The second cycle of Challenge 22, the innovation award developed by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), will expand to include Jordan, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia, in addition to the Gulf countries.

This year, Challenge 22 aims to inspire the region's brightest minds to come up with innovative ideas in four new areas: sustainability, health & safety, internet of things and tourism experience.

Fatma Al Nuami, SC Legacy Senior Manager, said: "Following the success of the inaugural competition, the programme returns in September for its second cycle – and the challenges for the 2016 edition have been confirmed. This year we will focus on four different challenges that will, once more, allow participants to come up with projects that can contribute to the delivery of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, while also having a notable legacy impact."

With construction on host venues in full swing six years before the start of the first ever FIFA World Cup™ in the Middle East, Challenge 22 seeks to anticipate technological developments that will be in place in 2022. The SC is looking for creative and cost-effective ideas that will lead to sustainable outcomes in the design, construction and operational stages of tournament infrastructure delivery. From efficient lighting systems and fixtures, to ventilation systems that reduce energy demand and active shading solutions that deliver solar shading, existing designs can often be improved upon by new ideas.

The health and & safety challenge concentrates on the workforce delivering the infrastructure for the tournament. With health & safety awareness embedded in the SC's corporate culture, this challenge offers areas for innovation such as improved communication amongst a multinational workforce.

The Internet of Things challenge will identify ways in which innovative services can be provided, creating a more accessible, safer and improved tournament experience. This challenge will identify ways in which technology can be leveraged to support journey planning and navigation. It will find effective ways of controlling crowds to support event organisers, and enhance fan experience by allowing them to be more connected with the game.

The tourism experience challenge aims to enhance the fan experience with unique and creative ways of showcasing the beauty of Arab heritage and culture to visitors from across the globe.

Al Nuami highlighted the importance of expanding to new countries for the second cycle. "It was part of the commitment we made during the first cycle, which aligns with our vision to support innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. Jordan, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia are fast-growing entrepreneurial hubs, which makes them ideal locations for Challenge 22."

All applicants must be at least 18 years old, and be citizens or legal residents of Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia or the United Arab Emirates at the time of application.

Find out more about Challenge 22.