Abu Dhabi: H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, chaired the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) board meeting at the Abu Dhabi Executive Office. The meeting focused on talent development and reviewed research and development achievements, commercial ventures, and international collaborations for 2025.
According to Emirates News Agency, the meeting highlighted the council's plans to invest in national talent, aiming to empower individuals in science and technology. H.H. Sheikh Khaled stressed the importance of nurturing STEM talent and directed the council to implement projects that enhance Abu Dhabi's position as a global R and D hub. He emphasized the need for strengthening international partnerships with leading research institutions to drive innovation.
In 2024, ATRC recorded a 20 percent increase in scientists and researchers, with over 210 UAE Nationals now contributing to global research. This growth highlights ATRC's commitment to fostering a thriving research environment for Emirati talent. The council completed 28 international research projects and signed collaboration agreements with global R and D partners, establishing partnerships with countries like Spain, Serbia, and Uzbekistan.
The UAE Research Map, a centralised portal, grew significantly, supporting the UAE's innovation ecosystem. The council's STEM Youth Program engaged more than 3,000 talents and launched seven projects to inspire future generations in technology and science.
Through its applied research arm, Technology Innovation Institute (TII), ATRC successfully deployed numerous prototypes in real-world environments. Projects delivered by TII, including AI models, quantum technologies, and autonomous capabilities, reinforced ATRC's position as a partner for industry and government stakeholders.
The council's programme management arm, ASPIRE, reported the successful completion of three major events, including the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, the Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge, and XPRIZE Feed the Next Billion. ASPIRE also achieved significant business development milestones, signing 32 new agreements.
ATRC launched three new ventures through its commercialisation arm, VentureOne, including STEER AI, QuantumGate, and Nabat. The council also reported the sustained growth of AI71, its first venture driving AI solutions for the workplace.
The meeting was attended by key figures, including Dr. Ahmed Mubarak bin Nawi Al Mazrouei, Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Ahmed Tamim Al Kuttab, and Shahab Issa Abu Shahab.