RTX has announced that it extended its sponsorship of the Abu Dhabi University (ADU) Undergraduate Research and Innovation Competition for an additional two years, reaffirming its commitment to fostering local talent development and investing in STEM education in the UAE.
The competition, held annually, provides students across the GCC, wider MENA region and the world with the opportunity to showcase their research projects, further cultivating lifelong learning and promoting entrepreneurial mindsets in education, research, and innovation. This year, the competition will adopt a hybrid format, and will be held under the Patronage of HE Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence.
“At RTX, we are committed to fostering an inquiry-based culture and empowering the next generation of innovators and leaders,” said Fahad Al Mheiri, Managing Director of Raytheon Emirates, an RTX business. “We believe that investing in STEM education and research is key to driving sustainable growth and progress in the UAE, further aligning with the country’s ongoing efforts to being recognized as a champion of knowledge-based economies. We are proud to continue our support of the ADU Undergraduate Research and Innovation Competition for two more years. Through initiatives like this, we hope to inspire more students to pursue careers in STEM fields and make a positive impact on society, in the UAE and beyond.”
Prof. Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, emphasized, “Fostering creativity, innovation, and an entrepreneurial spirit has always been one of our main goals, aligning with the UAE’s vision for a knowledge-based economy. The 11th ADU Undergraduate Research and Innovation Competition embodies this ethos, serving as a catalyst for growth and development in STEM fields. Thanks to the invaluable collaboration of our partners and industry, we witness the tangible fruits of academia-industry synergy with 77 universities participating and over 600 submissions in this year’s competition. We are immensely grateful for RTX’s continued commitment. Their generous support has been instrumental in maximizing our impact in the region. We thank them for their extended support for another two years, showcasing their dedication to empowering the next generation of future leaders.”
This year’s competition will introduce five new fields, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, Aviation and Aerospace Engineering, E-Commerce and Digital Marketing, Law, and Nutritional and Food Sciences.
The 11th edition of the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Competition will take place on May 23, 2024, where student presentations will be evaluated by a committee representing academia and industry. The event will see participants from universities in the UAE and around the world.