Abu Dhabi-UAE: 17, January 2015 – Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, is taking a leading role in a number of water-related initiatives at the International Water Summit (IWS) 2015, including Innovate@IWS. The Institute will highlight water innovations at key Innovate@IWS events taking place during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week running from 17-24 January.
Innovate@IWS is a new initiative at the summit, which is being hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC), and is focused on making it easier for innovators and clean technologists to connect with investors, partners and end users in the quest for sustainable water in arid regions.
It features a series of presentations and workshops, coupled with panel discussions for the judging of the innovation competitions that are central to event. The anchor event of Innovate@IWS is a competition for clean technology innovations in three categories – municipal water, industrial water, and water for real estate. In the competition, innovators are given the chance to pitch their inventions to a jury of experts in a business pitch competition. The winning technologies will demonstrate excellence in the following areas – uniqueness, business potential and long-term vision.
Dr. Bruce Ferguson, Head of the Masdar Institute Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (iInnovation), will chair a panel discussion for the third round of judging for the “Water for Real Estate” competition, on 21 January, at 2:30pm in the IWS Exhibition Hall. This event will champion creations in the area of water innovation. The closing ceremony for this particular event will take place on 22 January.
The judging panel of the Innovate@IWS clean technology innovator competition in the municipal water category will take place at the Innovate@IWS Exhibition Hall on 19 January, 2015, at 4pm, and will be preceded by a presentation at 3:15pm, by Dr. Taha B.M.J Ouarda, Head of Masdar Institute’s Center for Water and Environment (iWater).
Dr. Ouarda’s presentation is titled ‘Research and Development for Water in the GCC’. Water issues are critical in the region, a point recently highlighted by HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, who stated that: “Water is more important than oil in the United Arab Emirates”.
Dr. Ouarda’s presentation will provide a general overview of water-related issues including water scarcity and security, desalination, water and environment technologies, and water issues related to marine and coastal areas. Those who attend will also be informed of a number of research and development projects that are currently being conducted at Masdar Institute to address these challenges.
Dr. Ouarda explained, “Water is an important strategic issue in the UAE and the GCC. At Masdar Institute we strive to be at the cutting edge of research and development in this area in order to address the current challenges facing the region.”
Also focusing on these challenges and how to overcome them is a workshop titled ‘How to achieve sustainable marine and coastal environment in the Arabian Gulf,’ chaired by Dr. Marouane Temimi, Associate Professor of the Water and Environmental Engineering program, Chemical and Environmental Engineering department, Masdar Institute, taking place on 22 January.
This workshop will focus on the marine and coastal research conducted by iWater at Masdar Institute, providing participants with the opportunity to develop a broader understanding of ongoing research efforts to study and monitor the environmental conditions of the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. A number of delegates from various government organizations and agencies have been invited to attend this workshop.
The first part of this session will see select Masdar Institute representatives present their research related to marine and coastal areas. The second part of the session will include presentations from government organizations such as the Ministry of the Environment and Water, the Department of Transport and the Environment Protection and Development Authority, Ras Al Khaimah.
“The aim of the workshop is to identify areas for collaboration between Masdar Institute and government organizations so that the Institute can provide stakeholders with essential data and novel solutions for the preservation of marine and coastal resources in the UAE and the Gulf region. To date, the Institute has been a prominent and knowledgeable resource, providing essential data, particularly in challenging times where marine and coastal resources are at risk,” Dr. Temimi explained.
The workshop will conclude with a panel discussion titled “Solutions to Achieve Future Sustainability in the Arabian Gulf – How May Application of Integrated Approaches be the Solution to Help Mitigate the Challenges?’ Delegates should note that prior registration is required for this event.
The Innovate@IWS 2015 schedule will provide attendees with an informative assessment of water issues around the Gulf while also providing an in-depth description of the research and development activities conducted by Masdar Institute in this area. Enabled by world-class research facilities and development capabilities, Masdar Institute is working to lead the efforts to address the challenges posed by water scarcity and aims to become an international research hub for issues related to this important strategic area.
IWS is an international conference for promoting water sustainability in arid regions and is focused on fostering innovation, best practices and collaboration to offer tangible solutions to the pressing issue of water scarcity. Held under the patronage of HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces, it is hosted by Mubadala’s Masdar company and runs during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). ADSW’s other major events include the World Future Energy Summit (WFES), EcoWASTE, and the Zayed Future Energy Prize.
For more information on the International Water Summit, please see www.iwsabudhabi.com.
