ATRC allocates $200 million fund to accelerate advanced technology innovations in developing nations
February 13, 2024
Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) has launched its ‘ATRC Global Tech R&D Platform’, an initiative aimed at enabling countries worldwide to access the latest technology solutions. This platform looks to help countries leverage the UAE’s technological expertise in order to address their unique challenges. As technology is advancing rapidly, the platform aims to bridge the technology gaps experienced by nations worldwide by offering customised solutions to meet their needs.
To initiate applications through the platform, ATRC is allocating US $200 million in funding to accelerate innovation, particularly for emerging and developing nations. By committing to absorb resource and research costs, the funding facilitates the development of sophisticated technology solutions, empowering these nations to keep pace with the latest advancements.
The ATRC Global Tech R&D Platform is accepting applications from governments, organisations, and eligible stakeholders around the world, prioritising collaboration and inclusivity. Through a rigorous evaluation process, initiatives that align with the platform’s mission will receive support in six priority sectors: Aerospace and Space, Food and Agriculture, Healthcare, Safety and Security, Sustainability, Environment, and Energy, and Transport.
H E Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General of ATRC, stated, “Our commitment is to empower every nation with the means to thrive in this technology-driven world. ATRC stands ready to partner with countries worldwide, leveraging our expertise in technology to address their challenges and drive collective progress in the AI-driven era.”
Over the span of almost four years, ATRC has developed a robust R&D ecosystem, with over 850 researchers from more than 70 countries. The organisation has created an entire ecosystem that systematically supports every critical stage of a technology’s development journey. Its entity, ASPIRE, crowdsources global talent through grand challenges and global competitions and identifies technology gaps with its clients. The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is focused on applied research with intentional outcomes and houses its leading researchers and scientists, while VentureOne commercialises its solutions, taking R&D products and services from lab to market. The TII recently developed a new aluminium alloy powder at the Advanced Materials Research Center (AMRC), reportedly the first metal alloy developed in the Middle East specifically for use in Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) machines.
ATRC offers a range of capabilities spanning quantum and AI, autonomous robotics, cryptography, advanced materials, propulsion, and space, guiding technology needs from ideation to innovation.
From identifying an entity’s tech pain point to developing bespoke R&D solutions, ATRC orchestrates the complete lifecycle of technology advancement for companies and countries that need support. Situated at the global crossroads, it extends its reach to entities worldwide, facilitating innovation on a truly global scale.
Al Bannai is set to address a plenary session at the World Governments Summit, highlighting his views on AI’s evolution and emerging opportunities.
Dr Ray O Johnson, CEO of ATRC’s global applied research arm, TII, shared, “Through this platform, we will help identify untapped innovation around the world, unleashing the power of transformative technologies, and sparking economic growth.”
ATRC is calling on nations to collaborate and contribute to the global technological landscape. “We’re here to identify technology gaps and facilitate sophisticated solutions that countries may need to explore for a resilient future,” stated Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE.
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