Abu Dhabi’s Department of Energy and Department of Economic Development Roll out TIP EnergyTech

Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) and Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) have announced the launch of the Technology Innovation Pioneers Award, EnergyTech. The scheme falls under the umbrella of the Technology Innovation Pioneers (TIP) - an initiative launched by the UAE Ministry of Economy and ADDED in 2017, in line with the UAE Centennial 2071 objectives. 

The award seeks to attract individuals and organisations who can provide innovative technologies, products and services to solve four pre-determined energy challenges:  Management of Treated Wastewater, Desalination and Energy Production, Smart Infrastructure, Water Desalination Technologies and Efficiency & Sustainability.

The TIP EnergyTech opened the door for submissions across its four challenges through its website https://tip.gov.ae/sectors/energytech/en/. The hosts of the award say that TIP EnergyTech offers an unmatched platform for individuals, organisations and startups from around the world to present and pitch their creative ideas and inventions to leading local and international investors who have the power to turn small-scale concepts into commercially viable solutions for application in the UAE and across the globe.

H.E. Eng. Mohammed bin Jarsh Al Falasi, Undersecretary of DoE, said: “DoE’s vision focuses on promoting innovation and enhancing its key role in leading our transformation towards a more efficient and sustainable energy sector that places a greater reliance on renewable energy. Derived from the strategic objectives of Abu Dhabi and the UAE, these key pillars are achievable through innovation and enabling creative youth to help in planning a more sustainable future that conserves precious resources.”

According to H.E. Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of ADDED, “The TIP initiative is testament to the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development’s commitment and continuing efforts towards supporting innovation and technology, in-line with Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision and the emirate’s goal to be a renowned hub for global innovation supported by a knowledge-based economy. The EnergyTech initiative presents a genuine economic opportunity for Abu Dhabi to attract foreign investments, create jobs and contribute to the clean energy and sustainability movement world-wide, whilst at the same time supporting and promoting the diversification of Abu Dhabi’s economic landscape.” 

The Management of Treated Wastewater, Desalination and Energy Production challenge aims to attract innovative solutions that reduce the impact of waste from effluent, energy and water processes using improved treatment and re-use of by-products, while the Smart Infrastructure challenge seeks technologies, products or services that support the transportation of energy and water through networks and enhance infrastructure. The Water Desalination Technologies - addresses innovative and scalable solutions that deliver cost-competitive clear water and which transform produced water from a waste to a resource, while the fourth challenge – The Efficiency and Sustainability challenge focuses on identifying more effective solutions in energy efficiency, sustainability and demand shifting. 

Since its inception in 2017, the TIP initiative has exhibited great success locally and internationally. To date, it has received 1,185 applications from 34 countries, with 24 winning submissions across the healthcare and environment fields. Each winning applicant has had the unique opportunity to network with local and international with industry-specific leaders, key influencers, and decisions makers.

Individuals, organisations and start-ups from around the world can submit their proposal for the four challenges under the TIP EnergyTech website, which will select the best solutions under three categories: patent, proof of concept, and start-up. To become eligible for the innovation programme, the proposed idea or technology should address the pre-determined energy challenges, must be novel, inventive, and should not have been previously disclosed to the public.