KAUST startup Uvera, founded by KAUST alumna Asrar Damdam, received a CES 2023 Innovation Award for Aurora, an AIoT device that extends the shelf life of fresh foods by up to 97% without chemicals. Aurora uses an AI-powered app to track food inventory, predict spoilage, and notify users. Uvera's mission is to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030, aligning with UN goals for human security. Why it matters: This award highlights the potential of AIoT solutions developed in the region to address global challenges like food waste and sustainability.
DERC's Aysha Al Neyadi won the Young Scientists Competition at the 14th International Conference Interaction of Radiation with Solids in Minsk, Belarus. Aysha co-authored a paper with researchers from Belarus State University and TII on the structure and phase composition stability of amorphous zirconium irradiated with helium ions. The paper examined amorphous alloy samples based on zirconium irradiated with Helium ions at 40 keV. Why it matters: This award recognizes contributions to materials science and highlights international research collaborations involving UAE institutions.
Dr. Paula Moraga, an Assistant Professor at KAUST, has been awarded the 2023 Letten Prize for her work on disease surveillance systems. The prize recognizes researchers under 45 for contributions to health, development, environment, and equality. Moraga's research enables early epidemic detection, and she was selected from 164 applicants. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's contributions to public health research and underscores the importance of AI and data science in addressing global health challenges.
Researchers from the Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) will present research papers at the 17th Workshop of the International Lithosphere Program Task Force on Sedimentary Basins in Abu Dhabi. Dr. Meixia Geng's study identifies potential geothermal exploration sites in the UAE based on Curie isotherm depths. Dr. Felix Vega's research demonstrates drone-borne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for subsurface mapping of underground cavities. Why it matters: These studies showcase the UAE's commitment to sustainable development through geothermal energy exploration and advanced subsurface imaging techniques.
Communications Physics journal has a focus collection on space quantum communications. The collection covers supporting technologies, new quantum protocols, inter-satellite QKD, constellations of satellites, and quantum inspired technologies and protocols for space based communication. Contributions are welcome from October 20, 2020 to April 30, 2021, and accepted papers are published on a rolling basis. Why it matters: Space-based quantum communication is a critical area for developing secure, global quantum networks, and this collection could highlight relevant research for the GCC region as it invests in advanced technologies.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi has launched a 2-micrometer high-power fiber laser for medical and industrial applications. Developed by TII's Directed Energy Research Center, the Thulium-based laser is efficient, compact, and scalable, enabling precise interaction with water-rich materials. TII has partnered with LIMA Photonics, a German MedTech startup, to integrate the laser into clinical solutions, including urinary stone treatment and prostate surgery. Why it matters: This laser technology and partnership showcase the UAE's commitment to translating advanced research into healthcare solutions, positioning Abu Dhabi as a hub for medical technology innovation.