From robots to smart mobility: UAE students, startups showcase homegrown innovation at MIITE 2025
23 May 2025 00:13
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)In the UAE, the drive for AI and industrial innovation goes beyond government bodies and major players — students and startups are also making meaningful contributions, many of which were showcased at this year's Make it in the Emirates. Abu Dhabi University is among the higher education institutions that have presented innovations and research at the forum. 'These kinds of projects pave the way for truly local solutions — generating knowledge in Abu Dhabi, investing it in our community, and solving local challenges with homegrown technology,' said Prof. Montasir Qasymeh, Associate Provost for Research, Innovation, and Academic Development at the university. In an interview with Aletihad, Qasymeh highlighted eight student-led projects in AI, smart agriculture, construction materials, and robotics.Among the innovations were an AI-powered medical delivery system, a pipeline inspection robot, and an automated ocean cleaner powered by renewable energy.'This is how we move from invention to innovation, embedding the university within the national industrial ecosystem,' Qasymeh said.
Big Data, AI Solutions AI firm Saal.ai proudly offers made-in-UAE big data and AI solutions designed to serve industries like healthcare, oil and gas, and education.At MIITE, the company unveiled software robots and a DigiXT platform for digital transformation that were fully developed in the country. Vikraman Poduval, CEO of Saal.ai told Aletihad: ''Made in UAE' is not just a slogan—it is a vision. Local tech development means economic growth, job creation, and national resilience.'Saal.ai solutions are used in various sectors. In education, their tools can predict student success rates, and for other areas like healthcare and real estate, they can make 'systems faster, smarter, and more efficient.'
Cutting Emissions Another MIITE participant, Al Masaood Energy, is helping cut carbon emissions with its UAE-made third-generation solar thermal system. Ibrahim Al Hashdi, Regional Manager for Renewable Energy Solutions, said the system is developed to remove gas combustion in industrial processes, which is a major source of emissions.'Many are surprised to learn that around 70% of emissions in both the energy and industrial sectors are linked to thermal energy needs,' Al Hashdi said.'By doing this, we are able to decarbonise infrastructure and make our environment much safer and more sustainable.'
Smart Mobility TRUXX, an Abu Dhabi-based logistics startup, presented its smart mobility solutions.With features such as recovery truck booking, heavy transport, and water tanker dispatch, TRUXX is reshaping last-mile logistics.'We aim to enhance supply chain efficiency and contribute to national economic growth through innovative, tech-driven logistics,' Rashed Almheiri, Co-Founder of TRUXX, told Aletihad.
For the startup, MIITE is 'a great opportunity to connect with potential partners and showcase our capabilities within the UAE's advanced manufacturing and services ecosystem'.
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