Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), part of EDGE Group, and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) have signed an agreement to establish a Naval Technology Innovation Hub aimed at advancing next-generation maritime systems.
The new facility will serve as a joint platform for research, integration, and testing of naval technologies, focusing on areas such as autonomy, propulsion, materials, and secure systems.
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.”
ADSB CEO David Massey stated:
“This Innovation Hub, aimed at advancing naval technologies, reflects our commitment to positioning the UAE as a leader in global maritime defence technology and innovation. Through focused expertise and strategic partnerships, we aim to set new standards in naval defence, sustainability, and advanced maritime operations.”
Under the agreement, ADSB and TII will cooperate on projects involving quantum magnetic sensing, quantum-inspired computational fluid dynamics, unmanned underwater systems, robotic technologies, and advanced materials such as anti-corrosion coatings and composite armouring. Other initiatives include diver communication and detection systems, next-generation sonar, and hull treatment techniques.
The Innovation Hub will function as a co-funded laboratory environment, providing testbeds, a shared technology roadmap, and a framework for knowledge exchange. It will also serve as a platform for international collaboration, giving local and global naval stakeholders opportunities to test and validate technologies in operational conditions.
The initiative builds on previous work between ADSB and TII, including projects on autonomous and stealth unmanned surface vehicles and the 170 M-detector unmanned vessel used for mine countermeasures and oceanographic tasks.
The hub combines ADSB’s experience in ship design and testing with TII’s integration expertise, formalising a model of cooperation intended to accelerate the development of advanced maritime technologies.
