By Akanimo Sampson
Abu Dhabi and Singapore are widening ties to speed up smart city innovations in the two countries.
Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and IPI Singapore, a subsidiary of ESG, have jointly launched an innovation call to advance the smart city agenda.
As part of the collaboration, eligible companies from Singapore are invited to submit solutions to address individual challenge statements outlined by Abu Dhabi entities.
Through this innovation call, Abu Dhabi and Singapore aim to accelerate smart city development to sustainably improve quality of life, operational efficiency and competitiveness.Singapore ranks first globally on Smart City Index 2020 of the Institute for Management Development (IMD), while Abu Dhabi has the highest ranking in the Middle East. The innovation call will increase collaboration, connect innovation ecosystems and promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise between both sides.Dr. Tariq bin Hendi, Director-General of ADIO, the government hub supporting private sector investment in Abu Dhabi, said that Abu Dhabi is committed to continuing the already strong economic cooperation with Singapore and to advancing innovation for long-term, sustainable growth. The innovation call with Enterprise Singapore strengthens existing partnerships and bridges new collaboration opportunities between Abu Dhabi and Singapore.
“We look forward to uncovering viable solutions that are not only locally relevant but also exportable worldwide. This will contribute to the development of knowledge economies as well as smart cities in our regions and beyond”, said bin Hendi.The innovation call provides a platform for companies to co-innovate and develop targeted solutions that may be considered for city-wide implementation in Abu Dhabi. ADIO has worked closely with Abu Dhabi entities ADNOC, the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) and Masdar to identify six smart city challenges and commit to a pilot with the winning solution providers. Eligible companies will be able to receive funding support from Enterprise Singapore.
Tan Soon Kim, ESG Assistant Chief Executive Officer, stated that the smart city joint innovation call will deepen collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Singapore.
According to Soon Kim, Singapore companies with the capabilities and experience in smart solutions would be able to partner established entities in Abu Dhabi to co-create and pilot tech-enabled solutions for a range of urban challenges, including energy and water sustainability, transport efficiency and dense communities.In addition, Wong Lup Wai, CEO of IPI, said, “We are glad to be part of this joint innovation call, together with participants of Singapore’s innovation ecosystem network such as the local trade associations. ”IPI is committed and looking forward to presenting solutions that could create more liveable and sustainable urban areas for the region.”
The innovation call is open for submissions from now until 29th July, 2021. ADIO, ESG and IPI, will conduct a virtual challenge briefing on 10th June, 2021, for interested companies to find out more about the challenges.
