Technology Innovation Institute

Last updated
Technology Innovation Institute
TII
Technology Innovation Institute Logo.jpg
Technology Innovation Institute Logo
EstablishedMay 2020
Field of research
Quantum Computing
Robotics
Cryptography
Advanced materials
Digital Science
Directed Energy
Biotechnology
Renewable and Sustainable Energy
Propulsion and Space
President Faisal Al Bannai
Location Abu Dhabi, UAE
Affiliations Advanced Technology Research Council
Website Official website

The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is an Abu Dhabi government funded research institution [1] [2] [3] that operates in the areas of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, autonomous robotics, cryptography, advanced materials, digital science, [4] directed energy and secure systems. [5] [6] [7] The institute is a part of the Abu Dhabi Government’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). [7]

Contents

Formation and activities

TII was founded in May 2020 and its first Board meeting took place in August 2020. [8] [9] Ray O. Johnson is currently serving as the CEO of the institute. [10] In April 2020, the institute started Citizen Science, an initiative to address the need for specialized medical equipment, data analysis and related technical support in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic. [11] [12] [13] In October 2020, it granted $2.3 million fund to a research group of Purdue University to explore the secure and efficient operations of drones. [14] In December 2020, it announced collaboration with Virgin Hyperloop to explore and implement "localisation of the futuristic transportation method." [15] [16] In March 2021, the institute signed a memorandum of understanding with Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence to augment research in Artificial Intelligence. [17] [18] [19] [20]

The institute has ten research centres:

Quantum Research Centre

The quantum research centre has been established with the aim to develop UAE's first quantum computer. [21] In March 2021, it was announced that the first quantum computer will be developed at the Institute's Quantum Research Centre [22] under the supervision of chief researcher Jose Ignacio Latorre and in collaboration with Spanish organization Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech. [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] The area of operations of Quantum Research Centre includes quantum cryptography, quantum algorithms, quantum communications and quantum sensing. [28]

Autonomous Robotics Research Centre

Autonomous robotics research centre deals with the automation and robotics related research and development. [29] [30]

Cryptography Research Centre

The cryptography research centre dealing in the area of cryptography has developed The National Crypto Library, in December 2020, to secure medical records pertaining to the Covid-19 pandemic. [31] [32] [33] Najwa Aaraj is presently serving as the chief researcher of the centre. [34] During April 2021, the centre developed its second library, a Post-Quantum Cryptography which is a "collection of algorithms to safeguard confidential data and information" keeping the focus on prospective post-quantum era. [35] [36] [37]

Advanced Materials Research Centre

The AMRC is the department of TII that deals with nanomaterials, self healing materials, smart materials, meta materials, additive manufacturing and energy-absorbing materials and structures. The centre is presently headed by chief researcher Mohamed Al Teneiji. [38]

AI and Digital Science Research Centre

The primary domain of operation of the Digital Science Research Centre is in the field of Data science, Computing science, Telecom Science and Cyber-Security Science. It has three units: the AI cross-center Unit, the Digital Security Unit and the Digital Telecom Unit. The AI cross-center unit pioneers intelligence in all sectors with 5 programs: Theory and Algorithms, Data Driven Technologies and Intelligent Systems, Exascale Models, Perception, Sensing and Planning as well as AI for good. The Digital Security Unit devises Automated and autonomous Vulnerability Detection and Mitigation techniques for software and embedded devices. Finally, The Digital Telecom Unity develops advances communication systems for 5G and 6G systems as well as connected vehicles. The center was pioneer for the development of Large Language Models (LLM) (NOOR [39] being the first Largest LLM in Arabic as well as FALCON LLM [40] ) the UAE.

