The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and Virgin Hyperloop have announced a project to collaborate on research, innovation and localisation of hyperloop technology.
The agreement was signed by His Excellency Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General of ATRC; and Sultan Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World and Chairman of Virgin Hyperloop, during a virtual ceremony.
Technology Innovation Institute and Virgin Hyperloop will explore research for hyperloop systems on TII’s premises, including pulsed power and magnetic levitation technologies and material sciences, which are key to developing the next-generation transport system.
TTI has seven initial dedicated research centres in quantum, autonomous robotics, cryptography, advanced materials, digital security, secure systems, and directed energy. The partnership will involve cooperation between three of TII’s research centres; Directed Energy Research Centre (DERC), Autonomous Robotics Research Centre (ARRC) and Advanced Materials Research Centre (AMRC).
His Excellency Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General of ATRC, said: “As the R&D ecosystem in Abu Dhabi and the UAE continues to evolve at a rapid pace, particularly with the formation of the ATRC and TII, we are proud to partner with Virgin Hyperloop to achieve global breakthroughs in transportation, AI, and sustainable energy solutions.
“Advanced technology allows us to progress every aspect of life and collaborations with industry partners like Virgin Hyperloop help leverage it for the greater good.”
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Virgin Hyperloop and Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said: “The collaboration between Technology Innovation Institute and Virgin Hyperloop will strengthen the position of the United Arab Emirates as a global research hub. We are one step closer to ushering in a new era of ultra-fast, sustainable movement of people and goods.
“Hyperloop is a cutting-edge technology that will drive entrepreneurship and leadership in the transportation space through the partnership with TII. This in turn will provide opportunities for economic growth through the creation of a strong R&D hub in line with the country’s vision”.
TTI said it aims to help create a better world by developing the most advanced, disruptive technological innovations. Examples of research within its centres include autonomous robotics for a demand responsive platform, materials for sustainable infrastructure, future autonomous robotics systems, energy saving innovations, and digital security and communications for hyperloop systems.
Virgin Hyperloop’s Managing Director of the Middle East and India, Harj Dhaliwal, also commented, “Abu Dhabi’s thriving technology sector will provide a perfect location as we look to advance hyperloop technology and foster successful public-private partnerships with key organisations within the ecosystem.
“We are happy to support this opportunity for Abu Dhabi and the UAE to lead in innovative transportation and export that knowledge across the world.”