Judges Panel Selects Virtual Supermarket Concept ‘E-Bakalah’ and ‘Beauty Touch 3D Paint Center’ Project

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 22 October, 2013 – Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, today announced two UAE national students – Saeed Al Menhali and Mohamed Al Musharrekh – are among the five winners of the Akoun Business Ideas Competition 2013 organized by Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development (ADCED).

Al Menhali, a Master’s student in the Engineering Systems Management program, has won the award for his ‘E-Bakalah’ concept, an electronic grocery that aims to fulfill the needs of busy residents in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Mohamed Al Musharrekh, a Master’s student in the Mechanical Engineering program and a member of the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program, has won the award for his ‘Beauty touch 3D paint center’ project.

The two Masdar Institute students’ proposals were selected from over 100 entries. Akoun awards the best business proposals with funding to help students on their way to start-up their businesses successfully. An entrepreneurship awareness campaign, Akoun is designed to inspire and empower the youth of the UAE to enter the private sector by setting up their own small/medium businesses.

Dr Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute, said: “The Akoun award for Saeed Al Menhali and Mohamed Al Musharrekh illustrate the outstanding entrepreneurial spirit of our students. With the support of the country’s leadership, we contribute to developing new entrepreneurs while supporting Abu Dhabi’s human capital development in clean energy. We congratulate our students for being among the top five winners and hope other youth in the UAE will emulate these successful examples.”

E-Bakalah is a virtual supermarket that will provide the same services as any other supermarket for day-to-day consumables. It allows the customer to order products online or through a mobile application. Buyers will be able to see and select the products they want on any smart phone and order them to be delivered at a specific time, even on a daily basis.

Al Menhali said: “My target market is the busy professionals and people with special needs who prefer online services with products delivered on time. Our advantage over main groceries is guaranteed delivery without having to worry about availability of the products. In addition, orders can be placed even from smartphones while on the go. Moreover, I plan to reach my customers through digital tools such as Facebook and Twitter. Brochures will also be distributed across the emirate of Abu Dhabi and as business picks up we hope word-of-mouth will help us further expand our services.”

Al Musharrekh’s ‘Beauty touch 3D paint center’ project offers services to draw 3D paints, which is professionally known as ‘3D street painting’. The center will have two functions – to provide 3D painting as a profitable service and to offer training sessions through workshops for those interested in learning this type of work. The project is also environment-friendly as natural paint tools that contain fewer chemicals are used.

Al Musharrekh said: “Sustainability is part of my vision and I am planning to use highly-efficient LED lights running on solar power with batteries to increase the aesthetic beauty of the drawing after the sunset. The project is a great opportunity for me to implement what I have learnt in Masdar Institute on sustainability in real life, and also to use the skills I gained from being a member of the YFEL program to become a future entrepreneur. I would also like to thank Masdar Institute for hosting the workshop and Dr. Bruce Walker for encouraging students to participate in this type of competitions.”

Al Menhali’s business proposal predicts a break-even period of two years, despite an expected initial risk averseness and fear of embracing an unknown concept. The business plan includes measures to ensure quality of service in addition to offering discounts to entice customers and improving delivery schedules.

An Electrical and Computer Engineer, Al Menhali previously worked with the IT department at Abu Dhabi Police and then with Abu Dhabi Municipality as the Chief Analyst – Strategy and Performance.

Mohamed Al Musharrekh is currently doing research in two major topics – increasing the efficiency and reducing the thermal emissions from vehicles. The project basically is to study the thermal generated under the hood of the car where the engine is installed and how to get benefit from it using a simulation program called computational fluid dynamic (CFD) , and to improve the vehicle dynamic especially for the 4X4 vehicles to improve the stability on the off-road.

Masdar Institute actively supports the translation of technology research into innovative commercial products, services and processes. Course offerings in technology management, entrepreneurship, product design and project management provide a strong academic foundation for youth in the UAE interested in technology start-ups. The UAE Forum on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, co-sponsored with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in April, explored how the ‘innovation ecosystem’ can help to accelerate the rate of innovation.  Earlier this year the Institute announced plans to launch a new center for innovation and entrepreneurship to help expand its initiatives in these areas.

