ABU DHABI – The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED)’s Competitiveness Office of Abu Dhabi (COAD) has announced the expansion of its “Patent Support Service” to promote innovation and boost Abu Dhabi’s knowledge-based economy.

The move is part of the “Abu Dhabi Innovates” initiative launched in 2022 to support innovators and entrepreneurs in transforming their ideas into products and services, thereby fostering a diversified, smart, and sustainable economy.

Under the updated terms of the Patent Support Service, micro, small, and medium-sized companies, academic institutions, and Abu Dhabi-licenced companies will be included in the programme to encourage innovation, support the emirate's diversification strategy, and generate employment opportunities in the fields of knowledge and innovation. Financial support for all supported businesses will increase by 27 to 30 percent, aiding inventors during the critical invention phase.

Moreover, the Patent Support Service will be expanded to include applications from entities within the UAE and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).

In 2022, there was an 86 percent increase in patent filing support service applications, with 91 applications filed compared to 49 applications in 2021. The number of supported patent applications increased to 30 in 2022, up from three in 2021.

In addition, Takamul programme aims to support inventors and promote a culture of innovation in the UAE, as well as providing patent support service internationally.

Hala Al Ameri, Executive Director of COAD, expressed the organisation's commitment to supporting inventors and enhancing the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem through the expansion of the Patent Support Service's scope.

Since the launch of Abu Dhabi Innovates, COAD has implemented several initiatives and programmes focused on talent and knowledge, funding, space and places, demand, culture, and incentives, recognising their crucial role in enriching the innovation environment.

In response to ongoing communication with inventors and innovators and market studies, COAD takes necessary steps to provide an innovation-friendly environment. COAD has also launched the Young Inventors initiative in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Youth Council to support young talent, invest in their potential, develop innovation, and spread knowledge about ADDED's intellectual property services, thereby increasing the number of patents filed.

The COAD has launched the Abu Dhabi Innovation Incubators programme, which establishes policies and regulations to support innovation incubators investing in hi-tech solutions and research and development.

These incubators will aid innovators at various stages of development and provide a conducive environment for converting ideas or scientific inventions into commercial opportunities.

Innovation incubators play a crucial role in fostering a stimulating environment that supports and nurtures the growth of innovative ideas, ultimately leading to commercial success.

In addition, COAD has collaborated with the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC) to launch the Abu Dhabi Technology Readiness Guide (TRL). The guide aims to provide a unified measure of the level of technology readiness and maturity, based on comprehensive studies of the best international standards.