In a groundbreaking move aimed at fostering innovation in sustainability and technology, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and PGIM have teamed up to launch the RealAssetX Innovation Centre in Abu Dhabi. This new centre promises to be a catalyst for AI, Deep Tech, and sustainability solutions in the real assets sector, with a focus on turning innovative ideas into practical, market-leading technologies.
The partnership, announced during Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), marks a significant step forward in Abu Dhabi’s mission to position itself as a global hub for financial and technological innovation. Through this collaboration, the two entities aim to leverage global expertise and local ingenuity to create a cutting-edge environment that supports the development and implementation of transformative solutions.
What Is RealAssetX and What Does It Aim to Achieve?
PGIM, a global leader in asset management, has already made waves with the launch of RealAssetX in 2023. This innovation lab is designed to bridge the gap between technology and real assets, focusing on advancements in AI, deep tech, and sustainability. Now, PGIM is bringing this vision to Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s most dynamic markets, with the help of ADIO.
The RealAssetX Innovation Centre will serve as a hub for research, development, and investment, focusing on the next wave of technologies that will revolutionize industries such as real estate, energy, and infrastructure. The goal is to accelerate innovation and create market-leading solutions that are both financially viable and environmentally sustainable.
The Role of ADIO and Local Collaboration
ADIO’s involvement is critical to the success of this initiative. As part of the partnership, ADIO will facilitate collaboration with Abu Dhabi’s leading universities, tech companies, and research centres, including the Hub71 ecosystem, to ensure the RealAssetX Innovation Centre becomes an epicentre for knowledge exchange and cross-border innovation.
This collaboration with local institutions will bring global insights to the region and position Abu Dhabi as a key player in the global race for sustainable technologies. ADIO’s “Invest with Abu Dhabi” approach will also ensure that the innovation centre is integrated into the local economy, offering opportunities for talent development and creating job opportunities for the next generation of tech leaders.
Investing in the Future: A USD 250 Million Strategy
To complement the centre’s development, the partnership will also explore the creation of a USD 250 million investment vehicle aimed at funding early-stage and later-stage tech companies. This strategy will focus on identifying and supporting companies that are pioneering innovative technologies in sustainability, AI, and deep tech.
By investing in these startups, PGIM and ADIO aim to turn cutting-edge research into practical solutions that can be adopted across the real asset industry. This investment strategy aligns with Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision of diversifying its economy and becoming a global leader in technology and innovation.
Why Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi has long been an advocate for creating a knowledge-based economy, and the partnership with PGIM underscores the emirate’s commitment to fostering innovation. RealAssetX Abu Dhabi will provide local businesses, universities, and startups with access to a network of global experts, investors, and technologies. The collaboration aims to drive economic diversification and job creation by connecting global tech innovators with local talent.
Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading financial hub in the Middle East makes it the ideal location for this ambitious project. The city’s well-established infrastructure, access to capital, and growing tech ecosystem make it a perfect environment for fostering the next generation of real asset technologies.
Strategic Partnerships with Leading Universities
One of the cornerstones of the RealAssetX Innovation Centre is its partnerships with leading global universities. Institutions like the University of Chicago and University College London are already on board to contribute their cutting-edge research and expertise. These collaborations will ensure that RealAssetX Abu Dhabi has access to the latest scientific advancements and is well-positioned to shape the future of the real asset industry.
In addition, local universities will benefit from the partnership through internship opportunities, research grants, and the exchange of best practices in tech development. This emphasis on local talent will ensure that the innovation centre not only serves as a global knowledge hub but also supports Abu Dhabi’s educational institutions and prepares students for the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
A Global Network of Innovation
The RealAssetX Innovation Centre in Abu Dhabi is not just about local collaboration—it is part of a broader global network. PGIM has already formed strong partnerships with universities and tech companies around the world. These connections will ensure that Abu Dhabi benefits from the best and brightest minds in the tech and real estate sectors.
By integrating local and global knowledge, RealAssetX Abu Dhabi will foster an environment where new ideas can thrive and turn into real-world solutions. This will be especially important for startups looking to scale their technologies and for investors seeking the next big breakthrough in sustainability and AI.
Empowering Innovation in Real Assets
RealAssetX Abu Dhabi is not just about research and development—it is also about empowering innovation in the real asset industry. Through its focus on sustainability, AI, and deep tech, the innovation centre will support the development of solutions that can transform industries and create a more sustainable future for cities around the world.
Whether it’s using AI to optimise building performance, deep tech to revolutionise energy systems, or new sustainability solutions for real estate, RealAssetX Abu Dhabi will be at the forefront of tech-driven innovation in the real asset sector.
Conclusion: A Game-Changer for Abu Dhabi
The partnership between ADIO and PGIM marks a major milestone for both Abu Dhabi and the real asset industry. Through the establishment of the RealAssetX Innovation Centre, the emirate is positioning itself as a leader in financial technology, sustainability, and innovation. This collaboration will not only benefit local businesses and universities but also attract global talent, investment, and technology to the region.
By prioritising local talent and global collaboration, this initiative is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the real asset industry, driving sustainability, and accelerating technological advancements. Abu Dhabi’s commitment to fostering innovation has never been clearer, and RealAssetX Abu Dhabi is set to be a game-changer in the global tech landscape.
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