ATRC Launches Global Tech R&D at WGS 2024 

As the driving force behind Abu Dhabi and the broader UAE's advanced research and development (R&D) ecosystem, this initiative highlights ATRC's commitment to fostering inclusive growth and global prosperity. In an age of rapid technological transformation, the platform aims to bridge technology gaps experienced by nations globally by offering tailored solutions to their pressing needs.

To kickstart applications through the platform, ATRC is allocating $200 million in funding to expedite innovation, particularly for emerging and developing nations. By undertaking resource and research costs, the funding facilitates the development of sophisticated technology solutions, enabling these nations to keep abreast of the latest advancements.

The ATRC Global Tech R&D Platform invites applications from governments, organizations, and eligible stakeholders worldwide, prioritizing collaboration and inclusivity. Through a rigorous evaluation process, initiatives aligned 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, emphasizes the profound global impact of the initiative, 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."

Over almost four years, ATRC has cultivated a robust R&D ecosystem, with over 850 researchers from more than 70 countries. It has established an entire ecosystem systematically supporting every critical stage of a technology’s development journey. Its entity ASPIRE crowdsources global talent through grand challenges and global competitions, identifies technology gaps with its clients, while the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) focuses on applied research with intentional outcomes, housing leading researchers and scientists. VentureOne commercializes its solutions, taking R&D products and services from lab to market.

ATRC offers a range of capabilities spanning quantum and AI, autonomous robotics, cryptography, as well as 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 in need of support. Situated at the global crossroads, it extends its reach to entities worldwide, facilitating innovation on a truly global scale.

Al Bannai is scheduled 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, expressed optimism about the fund's potential to catalyze innovation, stating: "Through this platform, we will help identify untapped innovation around the world, unleashing the power of transformative technologies, and sparking economic growth."

ATRC is urging nations to collaborate and contribute to the global technological landscape. For further details on the ATRC Tech R&D Fund, applicants can contact the Council via ASPIRE, at aspireuae.ae.

“We’re here to identify technology gaps and facilitate sophisticated solutions that countries may need to explore for a resilient future,” said Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE.

In a similar initiative to support the broader adoption of advanced technologies, last year, the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) was among the first to open-source its world ranking large language model, Falcon 40B under the Apache 2.0 license – royalty-free.