Abu Dhabi, 06 April 2015: The Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee (TDC) and the Emirates Development Bank (EDB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create a long-term partnership to support UAE inventors in the context of TDC's Takamul programme. The partnership underlines the commitment of both entities to develop and promote a culture of innovation in UAE.

A key initiative from TDC, the Takamul programme is helping the development of technological innovations by facilitating the creation, protection and commercialization of intellectual property (patents) by UAE individuals, academia and companies.

On this occasion, H.E Ahmed Saeed Al Calily, Director General of Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee said: "The continuous development of human capital in Science and Technology sectors and the deployment of tools to support innovation are at the foundation of a knowledge-based economy. As we develop initiatives in this area, it is imperative to identify and work alongside the right partners, such as EDB, to jointly provide the support needed by UAE individuals, academia and companies to develop new capabilities and innovate. This in turn supports the realization of Abu Dhabi's economic vision 2030 and will aid the UAE's ambition to become one of the most innovative nations in the world."

"The Takamul programme has been running successfully with great results for the past 5 years, testified by the more than 110 patents filed internationally under the programme to date", added Al Calily.

The partnership aims to support and synergize with the Takamul programme's different activities, which include supporting inventors in Patent filling, evaluating the commercial potential of a technology, advising on the IP protection approach, support the proof of concept and support the strategic need of technology to go-to-market.

Praising TDC's role, Rashed Mahboob, Deputy CEO of the Emirates Development Bank, expressed his gratitude at signing this agreement that emphasizes the importance of innovation and the essential part it plays in creating a knowledge-based economy, and transforming innovative ideas into tangible economic value.

"Signing this agreement is part of EDB's clear vision and effective mission to help build a diversified innovation-based economy that enhances the sustainable growth of the different sectors within the UAE.  EDB provides innovative banking solutions that achieve sustainable growth for SME's.  The bank is also focused on establishing strategic partnerships with all local and federal entities that encourage UAE nationals to establish their own businesses." Mahboob commented.

The Takamul programme aims to facilitate the integration of each stage of the innovation cycle, from the generation of ideas to the practical and commercial application of these ideas into products, solutions, and services.  The programme supports innovation within technology intensive industries such as: Health & Medical, ICT, Clean-tech, Semiconductors, Oil & Gas, Energy, Advanced materials, Infrastructure, among others.  For more information about the programme, please visit www.takamul.gov.ae

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About Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee
The Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee (TDC) supports the development of a vibrant Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) environment in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. An innovation ecosystem must be built on strong partnerships, and TDC works closely with government, business and academia to foster Abu Dhabi's STI capabilities to build a sustainable and diversified knowledge economy.

Some of TDC's successful initiatives in STI promotion and development include:

The Abu Dhabi Science Festival, an annual festival that aims to inspire the nation's youth by providing science-related hands-on activities and experiences to build local talent in STI.

The 'lema?' science school outreach program. 'lema?', which means "Why?" in Arabic, takes science to the next generation by providing informal science learning demonstrations and  experiences to thousands of students in grades 3 to 5 and their teachers.

Abu Dhabi Science Center, a state of the art facility designed to stimulate scientific curiosity within the nation's youth and inspire them in Science, Technology and Innovation through exciting themed galleries and interactive learning experiences.

The Takamul program, a national innovation support program developed to assist inventors turn their ideas into products, solutions and services of societal and economical value. Takamul currently supports innovations in the Health & Medical, ICT, Clean-tech, Semiconductor, Oil & Gas Services, Energy, Advance materials infrastructure and lifestyle industries.

The INNOVATOR program, a comprehensive program designed to nurture innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship within the UAE community. Comprising four main components: the Show, the Space, the Tour and the Magazine, INNOVATOR actively supports talented tinkerers both amateurs and professionals (ages 13+) throughout the different stages of their innovation development; from the moment of inspiration to creation. ​

For further media information, please contact:
Hiba Berrekia
Impact Porter Novelli
Tel: + 971 56 6630691 
Email: h.berrekia@ipn.ae 

© Press Release 2015