The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has signed a collaboration agreement with Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) to enhance the UAE’s capabilities in naval maritime technologies.

The partnership includes the establishment of a Naval Technology Innovation Hub, a facility designed to accelerate the research, integration, and testing of next-generation naval technologies. The Hub will focus on areas such as autonomy, propulsion, advanced materials, and secure systems, with the aim of speeding up the transition of innovations from concept to deployment.

Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said, “Our collaboration with ADSB reflects our shared commitment to shaping the future of naval capabilities through science-led innovation. By aligning TII’s deep research strengths with ADSB’s operational expertise, we are laying the groundwork to rapidly transition advanced technologies from concept to deployment—reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position in the global maritime landscape.”

David Massey, CEO of ADSB, added, “This Innovation Hub to Advance Naval Technologies reflects our commitment to positioning the UAE as a leader in global maritime defense technology and innovation. Through focused expertise and strategic partnerships, we aim to set new standards in naval defense, sustainability, and advanced maritime operations.”

Under the agreement, TII and ADSB will jointly advance initiatives across various naval technologies. These include quantum magnetic sensing, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) inspired by quantum principles, underwater robotics, advanced anti-corrosion coatings, composite armoring, unmanned underwater systems, diver communication and detection solutions, next-generation sonar, and hull treatment techniques. Both organizations will provide technical expertise, test facilities, and integration capabilities to ensure practical applications in real-world maritime environments.

The Naval Technology Innovation Hub will operate as a jointly managed and co-funded laboratory, offering real-world testbeds for validation, a shared technology roadmap, and a framework for talent and knowledge exchange. The facility is designed as a collaborative model, open to leading local and international naval partners, enabling them to test and validate solutions in real conditions with support from subject matter experts.

This new phase builds on the successful partnership between TII and ADSB, which previously developed autonomous and stealth unmanned surface vehicles and the 170 M-detector unmanned vessel for mine countermeasure and oceanographic operations. These projects highlighted the synergy between TII’s integration expertise and ADSB’s design and testing capabilities, an approach now formalized and expanded through the Hub.

The collaboration reflects Abu Dhabi’s strategic focus on developing innovation-driven defense capabilities and positions both TII and ADSB as leaders in advancing next-generation naval technology.