses focused on government priorities, enabling them to find and share best practice through peer communities, and building innovative tools designed for and with governments. Apolitical partners with leading universities and research institutions, including Oxford, the London School of Economics, and Georgetown.