Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Coinciding with the UAE's Innovation Month, Khalifa University of Science and Technology is presenting over 100 cutting-edge innovations at the Research and Innovation Exhibition at their main campus.
The exhibition, which is running until 28 February, covers research knowledge and industry applications and is modelled on start-up principles in order to attract investors and industry leaders.
The main attractions are the live demonstrations, industry collaboration and university commercialisation, establishing Khalifa University as a front-runner in research, innovation as well as commercialisation.
Prof. Mahmoud Al Qutayri, Associate Provost for Academic Operations at Khalifa University, highlighted the importance of the event.
"This is a phenomenal event that highlights the innovative research being conducted at Khalifa University. It not only showcases the work done in our labs, but it also opens up opportunities for collaboration with the industry.
"It demonstrates Khalifa University's impact on the UAE economy, reflected in the start-up companies it supports, and provides opportunities for investors interested in innovations emerging from the UAE, which could scale up products that contribute to the nation's economy."
Prof. Al Qutayri noted the university's collaborations and partnerships: "We work with a wide range of industries, from TII and G42 to ADNOC and others. Our research spans energy, sustainability, healthcare, and AI. For example, in oil and gas, we address pipeline operations, oil extraction and distribution, while also minimising the environmental impact of these processes."
He explained the project selection process, highlighting the scope of work on display: "We present projects at varying technology readiness levels (TRL), from fundamental research to industry-ready innovations. For example, some of our genetic research tackles diabetes in the UAE, while other projects, like robotics, are already being implemented in collaboration with companies like Strata. These are just a few examples of the diversity of projects we are presenting today."
Several exhibitors at the event shared insights into their projects with Aletihad.
Natnael Tumzghi Tsegai, a Biomedical Engineering & Biotechnology research assistant, introduced their project - IGenRare, an AI assistant for screening of rare diseases.
"IGenRare is a tool designed to help users understand rare diseases in detail, assist in diagnosis based on symptoms, and generate treatment plans. There are two versions: one for doctors to diagnose patients and one for regular users to understand their conditions. For example, when you query about Pompe Disease, the assistant provides a detailed response and suggests consultation with a doctor. It's multilingual, so you can interact in multiple languages like English, Arabic or French," said Tsegai.
Silsabil Junaidi, from the Biotechnology Centre at Khalifa University, presented their Virtual Research Institute (VRI) project.
"We are developing a genetic atlas specifically for Arab and Emirati patients, studying various types of cancer, like lung, breast and prostate cancer. This project includes multi-omics analysis involving proteomics, metabolomics, microbiome, genetics and transcriptomics. We aim to improve early detection and precision medicine tailored for Arab patients," said Junaidi.
Furthermore, as a part of Khalifa University Enterprises Company, Prof. David Sheehan, at the Department of Biochemistry discussed the use of nanoparticles and microgravity to improve protein crystallisation for drug development.
"Our project focuses on the growth of protein crystals, which are essential for understanding the structure of proteins, many of which are used as drugs. Since most human protein structures are unknown in 3D detail, we work to solve this by adding nanoparticles to proteins to improve crystallisation. We have developed a patented screen to enhance this process, which is the core of our start-up, Proscreenix."
He added: "We are exploring the use of microgravity or even zero gravity to better crystallise proteins, as we know proteins crystallise more effectively in space. In collaboration with the aerospace department, we are mimicking space conditions on Earth using a vacuum chamber, offering a cost-effective alternative to space missions where proteins are typically crystallised in space."
This is with the aim of advancing protein crystallisation for pharmaceutical applications and biotech research.
