Technology Innovation Institute

Research institute

Technology Innovation Institute

TII

Technology Innovation Institute Logo

Established| May 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, secure systems, and more recently also: biotechnology, renewable and sustainable energy, and propulsion and space.[5][6][7] The institute is a part of the Abu Dhabi Government’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC).[7]

## Formation and activities

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TII was founded in May 2020 and its first board meeting took place in August 2020.[8][9] Dr Najwa Aaraj is currently serving as the 2nd CEO of the institute, following Dr. Ray O. Johnson's tenure as the inaugural CEO until 2024. 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.[10][11][12] 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.[13] In December 2020, it announced collaboration with Virgin Hyperloop to explore and implement "localisation of the futuristic transportation method.”[14][15] In March 2021, the institute signed a memorandum of understanding with Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence to augment research in Artificial Intelligence.[16][17][18][19]

The institute has ten research centres:

### Quantum Research Centre

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The quantum research centre has been established with the aim to develop UAE's first quantum computer.[20] In March 2021, it was announced that the first quantum computer will be developed at the institute's Quantum Research Centre[21] under the supervision of chief researcher Jose Ignacio Latorre and in collaboration with Spanish organization Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech.[22][23][24][25][26] The area of operations of Quantum Research Centre includes quantum cryptography, quantum algorithms, quantum communications and quantum sensing.[27]

### Autonomous Robotics Research Centre

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Autonomous robotics research centre deals with the automation and robotics related research and development.[28][29]

### Cryptography Research Centre

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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.[30][31][32] Najwa Aaraj is presently serving as the chief researcher of the centre.[33] 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.[34][35][36]

### Advanced Materials Research Centre

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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 Dr. Vincenzo Gianini.[37]

### AI and Digital Science Research Centre

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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 and was founded by Prof. Merouane Debbah. 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[38] being the first Largest LLM in Arabic as well as FALCON LLM[39]) in the UAE.

### Directed Energy Research Centre

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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.[40][41] The DERC centre is composed of three facilities namely, EMC semi-anechoic chamber, a pulsed power laboratory, and a low-noise emanation laboratory.[42] The centre is known for working in collaboration with Gulf Cooperation Council, anechoic chambers etc.[43] 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.[44]

### Secure Systems Research Centre

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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 launched the first motion capture (MOCAP) facility outside the United States. The system is supposed to aid the research related to testing of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in an augmented reality or virtual reality.[45][46][47] 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.[48][49]

In 2022, three additional research centres were established:

### Biotechnology Research Centre

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Headed by chief researcher Dr. Thomas Launey, the BRC is developing products across all branches of biotechnology, in Biomedicine, Biorobotics, Environmental Biotech, Molecular Biology and Genomics and Bioinformatics for biomedical and healthcare applications, agritech, pharma and biopharma, bioproduction and industrial solutions, aquaculture, synthetic biology, in-silico and AI products. Its research facilities opened in 2024.[citation needed]

### Renewable and Sustainable Energy Research Centre

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The centre is headed by chief researcher Prof. Phil Hart. Focussed on areas such as BioEnergy, Chemical Energy (such as hydrogen and synthetic fuels), sustainable chemicals, sustainable agriculture, batteries, fuel cells, electrolysers, renewable energy generation systems, AI and traditional data science, desalination-, water and power distribution systems and networks, water treatment and reuse, sustainable soil amendments and fertilisers, and much more around adaptation and mitigation of climate change and its effects.[citation needed]

### Propulsion and Space Research Center

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The centre is presently headed by acting chief researcher Gustavo dos Santos.

