In a move to enhance Abu Dhabi’s standing in global research and innovation, Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced ambitious new ventures and strategic initiatives aimed at revolutionising various sectors through advanced technologies.
In a meeting with the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), Sheikh Khaled discussed new ventures focusing on quantum data security, smart autonomous mobility, and cutting-edge agricultural technology. These projects, slated for release later this year, are expected to drive significant advancements and align with Abu Dhabi’s economic priorities.
“The introduction of these ventures marks a pivotal step in translating pioneering research into practical, market-ready solutions,” said Sheikh Khaled. “This is about positioning Abu Dhabi at the forefront of global technological innovation.”
The council’s commercialisation arm, VentureOne, is preparing to introduce the three ventures, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s commitment to technological progress.
A hub for world-class research and talent
Sheikh Khaled underscored the importance of continuing ATRC’s initiatives to advance research and development in innovative technologies and AI solutions. He stressed that the UAE’s role as a hub for technological innovation is crucial for enhancing quality of life and achieving sustainable socio-economic growth.
In line with this, another focal point of the ATRC meeting was the UAE Research Map. Launched in May 2024, this portal has quickly become a vital resource for the research community, attracting over 2,000 visits and featuring contributions from more than 450 registered experts across 30 entities. Its success in fostering collaboration between academia and the private and public sectors has led to additional entities expressing interest in joining the platform.
Sheikh Khaled also emphasised the importance of nurturing UAE National talent in STEM fields. He delved into how vital STEM disciplines are for advancing the UAE’s research landscape and fostering innovations that will impact sectors like education, healthcare, advanced industries, and environmental technologies. This initiative is a key component of the UAE Centennial Plan 2071, aimed at developing a robust talent pool for the future.
ATRC has attracted international proposals for its $200 million Global Tech R&D Fund, aiming to support advanced research and innovation. Furthermore, the integration of the UAE’s Falcon large language model (LLM) into various technological infrastructures globally is progressing, with the model seeing significant engagement and downloads.
During the meeting, the council reviewed significant milestones achieved by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research arm of ATRC. One notable achievement is the unveiling of the Abu Dhabi Quantum Optical Ground Station, the largest facility in the MENA region dedicated to secure free-space optical communications. Additionally, TII’s Directed Energy Center received an award from the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science, underscoring its role in addressing environmental challenges. Furthermore, the Falcon LLM has gained international recognition, boasting impressive download numbers and validation from global platforms.
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