Abu Dhabi’s ATRC unveils $200m Global Tech R&D Platform at World Governments Summit 2024

In a major announcement at the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2024, Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) unveiled the ATRC Global Tech R&D Platform, a groundbreaking initiative to facilitate worldwide access to advanced technology solutions. With a significant allocation of US$200 million in funding, this platform aims to accelerate innovation across the globe, especially benefiting emerging and developing countries by covering essential resource and research expenses.

This initiative represents a strategic move by ATRC to promote inclusive growth and prosperity on a global scale, emphasizing the United Arab Emirates’ role as a hub for advanced research and development. The ATRC Global Tech R&D Platform is designed to address the technological needs of nations worldwide, offering customized solutions to meet their unique challenges in an era marked by rapid technological advancements.

Eligible governments, organizations, and stakeholders from around the world are invited to apply for support through this platform, which prioritizes six key sectors: Aerospace and Space; Food and Agriculture; Healthcare; Safety and Security; Sustainability, Environment, and Energy; and Transport. Applications will undergo a rigorous evaluation process to ensure alignment with the platform’s mission of fostering collaboration and inclusivity.

Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General of ATRC, highlighted the initiative’s global impact, stating, “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.”

ATRC’s extensive R&D ecosystem, developed over nearly four years, features over 850 researchers from more than 70 countries and supports technology development from ideation to market. The initiative’s applied research arm, the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), led by CEO Dr. Ray O. Johnson, plays a crucial role in applying research outcomes to real-world applications, while ASPIRE focuses on identifying and addressing global technology gaps.

The launch of the ATRC Global Tech R&D Platform at the World Governments Summit underscores the UAE’s commitment to advancing global technological innovation and collaboration. This initiative not only aims to bridge technology gaps but also to stimulate economic growth and resilience among nations worldwide, setting a new standard for global R&D partnerships.

The ATRC Global Tech R&D Platform is a significant step towards democratizing access to advanced technological solutions globally. By focusing on both funding and collaboration, it has the potential to make a profound impact on how nations, especially those in the developing world, can leverage technology to address their most pressing challenges. The initiative’s comprehensive approach, which includes a focus on a broad range of sectors and the entire lifecycle of technology development, positions it as a key player in the global effort to foster innovation and sustainable growth.