## Events

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In 2024, a new large language model in the Falcon series was launched, Falcon Mamba (7B), which is an open source language model of the SSLM type.[50][51]

## References

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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. ^ a b "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. ^ "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.
11. ^ "The experts in Abu Dhabi unite to produce Covid-19 supplies for medical frontliners".
12. ^ Kumar, Ashwani. "Emiratis and expats work together to find solutions to beat Covid-19 pandemic". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
13. ^ "Purdue University and Abu Dhabi Work Together on Cybersecure Drone Swarms – Homeland Security Today". Retrieved 2021-03-30.
14. ^ "Abu Dhabi's TII, Virgin Hyperloop team up to accelerate transport and logistics innovation".
15. ^ "Technology Innovation Institute, Virgin Hyperloop announce R&D partnership to advance future transport and logistics in UAE". wam. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
16. ^ "MBZUAI and Technology Innovation Institute partner to advance AI research". Intelligent CIO Middle East. 2021-03-29. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
17. ^ MENAFN. "MBZUAI and Technology Innovation Institute Form Strategic Collaboration to Advance AI Research". menafn.com. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
18. ^ "MBZUAI and Technology Innovation Institute sign key AI R&D deal".
19. ^ "TII's Secure Systems Research Centre Partners with World-leading Universities". TahawulTech.com. 2021-04-27. Retrieved 2021-05-14.
20. ^ "The Explainer: Quantum computing and how it's set to revolutionise the business world". Arab News.
21. ^ "UAE's Technology Innovation Institute joins the quantum computing challenge".
22. ^ "Abu Dhabi building UAE's first quantum computer". gulfnews.com. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
23. ^ "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.
24. ^ Freelance, Motivate (2021-03-24). "Abu Dhabi's Technology Innovation Institute to build UAE's first quantum computer". Gulf Business. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
25. ^ Gokulan, Dhanusha. "Quantum computers can predict cyber threats, say IT experts". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
26. ^ "Technology Innovation Institute Joins the Quantum Computing Challenge with Launch of Open-Source 'Qibo'". tennews.in. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
27. ^ "Quantum Home". QRC. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
28. ^ "About Us Autonomous Robotics". ARRC. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
29. ^ "Research centres". Technology Innovation Institute. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
30. ^ Kumar, Ashwani. "Abu Dhabi's crypto library can prevent Covid-19 data leak". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
31. ^ "Abu Dhabi's TII unveils first secure cloud technologies programme in UAE".
32. ^ "IACR News item: 20 January 2021". www.iacr.org. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
33. ^ 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.
34. ^ "Meet the Abu Dhabi cryptographer keeping your personal data safe". The National. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
35. ^ "First Post-Quantum Cryptography Library". 24/7 News - The Greater India Network. 2021-04-11. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
36. ^ "Abu Dhabi's Technology Innovation Institute Unveils First Post-Quantum Cryptography Library in UAE". www.mediaoffice.abudhabi. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
37. ^ "About Us Advanced Materials". AMRC. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
38. ^ "NOOR LLM Model".
39. ^ "Abu Dhabi-based TII launches its own version of ChatGPT".
40. ^ 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.
41. ^ Jones, Jonathan Spencer (2021-05-11). "Electromagnetic compatibility labs launched in Abu Dhabi". Smart Energy International. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
42. ^ "Abu Dhabi's Technology Innovation Institute Unveils The Arab World's First Electromagnetic Compatibility Labs". Retrieved 2021-10-31.
43. ^ "About Us Directed Energy". DERC. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
44. ^ "Technology Innovation Institute's Directed Energy Research Centre Partners With World-leading Universities". Retrieved 2021-10-31.
45. ^ "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.
46. ^ "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.
47. ^ Nair, Arya M. "First in UAE; Technology Institute's SSRC unveils Motion Capture facility - GCC Business News". www.gccbusinessnews.com. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
48. ^ "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.
49. ^ "TII's secure systems research centre collaborates with global universities on secure mesh communications research projects". www.zawya.com. Retrieved 2021-10-31.
50. ^ "«الابتكار التكنولوجي» يُحدث ثورة فـي نمــاذج الذكــاء الاصطناعــي اللغويــة"".
51. ^ ""معهد الابتكار التكنولوجي يطلق نموذجا لغويا جديدا في سلسلة نماذج فالكون"".