RDI and KAUST have launched a Technology Transfer Program to accelerate commercialization activities in Saudi universities. The Technology Transfer Internship Program aims to upskill leaders from research institutions across Saudi Arabia in technology commercialization. KAUST was selected by RDI due to its innovation ecosystem, including 1,448 patent families and 287 technology licenses. Why it matters: This partnership will help to translate Saudi research into commercial products, strengthening the country’s capacity for innovation and aligning with national goals for a knowledge-based economy.
The Quantum Research Centre (QRC) at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi has expanded its team. The center recently added two Senior Researchers, four Young Researchers, and one Visiting Research Professor. TII aims to advance knowledge through scientific research and technological innovation. Why it matters: This expansion indicates continued investment in quantum computing research and development within the UAE, potentially fostering advancements in the field.
KAUST recognized seven faculty members with RDIA Excellence Awards at LEAP 2025 and COP16 for contributions to Saudi Vision 2030. Awardees include Prof. Bernard Ghanem for AI, Prof. Carlos Duarte for marine science, and Prof. Mohamed Slim Alouini for communications. Their work advances AI, marine ecosystems, and digital inclusion within the Kingdom. Why it matters: The awards highlight KAUST's strategic role in driving research and innovation aligned with Saudi Arabia's national priorities in technology and sustainability.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and Resource Industries have partnered to integrate autonomous air system technologies into operational defense platforms. The collaboration will embed TII's research, including synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and radio frequency (RF) magnetic mapping, into Resource Industries' aerial platforms. The aim is to enhance intelligence gathering and decision-making in complex environments. Why it matters: This partnership signifies the UAE's commitment to advancing its defense capabilities through indigenous innovation and autonomous systems, aligning with national strategies for technological advancement.
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has launched a state-of-the-art research facility within its Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) in Abu Dhabi's Tawazun Industrial Park. The facility includes seven workshops and five specialized laboratories focusing on areas like High-Power ElectroMagnetics (HPEM), acoustics, and laser development. It can accommodate 150 researchers and provides research and testing services to local industries, including Radio Frequency testing and acoustic experiments. Why it matters: This new facility enhances the UAE's research infrastructure and supports the development of advanced technologies for regional industries in the safety and security sector.
The UAE's Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) have partnered to create 3D maps of the UAE's mineral and renewable resources. TII's Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) will support MoEI in this effort, contributing its expertise to identify resources like geothermal energy and analyze geological data. The collaboration aims to support the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy by enabling the exploration and utilization of undiscovered renewable and mineral resources. Why it matters: This initiative leverages local expertise to map domestic resources, aligning technological advancement with sustainability goals for the UAE.