To boost innovation, talent development, and advanced research towards tackling food shortages and water security globally, AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA), Abu Dhabi’s new food and water cluster, has partnered with five universities and technology enablers.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has collaborated on the project with the expertise and resources of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority Lab (ADIA Lab), Khalifa University, the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), and Hub71.

The research centers will drive progress in areas like the development of alternative proteins, functional ingredients, algae, farming, and reverse osmosis membranes. 

Moreover, the five research centers will work closely with other AGWA companies to support the development of cutting-edge solutions and technologies, nurture talent, and provide insights into emerging trends that affect market demands and challenges about food and water.

Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, said, “The depth of Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem is a key strength offered to any company that seeks to join AGWA. This agreement brings together specialist expertise from six world-class institutions, enabling cluster companies to innovate and lead the drive for food security and water abundance.”

The joint forces will establish a comprehensive framework to facilitate research and development activities, bringing new products, processes, and services to the market. At the same time, the framework will support companies in integrating into global value chains and enabling their transition to high-value activities. 

Dr. Horst Simon, Director of ADIA Lab, said, “ADIA Lab was created to tackle some of society’s most pressing issues by studying data and computational sciences. The AGWA Cluster will foster collaboration between experts from various fields, working together to find solutions to a global and vitally important issue: food and water scarcity.”