Abu Dhabi to launch three new ventures on data security, autonomous mobility and AgriTech

Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council plans to launch three new ventures aimed at boosting research and development in the Emirates, as it seeks to expand its innovation economy.

The ventures include projects to enhance data security in the quantum era, apply advancements in smart autonomous mobility, and develop AgriTech through robotic technologies.

The initiatives are expected to be launched this year by the council's commercialisation arm VentureOne, the Abu Dhabi Government Media Office said in a statement on Monday.

The projects are aimed at translating research into products and services, the statement said.

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, who led a meeting of the council's board of directors on Monday, reviewed the plans.

He emphasised the UAE’s role as an incubator for innovation and encouraged the application of technology-based solutions across key sectors.

Founded in 2020 at Masdar City, the council is responsible for defining Abu Dhabi’s research strategy across academia and industry, facilitating investment funding, and driving policy and regulation for smart decision-making.

The UAE has made significant R&D strides in the past few years, elevating its position in global technology. It moved up five places to rank as the top Arab country on the UN Frontier Technologies Readiness Index 2023. The UAE was 37th out of 166 countries on the list.

Sheikh Khaled also reviewed additional plans for Abu Dhabi to strengthen its position in the global R&D landscape. He highlighted the importance of the council’s UAE Research Map in boosting co-operation efforts among relevant entities.

Launched in May, the UAE Research Map has attracted more than 2,000 visits in its first two months and features 30 participating entities, with more than 450 registered experts.

Sheikh Khaled emphasised the need to qualify and prepare national talent in Stem (science, technology, engineering and maths) fields.

The meeting also reviewed the council’s applied research pillar, the Technology Innovation Institute, which recently unveiled the Abu Dhabi Quantum Optical Ground Station. It is the first and largest facility in the Middle East and North Africa dedicated to developing secure free-space optical communications.