Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed Chairs ATRC Board Meeting
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, presided over the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) board meeting at the Abu Dhabi Executive Office. The meeting focused on key developments in research and innovation, talent development, international partnerships, and future initiatives that will strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for advanced technology.
Focus on Talent Development and Research Growth
During the meeting, the board reviewed the progress made in research and development (R&D) over the past year, highlighting advancements in scientific research, commercialization efforts, and international collaborations set for 2025. A key agenda item was the emphasis on nurturing national talent and equipping them with the skills necessary to excel in science and technology.
Sheikh Khaled underscored the importance of developing talent in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields and directed the council to launch impactful projects that further Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a global leader in R&D. He also stressed the necessity of fostering international partnerships with leading institutions to ensure that the UAE benefits from cutting-edge global research and technological advancements.
In 2024, ATRC recorded substantial growth in its research ecosystem, with a 20% increase in scientists and researchers. The number of Emirati researchers also saw a notable rise of 9%, bringing the total to 210 UAE Nationals actively contributing to international research projects. These achievements reflect ATRC’s ongoing efforts to create a thriving environment for Emirati and global research talent.
Strengthening International Partnerships and Innovation Initiatives
Over the past year, ATRC has prioritized expanding its global footprint through strategic partnerships. The council successfully completed 28 international research projects in collaboration with top universities worldwide. Additionally, new agreements were signed with key international R&D organizations to facilitate joint research and knowledge exchange.
ATRC also advanced its government-to-government partnerships, forming alliances with Spain, Serbia, and Uzbekistan. The council further strengthened ties with nine local entities, reinforcing its role as a key player in driving research and innovation both regionally and globally.
One of the notable advancements in 2024 was the expansion of the UAE Research Map, a centralized digital portal designed to provide valuable resources for researchers. This platform has attracted a significant number of registered researchers and participating entities, further bolstering the UAE’s innovation ecosystem.
Furthermore, the STEM Youth Program, an initiative aimed at inspiring young minds to pursue careers in technology and science, engaged over 3,000 students and launched seven new projects. This initiative highlights ATRC’s commitment to building a strong foundation for the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Deployment of Advanced Technologies and AI Innovations
The meeting also reviewed the achievements of ATRC’s applied research division, the Technology Innovation Institute (TII). TII has successfully deployed numerous prototypes across real-world operational environments, exceeding annual targets and addressing the growing demand for advanced, customized technologies.
Key areas of focus for TII have included artificial intelligence (AI) models, quantum computing technologies, and autonomous capabilities spanning air, land, and sea. These innovations have strengthened ATRC’s role as a trusted partner for industry leaders and government stakeholders, supporting the UAE’s goal of becoming a global leader in cutting-edge technology.
Successful Global Events and Business Development
The council also reported the successful execution of three major events led by its program management arm, ASPIRE. These events included:
- Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) – showcasing advancements in autonomous mobility and AI-driven racing technology.
- Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge (MBZIRC) – a competition highlighting breakthroughs in robotics and automation.
- XPRIZE Feed the Next Billion – a global challenge focusing on food sustainability and innovative food production solutions.
Additionally, ATRC made significant progress in business development, with ASPIRE signing 32 new agreements, including proof-of-concept deals, collaboration packages, and framework agreements with key partners in the R&D sector.
Commercialization of Advanced Technologies
Through its commercialization arm, VentureOne, ATRC launched three new ventures aimed at driving innovation in crucial industries:
- STEER AI – Focused on advancing smart, autonomous mobility solutions.
- QuantumGate – Dedicated to securing data in a post-quantum computing era.
- Nabat – A project leveraging advanced technology to support ecosystem restoration efforts.
The council also reported continued growth of AI71, its first commercial venture, which is pioneering AI-driven workplace solutions. These initiatives demonstrate ATRC’s commitment to turning cutting-edge research into real-world applications that benefit industries and society.
High-Level Participation at the ATRC Meeting
The meeting was attended by prominent government officials and industry leaders, including:
- His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Mubarak bin Nawi Al Mazrouei – Chairman of the President’s Office for Strategic Affairs at the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office.
- His Excellency Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak – Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority.
- His Excellency Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai – Advisor to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs and Secretary-General of ATRC.
- His Excellency Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori – Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
- His Excellency Ahmed Tamim Al Kuttab – Chairman of the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi.
- His Excellency Shahab Issa Abu Shahab – Director-General of ATRC.
A Future-Focused Approach to Innovation
Under Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s leadership, ATRC continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the UAE’s research and technology landscape. By fostering innovation, strengthening global collaborations, and investing in top-tier talent, the council is positioning Abu Dhabi as a global center for advanced technology and R&D.
As ATRC advances its initiatives for 2025, its focus remains on accelerating the adoption of next-generation technologies across key sectors while ensuring that Emirati talent is at the forefront of global scientific advancements.
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