Masdar Teams up with MIT
Published on by Water Network Research, Official research team of The Water Network in Academic
Abu Dhabi's Masdar Institute of Science and Technology is Working with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to Fund Four Water Research Projects that are Run Jointly by Both Universities
The grants are part of the new Masdar Institute and MIT Innovation Program (MMIP) which focuses on developing commercial applications of technology research.
The four selected early-stage MMIP projects include a project to develop low-cost sensing devices to monitor water to help provide early warning of algal blooms, a wastewater treatment system for the removal of heavy metals, organic contents and microbes from water, a scalable and renewable energy-driven technology for handling different quantities of feed waters and high salinity levels, and a digital transmitter platform to reduce the footprint and power consumption in wireless radios.
"The MMIP grants testify to the collaborative partnership we have with MIT that is focused on guiding and inspiring innovation in the UAE," said Fred Moavenzadeh, the president of Masdar Institute. "With the support of the UAE leadership, we have ensured the development of an innovation ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, now linked to the robust ecosystem at MIT, to assist local entrepreneurs with early-stage technologies. We believe awarding such grants will help researchers intensify their efforts to obtain solutions that benefit the wider community."
Each of the four projects is made up of two teams, one from each university. The partnership intends to commercialise the technologies currently in development and explore market applications around the world. Projects that are successful will be developed into start-up companies or licence agreements.
The MMIP grants are offered to projects covering sustainable energy systems, water advanced technologies and environmental research, microsystems, and smart systems. Research teams are provided with financial support and access to a network of entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. Academic and legal experts associated with MIT and Masdar Institute help recipients assess the commercial potential of their innovations and make decisions that accelerate progress toward the development of business plans or licensing strategies.
"It is part of a clear vision that says we are not in the business of oil only. We are in the business of being a vital player in the future energy needs of the world," said Jawad Abbassi, the chief executive at Arab Advisors. "Investing in alternative forms of technology positions the country not just in fossil fuels but in the business of securing sustainable energy for the future."
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