Latest news with #DevelopmentandInnovation
TECHx
5 days ago
- Science
- TECHx
Dubai Research Grant Applications Now Open for Second Cycle
Home » Smart Sectors » Education » Dubai Research Grant Applications Now Open for Second Cycle Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has announced the opening of applications for the second cycle of the Dubai Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Grant Initiative. The program invites universities and research institutions across Dubai to submit high-impact proposals. These proposals should aim to drive progress in technology, the economy, society, and innovation. Launched in collaboration with local and international academic institutions, the initiative supports research aligned with Dubai's national priorities and future strategies. This cycle focuses on two main domains: Cognitive Cities and Health & Life Sciences. Each domain includes four topics that use advanced technologies. DFF revealed that the 'Cognitive Cities' domain supports research in: Smart mobility solutions Next-generation built environments and infrastructure Climate-neutral, resilient urban systems Urban health intelligence for proactive well-being Meanwhile, the 'Health & Life Sciences' domain targets: Biological discovery and systems science Clinical and translational health Health innovation and engineering Biomanufacturing and synthetic biology The foundation reported that proposals will be evaluated based on several criteria. These include alignment with Dubai's RDI priority areas, innovation in methodology, sectoral impact, and budget viability. Applications will remain open until Friday, 13 June 2025. Submissions can be made via Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit full proposals. Selected projects will receive financial support for periods ranging from one to three years. In the first cycle, the initiative funded 24 research projects from 13 institutions. These were chosen from 374 proposals submitted by 41 academic entities. A total of 219 researchers across various career stages benefitted from the program. The focus areas in the first cycle included Future Cities and Health & Life Sciences. These projects strongly emphasized AI and robotics applications. The initiative was launched in September 2024 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He is the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF. DFF stated that the initiative is part of the broader Dubai Research and Development Programme. It aims to fund bold, future-oriented research and cement Dubai's status as a global innovation leader. Khalifa Al Qama, Executive Director at Dubai Future Labs, said the initiative is designed to support researchers and innovators in Dubai. He added that it provides technical direction and financial support to bring pioneering ideas to life. He also noted that the program builds an integrated platform to encourage scientific research and foresight thinking. This helps develop breakthrough ideas and strengthens Dubai's position as a global hub for creative minds. Recently, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan approved the goals for Phase Two of the Dubai R&D Programme. He allocated AED 750 million to accelerate its progress. The program aims to enable a sustainable digital economy and enhance Dubai's global competitiveness in key future sectors. Overseen by DFF, the Dubai RDI Programme focuses on delivering tested, knowledge-based solutions. It also seeks to boost productivity, support emerging industries, and enhance Dubai's economic resilience and readiness for the future.
Hi Dubai
5 days ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Future Foundation Opens Second Round of RDI Grant to Drive Innovation in Key Sectors
Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has launched the second cycle of its Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Grant Initiative, calling on universities and research institutions in Dubai to submit proposals that tackle pressing challenges across technology, health, and urban development. The initiative, part of the broader Dubai RDI Programme launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2024, aims to fund high-impact, future-focused research aligned with Dubai's strategic priorities. Applications for the second cycle are open until June 13 via their website. This cycle focuses on two core domains: Cognitive Cities and Health & Life Sciences. The former covers areas such as smart mobility, climate-resilient infrastructure, urban health intelligence, and next-generation city design. The latter includes research in clinical health, biomanufacturing, systems science, and medical innovation. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit full proposals, with selected projects receiving funding for up to three years. Evaluation criteria include relevance to Dubai's innovation agenda, potential for partnerships, scalability, and long-term impact. In its inaugural cycle, the initiative funded 24 projects from 13 academic institutions, chosen from 374 submissions. Over 200 researchers across career stages participated, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence and robotics in health and urban systems. Khalifa Al Qama, Executive Director at Dubai Future Labs, said the programme empowers researchers and innovators to bring transformative ideas to life, positioning Dubai as a global hub for knowledge and technology. With AED750 million allocated for Phase Two of the Dubai RDI Programme, the grant initiative is a key driver in building a diverse, sustainable digital economy and advancing Dubai's global competitiveness. News Source: Emirates News Agency
CairoScene
24-02-2025
- Health
- CairoScene
Qatar-Based AI Healthtech Lillia Secures $1.7 Million Research Grant
The grant will help the healthtech startup develop AI-driven chronic disease management from Qatar. Feb 24, 2025 Qatar-based healthtech startup Lillia has received a $1.7 million grant from the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council to advance its AI-driven chronic disease management platform. The funding will go toward developing the GCC's first digital twin focused on chronic conditions, bringing predictive capabilities to real-time risk monitoring and precision treatment. Lillia was founded in 2020 by Sujit Chakrabarty, and emerged from a 2024 merger between Qatar-based Droobi Health LLC and India's Its AI-powered platform is designed for healthcare providers, insurers, corporations, and public sector entities, offering personalized interventions for diabetes and related chronic conditions. At Web Summit Qatar, Lillia revealed its vision for AI-driven healthcare, with plans to expand across MENA and Southeast Asia over the next two years. 'Diabetes and related chronic conditions are the world's biggest healthcare challenge, affecting more than 500 million people,' said Sujit Chakrabarty, founder and CEO of Lillia. 'The good news is with the right interventions, diabetes can be prevented and reversed in the early stages or effectively managed for long-term health.' With backing from Qatar Development Bank, QSTP and M Venture Partners, Lillia has already supported over 40,000 individuals across the GCC and India.