Serving as a key pillar of innovation and human capital, Masdar Institute remains fundamental to Masdar’s core objectives of developing Abu Dhabi’s knowledge economy and finding solutions to humanity’s toughest challenges such as climate change.

Established as an on-going collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.  With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change through education and research.

Stand to Display Laser Equipment, Video Game Designed by Students and Offer Information on Overall Offerings, Scholarship and Job Opportunities

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 23 October, 2013 – Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, today announced it will highlight its local human development measures and next phase academic growth plan during Najah Education, Training and Careers Exhibition 2013.

Organized under the patronage of His Excellency Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, the seventh annual NAJAH is scheduled to be held from 29-31 October at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center. Supported by Abu Dhabi Education Center (ADEC) and the UAE Ministry of Higher Education, the event provides a platform for universities, educational facilities and training institutes looking to attract qualified students and companies launching Emiratization drives.

For Fall 2013 new student enrollments increased to 203, taking the current total number of students at Masdar Institute to 417. The enrollment of UAE nationals has increased by more than 15% in the new academic year. Also, the Emirati ratio among the staff is nearing 50%, while for faculty it continues to expand, reiterating Masdar Institute’s intense involvement in Emiratization and human capital development.

Among the activities at Najah 2013, faculty and students of the Microsystems Engineering program will highlight digital design and micro-electronics through ‘Snakes’– a video game designed and implemented by students. A laser equipment that could measure in nanometers the thickness of objects such as human hair will also be on display. In order to leverage opportunities at Najah 2013, Masdar Institute will specially showcase the regrouping of academic programs under four departments, in addition to providing information on research and outreach offerings, scholarship options and potential employment opportunities. The departments will help Masdar Institute deliver on its mandates of indigenous capacity building and human capital development to support Abu Dhabi’s strategic knowledge-intensive sectors as outlined by the Vision 2030.

Dr Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute, said: “Najah is an effective venue for Masdar Institute to showcase our knowledge and human capital development efforts including the regrouping of our academic offerings. With the support of the wise UAE leadership, we have consistently evolved into an effective academic institution, imparting clean energy knowledge and delivering on our mandate. As we look forward to expanding our academic programs through the newly created departments, we remain committed to contributing to Abu Dhabi’s knowledge-economy objectives.”

With eight highly-focused academic programs and a PhD program that encourage multi-disciplinary research, Masdar Institute remains in the forefront of capacity building. The programs, now grouped under four departments, focus on complex real-world problems that require a totally fresh approach to the development of solutions from an integrated technology, systems and policy perspective.

For employed engineering professionals Masdar Institute offers the ‘Practicing Professionals’ program. It provides an option to enroll in any of the eight programs on a part-time basis at a given per credit tuition fee, without giving up their employment obligations. Such niche programs provide an opportunity to those who would not otherwise be able to enroll at Masdar Institute.

Another area that will be highlighted at Najah 2013 includes Masdar Institute’s outreach initiatives such as the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program and summer research internship. Earlier this year, more than 60 YFEL members completed their year-long educational courses, networking activities and participation in global forums. A select group of undergraduate seniors took part in innovative sustainability projects under the summer research internship program that prepares them for pursuing Master’s studies in future energy and advanced technology areas.

The Masdar Institute stand at Najah 2013 will also showcase Ektashif, a residential hands-on laboratory program that brings together talented UAE undergraduate engineering and science students to discover and learn about renewable energy, sustainability and the environment. The experience earlier this year included workshops and an industrial site visit. The program aims to encourage students to consider taking research and innovation in clean energy and sustainability beyond the campus into the wider community.

Serving as a key pillar of innovation and human capital, Masdar Institute remains fundamental to Masdar’s core objectives of developing Abu Dhabi’s knowledge economy and finding solutions to humanity’s toughest challenges such as climate change.

Established as an on-going collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.  With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change through education and research.

The Middle East is beginning to embrace research in photonics, particularly that related to photovoltaics.

Although photonics is a well-established field of research in many countries around the world, there are still some regions that are only now becoming active in this area.
Read this Editorial in Nature Photonics Feb 2011 (200kB)

The Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL), an initiative led by the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, held a highly successful program during the World Future Energy Summit (WFES), in Abu Dhabi. This year, nearly 100 YFEL nominees took part in the four day program, from January 17-20, which was established to engage with, mentor and champion future leaders in the alternative energy sector. YFEL is a key element of WFES, the world’s foremost annual meeting for the renewable energy and environment industry.

