Education

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR), in collaboration with ADQ, a leading sovereign investor focused on critical infrastructure and global supply chains, hosted the Innovation Bridge 2025 forum in Abu Dhabi. The event served as a strategic platform to strengthen research collaboration, foster applied innovation, and explore funding opportunities that drive the UAE’s economic transformation.

The forum brought together representatives from higher education institutions (HEIs) and 14 ADQ portfolio companies operating across key economic sectors. Over 100 participants, including 34 industry leaders and 66 representatives from academia, attended the event to engage in discussions on integrating research with real-world industrial applications.

Building an Innovation-Driven Research Ecosystem

The forum underscored MoHESR’s commitment to connecting academia and industry to enhance the national research ecosystem. Her Excellency Taif Mohamed Alamiri, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Higher Education Regulation and Governance Sector, emphasized that the event represents a practical model of partnership between the academic and business sectors.

“The Forum reflects our dedication to building dynamic links between higher education institutions and national industries to strengthen the research ecosystem and connect it to innovative applications that advance the UAE’s economic growth,” said H.E. Alamiri.

“Investing in research and empowering innovators is essential to achieving the UAE’s vision of building a competitive, sustainable economy.”

Driving Applied Research and Industry Collaboration

Innovation Bridge 2025 served as a collaborative platform to accelerate the transformation of academic research into industrial and commercial innovations with tangible economic impact. Discussions also highlighted potential funding opportunities from ADQ for projects aligned with its strategic business priorities.

The event reaffirmed ADQ’s commitment to advancing innovation and supporting national priorities through partnerships with universities and research institutions. By focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, energy transition, and environmental sustainability, the initiative supports the development of a future-ready, knowledge-based economy.

Active Participation and Key Themes

Participating universities included UAE University, Zayed University, Khalifa University, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, American University of Sharjah, University of Sharjah, Ajman University, and New York University Abu Dhabi.

Representatives from 14 ADQ portfolio companies — including TAQA, Etihad Airways, Etihad Rail, Silal, Agthia, PureHealth, Emsteel, Tadweer Group, and Abu Dhabi Airports — also contributed to discussions.

Interactive sessions focused on four main themes:

• Artificial Intelligence and Automation

• Energy Transition

• Environmental Impact Mitigation

• Converting Waste into Economic Value

Advancing the UAE’s Knowledge Economy

Innovation Bridge 2025 strengthened the integration of scientific research and industrial applications, opening new avenues for joint research, patents, and technology localization. The initiative aligns with the We the UAE 2031 Vision, supporting the nation’s goals of building a competitive, sustainable, and innovation-driven economy.

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