Directed Energy Research Centre

The domain of operation of DERC happen to be electromagnetics, photonics and acoustics. The centre is known for developing the electromagnetic compatibility labs, which is first of its kind in gulf region. [41] [42] The DERC centre is composed of three facilities namely, EMC semi-anechoic chamber, a pulsed power laboratory, and a low-noise emanation laboratory. [43] The centre is known for working in collaboration with Gulf Cooperation Council, anechoic chambers etc. [44] Presently, the centre is headed by chief researcher Chaouki Kasmi. In May 2021, the centre forged partnership with a number of academic institutions including Ruhr University, Helmut Schmidt University, University Clermont Auvergne, National University of Colombia etc. [45]

Secure Systems Research Centre

The secure system research centre is known for its operation in hardware hardening, software hardening, system integrity, network resilience etc. The centre is currently headed by chief researcher Shreekant Thakkar. During september 2021, the centre successfully launched first motion capture (MOCAP) facility outside united states. The system is supposed to aid the research related to testing of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in an augmented reality or virtual reality. [46] [47] [48] In October 2021, the centre announced its partnership with Khalifa University of Science and Technology, University of Turku and Graz University of Technology in relation to the ongoing research projects in secure mesh communications . [49] [50]

In 2022, three additional research centres were established:

Biotechnology Research Centre

The BRC deals with Biomedicine, Biorobotics, Environmental Biotech, Molecular Biology and Genomics and Bioinformatics. The centre is presently headed by acting chief researcher Thomas Launey.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Research Centre

The centre is presently headed by chief researcher Phil Hart.

Propulsion and Space Research Center

The centre is presently headed by acting chief researcher Vincenzo Giannini.

Related Research Articles

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a secure communication method that implements a cryptographic protocol involving components of quantum mechanics. It enables two parties to produce a shared random secret key known only to them, which then can be used to encrypt and decrypt messages. The process of quantum key distribution is not to be confused with quantum cryptography, as it is the best-known example of a quantum-cryptographic task.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Masdar</span> Global renewable energy company

Masdar (Arabic:مصدر‎), also known as the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, is a renewable energy company based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It was founded in 2006 as a subsidiary of the UAE state-owned Mubadala Investment Company, and has developed and invested in renewable energy projects in 40 countries.

Mubadala Investment Company PJSC, or simply Mubadala, is an Emirati state-owned holding company that acts as one of the sovereign wealth funds of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The company was established in 2017 when then-named Mubadala Development Company and the International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) merged.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Quantum technology</span> Emerging technologies built on quantum mechanics

Quantum technology is an emerging field of physics and engineering, encompassing technologies that rely on the properties of quantum mechanics, especially quantum entanglement, quantum superposition, and quantum tunneling. Quantum computing, sensors, cryptography, simulation, measurement, and imaging are all examples of emerging quantum technologies. The development of quantum technology also heavily impacts established fields such as space exploration.

Provision of education in the UAE began shortly after the establishment of the federation with the inception of the first university in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates University. Since then, the country has progressed with efforts of ensuring high literacy rates, modern programs and women's share in education. It works on improving its youths education which is why the agenda 2021 has been set. The UAE currently devotes approximately 25 percent of total federal government spending to education. As of 2019, the overall literacy rate is 96%.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ray O. Johnson</span>

Ray O. Johnson is an American business executive. He is currently the chief executive officer of Technology Innovation Institute based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Before this, he served as the Lockheed Martin Corporation's chief technology officer and corporate senior vice president for engineering, technology, and operations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Higher Colleges of Technology</span>

The Higher Colleges of Technology(HCT) (Arabic: كليّات التقنيّة العليا) is a public institute of technology with 16 campuses and facilities throughout the United Arab Emirates. Founded in 1988 by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak al-Nahyan, it is the largest applied higher educational institution in the country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New York University Abu Dhabi</span> Liberal arts and research university in the United Arab Emirates

New York University Abu Dhabi is a degree granting, portal campus of New York University serving as a private, liberal arts college, located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mark Beer</span> British lawyer and businessman

Mark Gregory Beer OBE is a British lawyer and businessman who is co-founder of the law firm Seven Pillars Law, as well as chairman of The Metis Institute, and co-founder of the University of Oxford's Deep Technology Dispute Resolution Lab. He is chair of the Board of Trustees of the Global Legal Action Network and was previously President of the International Association for Court Administration. Beer is a member of the Commercial Dispute Resolution Taskforce, part of the UK Government's ‘LawTech Delivery Panel’; advisor to the Board of Resolve Disputes Online; a member of the Innovation Working Group of the Task Force on Justice; a professional associate with Outer Temple Chambers; a member of the faculty at the Legal Technology and Innovation Institute and a member of the International Council of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Beer is the Chairman of the Astana Financial Centre's (AIFC) LegalTech Advisory Council and a member of the AIFC Legal Services Board.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bill Buchanan (computer scientist)</span> Scottish computer scientist

William Johnston BuchananOBE FBCS CEng PFHEA is a Scottish computer scientist. Buchanan is a professor in the School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment. He currently leads the Blockpass ID Lab and the Centre for Cybersecurity, IoT and Cyberphysical at Edinburgh Napier University. In 2017, he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2017 Birthday Honours for services to cyber security.