The YFEL initiative nurtures the brightest young talent in the UAE and beyond. During this year’s program at WFES, participants attended from Canada, Denmark, Hong Kong, Sweden, USA and across the Middle East. The participants are also made up of a mixture of students from international universities and UAE universities including Masdar Institute as well as young professionals from local and international companies.,. Companies represented in the YFEL program at WFES 2011 included Mubadala, Al Dar Properties, ADCO, Dolphin Energy, ENOC, ADIA, NDC and Fist Gulf Bank.

An important part of the YFEL initiative is to ensure that participants have the opportunity to meet and engage with the leaders of today. During WFES 2011, VIPs that visited the YFEL stand and met with participants included Ban Ki Moon, UN Secretary-General; Dr Susan Hockfield, President of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; HRH Princess Victoria of Sweden and Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

During WFES, YFEL participants were given the opportunity to demonstrate their expertise in renewable energy by participating in debates at the YFEL stand. Debated topics including : Enforcing Recycling on a Global Scale and The Challenges that USA Faces in Reducing their Carbon Footprint. YFEL participants also displayed some of their own research projects, including one on offshore renewable energy and biofuels. With approximately 26,000 attendees at WFES 2011, the YFEL initiative provides an important platform for its participants to showcase their intellectual capital.

Mohammed Salem Bin Kardous Al-Ameri, an Emirati philanthropist and recent donor to YFEL, had this to say about the initiative: “Making an investment in initiatives such as YFEL is extremely important, particularly here in the UAE, where we are seeking to develop and nurture the future leaders in the renewable energy and sustainability sectors. This year’s program at WFES was highly successful, gaining recognition from many highly respected, international figures. I hope that YFEL can build on this success and continue to develop the leaders of tomorrow.”

Noura Al Dhaheri, a PhD student at Masdar Institute and YFEL participant, who displayed her research titled A Mathematical Programming Approach to Reducing Carbon Dioxide Emissions in Petroleum Refineries, said: “YFEL is a highlight of WFES for both participants and delegates. It is an opportunity for YFEL to showcase their intellectual capital on a local and an international platform, as well as meeting with some of the current leaders that are an inspiration to us all.”

Further support for YFEL has come from recent sponsors of the initiative. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), said: “We are pleased to be supporting this important program. Developing the next generation of engineers is a major priority for the UAE’s nuclear energy industry, and many other high-technology industries across the nation. By encouraging the development of young and emerging talent in the energy sector, we will ensure a strong pool of Emirati leaders to deliver the safe, clean and reliable electricity needed to support the nation’s growth.”

Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, CEO, Dolphin Energy said: “The Young Future Energy Leaders Program will develop talented individuals into tomorrow’s business leaders and government representatives and provide them with the tools required to develop solutions that address challenges associated with clean energy and climate change. Our sponsorship endorses this effort and the plan to nurture students and young professionals today so that Abu Dhabi maintains a leading position in the area of future energy in the long term.”

Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (MI), the Boeing Company, Etihad Airways, and Honeywell’s UOP announced today the completion of a Sustainability Assessment of the Integrated Seawater Agriculture System (ISAS) for production of aviation biofuels and other bioresources. This study makes a significant contribution to current knowledge on the viability of using salt-tolerant plants irrigated with seawater as a sustainable feedstock for biofuels. The researchers confirmed the potential of ISAS to yield high value fuels and resources, including aviation fuel, biodiesel, electricity, aquaculture products, and others, without competing for freshwater resources and arable land used by conventional agriculture.  The study also identified key research needs that can be addressed in order to increase the likelihood of success at large-scale commercial deployment.

The announcement came at the World Future Energy Summit, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nayhan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

The research which commenced a year ago also entails basic agronomic research on the halophyte Salicornia bigelovii, which is still currently in progress. The findings will provide valuable inputs for the development of the Sustainable Bioenergy Research Center (SBRC), of which Masdar Institute, Boeing, Etihad Airways and Honeywell’s UOP are founding members.

