A father’s determination to provide better care for his neurodivergent child has culminated in international recognition for a UAE-based health technology company that is transforming how autism and ADHD are detected and managed in children.
Jade, the health tech firm founded by data scientist Ronaldo Lima Cohin Ribeiro, has secured the 2026 Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Health category, announced on 14 January in Abu Dhabi. The accolade comes with a US $1 million prize fund and acknowledges the company’s innovative approach to making evidence-based neurodevelopmental care accessible to families worldwide.
Ribeiro’s personal experience as the parent of a neurodivergent child became the catalyst for developing Jade’s pioneering platform. What began as a mission to fill gaps in available support has evolved into a comprehensive solution combining artificial intelligence with gamified learning experiences designed specifically for children with autism and ADHD.
The platform leverages AI-driven assessments alongside eye-tracking technology to provide cognitive tracking and personalised interventions through game-based exercises. These tools aim to enhance both learning outcomes and social engagement for neurodivergent children, addressing challenges that traditional approaches often struggle to meet effectively.
Jade’s multilingual system has already demonstrated remarkable reach since its launch. The platform currently serves more than 180,000 users spread across 179 countries, whilst over 450 schools in Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, and Portugal have integrated the technology into their educational programmes. This bridges a crucial gap between healthcare provision and educational support.
Strategic partnerships have strengthened the platform’s impact in the UAE. Jade collaborates with Abu Dhabi’s Early Childhood Authority and the Anjal Z Programme, initiatives focused on promoting inclusive education policies and supporting neurodevelopmental frameworks at the governmental level.
Reflecting on the achievement, Ronaldo Lima Cohin Ribeiro said: “This recognition is a milestone for Jade and for every child we aim to support. Our goal is to impact 5 million children in the next five years, ensuring that every child, regardless of their differences, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.”
Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, who serves as Executive Director of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, highlighted the significance of Jade’s technology-driven approach. “The Zayed Sustainability Prize recognises those expanding access to quality healthcare. Jade’s work shows how technology, guided by real need, can enable earlier support and more personalised care for neurodivergent children,” she noted.
The million-dollar prize fund will fuel ambitious expansion plans. Jade intends to increase access for low-income families who might otherwise be unable to afford such specialised support. Geographic expansion targets include new markets throughout the Middle East and North Africa region, Latin America, and Europe.
Language accessibility forms a key component of the expansion strategy. The platform will undergo localisation for Arabic, French, and Mandarin speakers, removing linguistic barriers that currently prevent many families from accessing appropriate care resources.
Beyond direct service to families, Jade plans to introduce AI-driven cognitive training programmes tailored for healthcare professionals. This initiative aims to enhance the capacity of medical practitioners to identify and support neurodevelopmental conditions earlier in a child’s development.
The company’s five-year roadmap sets an ambitious target of reaching 5 million beneficiaries, a goal to be achieved through expanded government partnerships and continued technological innovation.
The Zayed Sustainability Prize itself carries profound significance within the sustainability and development sectors. Established as a tribute to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, the award recognises transformative solutions addressing critical global challenges.
Operating across six categories—Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools—the Prize annually honours organisations and educational institutions demonstrating innovative approaches to sustainability challenges.
Over its 18-year history, the initiative has recognised 128 winners whose collective work has positively impacted more than 400 million lives globally. The Prize serves not merely as recognition but as a catalyst, inspiring others to scale their efforts and generate broader waves of positive change.
For Jade, the award represents validation of an approach that places human need at the centre of technological innovation. The platform’s success demonstrates how digital solutions, when designed with empathy and understanding of real-world challenges, can democratise access to specialised care that was previously available only to privileged few.
As neurodevelopmental conditions including autism and ADHD continue to affect millions of children worldwide, early detection and personalised intervention remain critical to improving long-term outcomes. Traditional assessment methods often involve lengthy waiting periods and significant costs, creating barriers particularly acute in developing regions and underserved communities.
Jade’s model addresses these systemic challenges through scalability and affordability, making evidence-based screening and support tools available regardless of geographic location or economic circumstances. The gamified approach also increases engagement among young users, a factor crucial to the effectiveness of any intervention designed for children.
The recognition from the Zayed Sustainability Prize positions Jade among a select group of organisations reshaping how healthcare is delivered in the 21st century, particularly in regions where traditional infrastructure remains limited. With the prize funding and increased visibility, the company now has resources to accelerate its mission and bring its platform to millions more families who need it.