Professor Margaret Daphne Reid from Swinburne University of Technology is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. She is known for her pioneering work in new fundamental tests of quantum theory, including teleportation and cryptography.

The United Arab Emirates Space Agency (UAESA) is the space agency of the United Arab Emirates government responsible for the development of the country's space industry. It was created in 2014 and is responsible for developing and regulating the space sector in the UAE.

Mérouane Debbah is a researcher, educator and technology entrepreneur. Over his career, he has founded several public and industrial research centers, start-ups and is now professor at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and founding director of the Khalifa University 6G Research Center. He is a frequent keynote speaker at international events in the field of telecommunication and AI. His research has been lying at the interface of fundamental mathematics, algorithms, statistics, information and communication sciences with a special focus on random matrix theory and learning algorithms. In the communication field, he has been at the heart of the development of small cells (4G), massive MIMO (5G) and large intelligent surfaces (6G) technologies. In the AI field, he is known for his work on large language models, distributed AI systems for networks and semantic communications. He received multiple prestigious distinctions, prizes and best-paper awards for his contributions to both fields and according to research.com is ranked as the best scientist in France in the field of electronics and electrical engineering.

Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is a graduate-level, research-based academic institution located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The current president, Professor Eric Xing, joined in January 2021. Sir J. Michael Brady served as the founding, interim president. Professor Ling Shao was the initiator and the founding provost and executive vice president.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Khaled bin Mohamed Al Nahyan</span> Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi since 2023

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. He was appointed to the role on 29 March 2023. He is the eldest son of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Faisal Al Bannai</span> Emirati businessman

Faisal Al Bannai is an Emirati business executive who is known as a leader in defence technology and advanced research. He also serves as Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EDGE Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">G42 (company)</span> Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing company

Group 42 Holding Ltd, doing business as G42, is a technology holding company based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The organization is oriented to the development of AI industries in the government sector, healthcare, finance, oil and gas, aviation, and hospitality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hawaa Al Mansoori</span> Emirati physician, inventor and politician

Hawaa Al Thahak Al Mansoori is an Emirati physician, inventor and politician. She was appointed to the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates in 2019. As a physician Dr. Al Mansoori is an endocrinologist and healthcare executive, serving as executive director of the Intramural Research Division at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center and Deputy Medical Director of Imperial College London Diabetes Centre in Abu Dhabi.

The Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) is an Abu Dhabi government entity responsible for shaping advanced research and development (R&D) for technology in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