The flagship program under the SBRC will be a five year research and demonstration project designed to drive the commercial viability of halophyte-derived bioenergy, including renewable jet fuels. The program will use integrated seawater agricultural systems to support the development and commercialization of biofuel sources for aviation, and co-products.

Billy Glover, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President of Environment and Aviation Policy, said: "No initiative is doing more to stimulate action to help develop and commercialize sustainable forms of energy for aviation within the Gulf region. Aviation connects the people, goods and services of this region to the world and our project with Masdar, Etihad Airways and Honeywell’s UOP will ensure that linkage continues well into the future."

ISAS combines aquaculture, Salicornia cultivation, and mangrove silviculture into an integrated low-impact system for biofuel production that relies on seawater irrigation and does not compete for arable land. It also offers the prospect of contributing to the development of an alternative fuel source that can alleviate a portion of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions without negative environmental impacts.

Dr. Sgouris Sgouridis, Assistant Professor, Engineering Systems and Management, Masdar Institute, said: "Masdar Institute’s unique placement as a center for innovation on renewable energy in general, located near the deserts of Abu Dhabi, with continuously expanding researcher pool makes it an ideal location for the exploration of arid land biofuel production. We are confident that as research progresses in the next five years we will provide answers and demonstrate whether the dream is feasible and eventually nurture its commercial spin-offs."

The Sustainability Assessment led by Dr. Sgouris Sgouridis and Dr. Scott Kennedy, Associate Dean for Research and Associate Professor at Masdar Institute focused on the life cycle impacts of biofuel production and resulted in positive indications for further developing the ISAS concept and bring it closer to commercialization; by working in close collaboration with commercial partners including Boeing Co., Etihad Airways, and Honeywell’s UOP and the Abu Dhabi government.

Jim Rekoske, Vice President and General Manager for Renewable Energy and Chemicals at Honeywell’s UOP, said: "The work of Masdar Institute and the other SBRC members is going to bring a new, geographically-optimized, renewable energy source for the production of high-quality aviation biofuels. We are proud to be a part of this program and of the work accomplished to date.  Most importantly, we are looking forward to the opportunity to showcase renewable fuels technology and support the needs of the aviation community.”

James Hogan, CEO of Etihad Airways, said ‘We see the use of sustainable biofuels as a major positive step change for our industry and we are proud to be involved with the Masdar Institute, Boeing and Honeywell’s UOP on a project that makes use of the resources of this region and supports the sustainability strategies of Abu Dhabi, including key research and development.’

The larger issues of economics and sustainability will be the predominant forces surrounding the overall future of biofuels, and their penetration into the aviation market. Through projects such as the SBRC, Masdar Institute addresses the technology advances needed in the area of feedstock production efficiency (including land use) and making sufficient quantities available to be a major portion of the aviation fuel supply
 

PHOTO RELEASE

 Abu Dhabi-UAE: January 20, 2011 – On the third day of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES), Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, met with the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL), an initiative led by Masdar Institute.

 Christiana Figueres, said: “Creating solutions to the climate change issues facing the world must involve the next generation. The Masdar Institute’s Young Future Energy Leaders are the brightest young minds interested in working in the fields of renewable energy and sustainability, and we need to engage with them at an early stage to ensure they are helping us create future energy solutions.”

 YFEL’s program at WFES 2011 has so far included an address to the YFEL by Ban Ki-Moon, UN Secretary-General and visits to the stand by HRH Princess Victoria of Sweden, and Dr Susan Hockfield, President of Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

 Photo: His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO, Masdar, and Dr Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, with the Young Future Energy Leaders on day three of the World Future Energy Summit

 

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Dr Susan Hockfield, President of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology yesterday met with the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) on the second day of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES). The meeting was part of the YFEL program for WFES 2011, which provides the bright talent in the renewable energy and sustainability space with the opportunity to engage with the leaders of today.

Dr Susan Hockfield, said: “In seeking solutions to climate change and energy security, our most powerful levers will be the talent and commitment of the new generation. I am pleased that the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL), an initiative led by Masdar Institute, is capitalizing on this vital human resource at World Future Energy Summit (WFES) by bringing together some of the brightest students and young professionals with industry experts focused on sustainability and renewable energy.”

