Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee's Takamul Programme goes national

The expansion of the highly successful programme, was announced at the "UAE Innovations" conference hosted by the Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee (TDC), as part of its efforts to build a knowledge-based economy in the Emirates.

The programme, which assists inventors, either as individuals and institutions from across the country, was created to facilitate the integration of each stage of the innovation cycle, from the generation of ideas to the practical and commercial application of these ideas into products, solutions and services.

Takamul currently supports innovations in the Health & Medical, ICT, Clean-tech, Semiconductor, Oil & Gas Services, Energy, Advance materials infrastructure and lifestyle industries.

His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan commended TDC's dedication to advancing science and technology during his speech at the event: "Takamul is a real demonstration of Our Nation's capability and creativity. Encouraging innovation and creativity is a true reflection of our leadership's wisdom under the direction of our president, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the UAE. We aim to continually achieve economic and social development emphasizing the creation of opportunities for every citizen to be creative and invent. In doing this we are supporting the highest level of participation by our citizens in the development of the UAE in reaching the highest status amongst other nations."

H.E. Mohammad Ahmad Al Bowardi, Chairman of the Executive Committee Member of the Executive Council and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee, said: "Innovative ideas are the engine for economic and social development. Nations with a strong and dedicated focus on science, technology and innovation are able to transform their economies, accelerate their growth and secure higher standards of living for their citizens. The Takamul programme is a prime example of the type of initiative which will help our nation develop into a knowledge-based economy by creating, launching and sustaining various programmes that encourage innovation, support inventors and protect locally-created intellectual property."

H.E. Ahmed Saeed Al Calily, Director General of TDC said: "We are proud to announce the expansion of Takamul activities to support innovation across all Emirates. The programme has been delivering solid, measureable results since it began, so extending our support nation-wide will help stimulate even more exciting ideas and opportunities for creative talent in the UAE. In the two years since the programme began, we have seen a steady increase in the number of patents supported with 33 international patents filed till date just from Abu Dhabi and more than 20 already in process for 2013. Our goal now is to reach out across the Emirates to achieve significant growth in the UAE's IP output which will contribute to Our Nation's long-term economic prosperity."

In addition to being made available across the UAE, H.E. Al Calily announced that: "The programme will also now be moving into commercialization support, with the focus not only on patent filing, but also on helping inventors and institutions in the UAE to extract the most value from their innovations." Besides filings with the United States Patent Office (USPTO), Takamul will also be supporting the registration of innovations with the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) - an international agreement which includes 146 countries.

Following the announcement, H.E. Sheikh Nahayan inaugurated and toured the Innovations' Exhibit that showcased 20 international patents filed through the programme in 2012 and then met the inventors and their research teams.