Juveiriah Ashraf from the Advanced Materials Research Center (AMRC) graduated from Masdar's Women in Sustainability, Environment, and Renewable Energy (WiSER) program. The program focuses on positioning women as drivers of change across the sustainability debate, covering topics like green hydrogen and food security. Ashraf emphasized the need for a holistic approach involving government, corporate leaders, and financial boards to accelerate sustainability impact through incentives and circular economy adoption. Why it matters: This highlights the UAE's focus on empowering women in STEM and sustainability, aligning with national goals for a sustainable future.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan chaired the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) board meeting in Masdar City. He reviewed ATRC’s first-year progress in R&D and endorsed plans to expand funding for R&D projects in Abu Dhabi. He also toured the Technology Innovation Institute (TII)’s labs and met with students of the NexTech programme. Why it matters: The UAE continues to invest heavily in building out its domestic R&D capabilities and STEM talent pipeline.
MIT Professor Ahmed F. Ghoniem delivered a keynote at KAUST's Spring Enrichment Program discussing clean energy solutions for future cities. He emphasized a portfolio approach including electrochemical, solar thermochemical, and plasma technologies for renewable energy storage. Ghoniem highlighted the economic opportunities arising from clean energy technology deployment, R&D, and job creation. Why it matters: The focus on renewable energy and storage aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals for sustainable urban development and diversification of the energy sector.
Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) launched VentureOne, a commercialization arm to bring research solutions to market. ATRC also launched three new specialized research centers in Propulsion, Alternative Energy, and Biotechnology. This brings the total number of deep-tech research entities within ATRC to 10. Why it matters: This expansion signals a major investment in Abu Dhabi's advanced technology ecosystem, aiming to translate research into commercial products and attract global expertise.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi has appointed Dr. Chaouki Kasmi as its first Chief Innovation Officer. Dr. Kasmi will be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of TII’s research and innovation strategies. He has been with TII for four years and has co-authored over 200 scientific papers. Why it matters: This appointment signals TII's continued focus on translating research into practical applications, potentially fostering further technological advancements in the UAE.
MEDAD, a KAUST spin-off, won the 2020 MEED Sustainability Medal for its "Innovative Hybrid Solar Desalination Cycle." The MEDAD hybrid cycle desalinates seawater using solar energy at 60-80 degrees Celsius, combining adsorption with multi-effect desalination. The cycle achieved performance levels of 20% of thermodynamic limits and a water production cost of $0.48/m3. Why it matters: This award recognizes the potential of KAUST-developed technology to address critical water scarcity challenges in the GCC region through sustainable and cost-effective desalination.
KAUST, VentureSouq, startAD, and Tamkeen have partnered to launch the first Conscious Investor Fellowship in the GCC. The six-week virtual program aims to enable regional investors to create sustainable change through high-impact investments. The fellowship will host 25 investors from family offices, corporations, and government entities. Why it matters: The program aims to empower mission-driven investors in the region and accelerate investment in technology-driven startups addressing societal, economic, and environmental challenges.
The Advanced Materials Research Center (AMRC) has announced strategic partnerships with institutions including the University of Sheffield, Khalifa University, and McGill University. These partnerships include visiting scholar fellowships, graduate programs with internships, and dual-degree programs. These initiatives aim to foster collaboration between AMRC experts and students from around the world, providing access to resources, mentorship, and financial support. Why it matters: This collaboration will strengthen Abu Dhabi's innovation ecosystem and R&D sectors through global knowledge transfer and talent development.