During her visit to the YFEL stand, Dr Hockfield met with Mohammed Salem Bin Kardous Al-Ameri, an Emirati philanthropist and donor to YFEL.

Mohammed Salem Bin Kardous Al-Ameri said: “I am a supporter of the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) because I believe that it is vital to educate and nurture the youth of the UAE in the area of environment. Our environmental responsibility began with the stewardship of our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed, who championed this cause from the very beginning. Our leadership today is following in his footsteps, but we also need to encourage our youth to continue his legacy of environmental responsibility and contribute to solutions of climate change and energy security so that they can play an integral part in the economic growth of our country.”

He added: “Masdar Institute shares this vision, and the YFEL program is a testament to this commitment; which is why I have made a personal donation to the YFEL initiative. It is important that we support such an initiative, as it is up to all of us to make a real investment in the next generation.”

YFEL’s program at WFES 2011 has so far included an address to the YFEL by Ban Ki-Moon, UN Secretary-General and a visit to the stand by HRH Princess Victoria of Sweden.

On the opening day of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES), Ban Ki-Moon, UN Secretary General, gave an address to the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL), an initiative led by Masdar Institute.

 During his address Ban Ki-Moon said: “You young future energy leaders can make a difference. Starting today. You have the talent and enthusiasm to turn vision into reality. Whatever your chosen career path, I encourage you to think sustainability.”

YFEL was established by Masdar Institute, to raise the awareness of students and young professionals in the fields of renewable energy and sustainability. During WFES, Masdar Institute will also be hosting a range of events at the YFEL stand, including: on Tuesday January 18th – Dr Susan Hockfield, MIT President, visits YFEL; YFEL Debate: Enforcing Recycling on a Global Scale; Wednesday January 19th – Industry Update: International Wind Association and London Array Project Presentation and Case Study; YFEL Debate: The Challenges that USA Faces in Reducing their Carbon Footprint; Thursday January 20th – YFEL Debate: Policy Update.

Ban Ki-Moon said: “Engaging with the youth of today is a vital part of tackling the challenges climate change. The Masdar Institute’s Young Future Energy Leaders will be the Heads of State, Professors and CEO’s that will lead, develop and implement solutions in the renewable energy and sustainability space in the years to come. Listening to and nurturing these talented people now will ensure a more robust response to climate change.”
 

PHOTO RELEASE: Please find attached the following photo for publication and distribution:

Top row (left to right): Dr Lamya Fawwaz – Executive Director for Public Affairs, Masdar Institute; Tomas Kåberger – Director General for the Swedish Energy Agency; HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden; Mohammed Salem Bin Kardous Al-Ameri – Emirati philanthropist and donor to YFEL; Hamad Bin Kardous Al-Ameri

Bottom row: Young Future Energy Leaders

 

 

Bedouin philanthropist, Mohammed Salem Bin Kardous Al-Ameri, has signed a one million dirham gift agreement with Masdar Institute of Science and Technology. The donation, which is the first Masdar Institute has ever received from a private individual, will contribute towards the Young Future Energy Leaders program (YFEL 2011), an initiative led by Masdar Institute. YFEL helps mentor young professionals and students in the fields of alternative energy by engaging them in related activities.

Preceded by a tour of Masdar Institute, Mohammed Al-Ameri signed the gift agreement with Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President of Masdar Institute, on Thursday December 16 at the campus. Following a distinguished military career, Mohammed Al-Ameri has dedicated his life to encouraging future generations in the UAE to be equipped with knowledge, be committed to their religion, and to maintain their customs and values. 

Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, said: “We would like to extend our gratitude to Mohammed Salem Bin Kardous Al-Ameri. We are delighted to have received our first ever gift from a private individual. This gift will enable us to strengthen the YFEL program, encouraging more young people to take an interest in renewable energy and sustainability.” 

Mohammed Salem Bin Kardous Al-Ameri, said: “Young Future Energy Leaders is an organization that shares my values; a commitment to the next generation. Engaging with and nurturing younger people, particularly in the field of renewable energy and sustainability, is vital for the future of the UAE and beyond. My contribution is just a small gesture of what all of us can do; I hope others are encouraged to support educational organizations like Masdar Institute and their Young Future Energy Leaders Program.”