Abu Dhabi to launch 3 key tech ventures: ATRC meeting highlights

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, recently reviewed plans to launch three projects aimed at reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position in the global research and development landscape.

The projects were reviewed at the meeting of the Advanced Technology Research Council’s (ATRC) board of directors, which Sheikh Khaled chairs.

The council’s commercialisation arm, VentureOne, is set to introduce the three new ventures later this year.

These initiatives will focus on transforming data security in the quantum era, enhancing smart autonomous mobility, and advancing Agritech with robotic technologies.

The ventures align with Abu Dhabi’s economic priorities and mark a significant step in translating pioneering research into practical products and services.

ATRC: Driving tech innovation in Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Khaled emphasised the importance of continuing ATRC’s efforts to advance research and development in innovative technologies and AI solutions. He highlighted the UAE’s role as an incubator for innovation, encouraging the application of technology-based solutions across vital sectors to improve quality of life and enhance efficiencies.

The council’s progress in developing the UAE Research Map was also reviewed at the meeting.

Launched in May 2024, the portal has attracted over 2,000 visits in its first two months, featuring 30 participating entities and more than 450 registered experts. The success of the Research Map in centralising access to national research resources has prompted interest from 10 additional entities.

Sheikh Khaled reiterated the importance of preparing UAE National talent in STEM fields to enhance the country’s research landscape and drive advanced innovations.

ATRC’s efforts to shape Abu Dhabi’s R&D ecosystem align with the UAE Centennial Plan 2071, aiming to develop a dynamic talent pool to meet future demands.

ATRC has attracted proposals from various nations seeking access to the council’s $200m ATRC Global Tech R&D Fund.

Additionally, the integration of the UAE’s Falcon large language model (LLM) into local and global technological infrastructure and government services is being accelerated.

The meeting also reviewed the progress of the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), ATRC’s applied research arm.

The institute recently unveiled the Abu Dhabi Quantum Optical Ground Station, the Arab World’s first and largest facility dedicated to developing secure free-space optical communications.

In alignment with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 agenda, TII’s Directed Energy Center received an award from the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) for addressing critical environmental challenges.

TII’s latest Falcon LLM has achieved 85,000 downloads since its launch in May 2024.

ASPIRE, ATRC’s programme management arm, was also discussed during the meeting.

ASPIRE aims to support the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051 and contribute to global food security through its partnership with XPRIZE Feed the Next Billion.