References

  1. "TII Appoints Experts at Secure Systems Research Centre". TahawulTech.com. 2021-03-11. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  2. "Abu Dhabi sets up global centre for advanced technology research".
  3. "Innovation to combat cyber-attacks discussed". Times of Oman. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  4. "Digital Science". www.tii.ae. Retrieved 2022-03-29.
  5. "Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC)". www.atrc.ae. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  6. Harrison, Polly Jean (2020-11-12). "Abu Dhabi Announces New R&D Centre the Technology Innovation Institute". The Fintech Times. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  7. 1 2 "Abu Dhabi reveals plan to build quantum computer".
  8. "Abu Dhabi Unveils a Pioneering Global Centre for Advanced Technology Research". www.businesswire.com. 2020-11-10. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  9. "TII Appoints Globally-Renowned Experts to Board of Advisors". TahawulTech.com. 2021-04-08. Retrieved 2021-05-14.
  10. "Technology Innovation Institute Appoints Eminent Technologist Dr Ray O. Johnson as CEO". Financial Post. 2021-08-02. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
  11. "Citizen Science – a collective of 20 UAE scientists, researchers and engineers invited to come up with innovative solutions to ease medical pressures exerted by the COVID pandemic". GTECH. 2020-04-26. Retrieved 2022-06-03.
  12. "The expersts in Abu Dhabi unite to produce Covid-19 supplies for medical frontliners".
  13. Kumar, Ashwani. "Emiratis and expats work together to find solutions to beat Covid-19 pandemic". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  14. "Purdue University and Abu Dhabi Work Together on Cybersecure Drone Swarms – Homeland Security Today" . Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  15. "Abu Dhabi's TII, Virgin Hyperloop team up to accelerate transport and logistics innovation".
  16. "Technology Innovation Institute, Virgin Hyperloop announce R&D partnership to advance future transport and logistics in UAE". wam. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  17. "MBZUAI and Technology Innovation Institute partner to advance AI research". Intelligent CIO Middle East. 2021-03-29. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  18. MENAFN. "MBZUAI and Technology Innovation Institute Form Strategic Collaboration to Advance AI Research". menafn.com. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  19. "MBZUAI and Technology Innovation Institute sign key AI R&D deal".
  20. "TII's Secure Systems Research Centre Partners with World-leading Universities". TahawulTech.com. 2021-04-27. Retrieved 2021-05-14.
  21. "The Explainer: Quantum computing and how it's set to revolutionise the business world". Arab News.
  22. "UAE's Technology Innovation Institute joins the quantum computing challenge".
  23. "Abu Dhabi building UAE's first quantum computer". gulfnews.com. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  24. "UAE explained: How Abu Dhabi's new quantum computer could help solve the mysteries of science". The National. 2021-03-27. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  25. Freelance, Motivate (2021-03-24). "Abu Dhabi's Technology Innovation Institute to build UAE's first quantum computer". Gulf Business. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  26. Gokulan, Dhanusha. "Quantum computers can predict cyber threats, say IT experts". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  27. "Technology Innovation Institute Joins the Quantum Computing Challenge with Launch of Open-Source 'Qibo'". tennews.in. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
  28. "Quantum Home". QRC. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
  29. "About Us Autonomous Robotics". ARRC. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
  30. "Research centres". Technology Innovation Institute. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  31. Kumar, Ashwani. "Abu Dhabi's crypto library can prevent Covid-19 data leak". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  32. "Abu Dhabi's TII unveils first secure cloud technologies programme in UAE".
  33. "IACR News item: 20 January 2021". www.iacr.org. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
  34. AETOSWire (2020-12-14). "Technology Innovation Institute Appoints Global Cryptography Leaders as its Board of Advisors at Cryptography Research Centre". Middle East News 247. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
  35. "Meet the Abu Dhabi cryptographer keeping your personal data safe". The National. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
  36. "First Post-Quantum Cryptography Library". 24/7 News - The Greater India Network. 2021-04-11. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
  37. "Abu Dhabi's Technology Innovation Institute Unveils First Post-Quantum Cryptography Library in UAE". www.mediaoffice.abudhabi. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
  38. "About Us Advanced Materials". AMRC. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
  39. "NOOR LLM Model".
  40. "Abu Dhabi-based TII launches its own version of ChatGPT".
  41. Joseph, Shilpa Annie. "Abu Dhabi's TII introduces 1st electromagnetic compatibility labs in Arab world - GCC Business News". www.gccbusinessnews.com. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
  42. Jones, Jonathan Spencer (2021-05-11). "Electromagnetic compatibility labs launched in Abu Dhabi". Smart Energy International. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
  43. "Abu Dhabi's Technology Innovation Institute Unveils The Arab World's First Electromagnetic Compatibility Labs" . Retrieved 2021-10-31.
  44. "About Us Directed Energy". DERC. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
  45. "Technology Innovation Institute's Directed Energy Research Centre Partners With World-leading Universities" . Retrieved 2021-10-31.
  46. "Technology Innovation Institute's Secure Systems Research Centre in Abu Dhabi Announces Launch of First Motion Capture". Bloomberg.com. 2021-09-08. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
  47. "Technology Innovation Institute's Secure Systems Research Centre in Abu Dhabi Announces Launch of First Motion Capture Facility Outside United States". businesswire. 2021-09-08. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
  48. Nair, Arya M. "First in UAE; Technology Institute's SSRC unveils Motion Capture facility - GCC Business News". www.gccbusinessnews.com. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
  49. "Technology Innovation Institute's Secure Systems Research Centre Collaborates with Global Universities on Secure Mesh Communications Research Projects". finance.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
  50. "TII's secure systems research centre collaborates with global universities on secure mesh communications research projects". www.zawya.com. Retrieved 2021-10-31.