Wamda
24-02-2025
- Health
- Wamda
Lillia receives $1.7 million grant from Qatar Research Council
Qatar-based AI-enabled healthtech Lillia has raised a $1.7 million grant from the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council. Founded in 2020 by Sujit Chakrabarty, Lillia was formed through the 2024 merger of Qatar-based Droobi Health LLC and India-based Its AI-powered platform enables healthcare providers, insurers, corporations and public sector entities to manage chronic diseases effectively. Lillia plans to expand across MENA and Southeast Asia regions over the next two years. Press release: Lillia, an AI startup transforming chronic care for a healthier world, today introduced its platform to empower individuals living with diabetes and related chronic conditions to live fulfilling lives. Lillia's clinically proven, AI-powered platform enables healthcare providers, insurers, corporations and public sector entities to manage chronic diseases effectively. 'Diabetes and related chronic conditions are the world's biggest healthcare challenge, affecting more than 500 million people. The good news is with the right interventions, diabetes can be prevented and reversed in the early stages or effectively managed for long-term health,' said Sujit Chakrabarty, Lillia's founder and CEO. 'Lillia exists to lower the chronic disease burden for the world by providing continuous adaptive care that drives a real and lasting lifestyle change.' Lillia leverages AI, paired with expert human coaches—psychologists, nutritionists and doctors—to create a care journey hyperlocalized to an individual's metabolism and lifestyle. It guides them to develop long-lasting microhabits backed by proven clinical outcomes. At Web Summit Qatar, Lillia also unveiled its vision of a chronic care digital twin paired with AI agents to bring predictive capabilities to the platform and unlock applications in real-time risk monitoring and precision medication, among other use cases. Lillia today also announced it has received a $1.7 million grant from Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council to develop the first digital twin in the GCC area that focuses on chronic conditions. Nada Al-Olaqi, Director of Innovation Development and Piloting Programs at QRDI Council, said, 'At QRDI Council, we're proud to support Lillia as they push the boundaries of healthcare innovation with their AI-driven digital twin technology. Through our Technology Development Grant program, we empower pioneering companies like Lillia to bring transformative technology solutions to life, advancing healthcare, enhancing quality of life, and positioning Qatar as a leader in digital transformation. This partnership reinforces our shared commitment to creating a lasting impact for communities both locally and globally.' Backed by investors such as Qatar Development Bank, QSTP and M Venture Partners, Lillia is scaling rapidly to become a global leader in AI-led chronic disease management. Over the next two years, the company plans to expand its services across MENA and Southeast Asia regions. Since 2020, Lillia has supported over 40,000 individuals in their diabetes and weight-related conditions across the GCC region and India. These services are offered in partnership with 20 institutional clients in the healthcare, corporate, insurance and public sectors, delivering long-term clinical outcomes for up to 80% of patients enrolled on the platform. 'We are thrilled to collaborate with Lillia in our mission to lower diabetes rates and reduce healthcare costs for over 15,000 QLM members managing the condition. As we advance toward our vision of transforming healthcare from 'Illness to Wellness,' we eagerly anticipate the innovative AI-driven health solutions and systems they are developing,' said Mohammed Salem, Chief Business Officer, QLM Life and Medical Insurance. 'Lillia's diabetes solution seamlessly integrates technology with an expert-driven behaviour change model—key to achieving optimal care outcomes in condition management. As they evolve into an AI-first, adaptive care solution provider, we are excited to see how they leverage AI further to transform the management of lifestyle and chronic conditions,' said Rajdeep Ghosh, Chief Product and Technology Officer, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories. 'Lillia brought in a strong technology platform, health experts, and excellent patient processes to support us in creating evidence-based interventions for diabetes and weight management. We achieved stellar clinical impact for 1000+ patients across 200+ nationwide clinics. As they push the boundaries of what technology and AI can do for health, we look forward to deepening our clinical impact together,' said Dr. Akshay Batra, Vice Chairman and MD, Dr. Batra's Healthcare.
