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RIF Launches €1.6 Million Funding Scheme To Boost Energy Sector Innovation

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 28, 2024

The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) has launched a significant funding initiative aimed at propelling innovation within Cyprus’s energy sector. With a total budget of €1.6 million, the programme, named “Commercial Proof of Concept – Energy,” is designed to facilitate the transition of energy solutions from pilot phases to full commercial readiness. The scheme targets advancements in energy production, storage, transmission, and distribution, with a keen focus on enhancing performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency.

Key Objectives and Scope

The funding programme seeks to address several critical areas in the energy sector:

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Integration of Renewable Energy: Improving the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid to ensure a more sustainable and reliable energy supply.
Energy Storage Solutions: Developing efficient and scalable energy storage systems to balance supply and demand, particularly for renewable energy.
Transmission and Distribution Efficiency: Enhancing the infrastructure for energy transmission and distribution to reduce losses and improve overall system efficiency.
Commercial Viability: Ensuring that innovative energy solutions are not only technically feasible but also commercially viable, ready for market introduction.

Funding Details

Each project under this scheme can receive a maximum of €200,000. The funding is aimed at helping innovators and companies refine their technologies, improve their performance metrics, and achieve greater reliability and cost-effectiveness. This support is crucial for bridging the gap between pilot projects and full-scale commercial deployment.

Application Process

Interested parties must submit their applications by October 25, 2024. The application process is designed to be thorough yet accessible, ensuring that a wide range of innovative projects can be considered. RIF’s initiative is expected to attract numerous high-quality proposals, fostering a competitive environment that drives excellence in energy innovation.

Strategic Impact

This funding scheme is part of a broader strategy to position Cyprus as a leader in energy innovation. By supporting cutting-edge projects, the RIF aims to not only enhance the country’s energy infrastructure but also contribute to global advancements in energy technology. The initiative underscores the importance of sustainable development and the transition to a more resilient and efficient energy system.

Abu Dhabi Unveils Dh13-Billion Plan To Lead as the World’s First Fully AI-native Government by 2027

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 21, 2025

Abu Dhabi is setting ambitious goals for the future, announcing a Dh13-billion strategy that aims to make its government operations entirely powered by artificial intelligence (AI) by 2027. With this move, the emirate aspires to become the world’s first fully “AI-native” government, with automated processes and complete adoption of cloud computing technologies.

The Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025-2027, led by the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi (DGE), is a transformative initiative to enhance public service delivery, optimize government functions, and drive sustainable economic growth. Along with technological advances, the strategy will create over 5,000 jobs, boosting the local economy and contributing more than Dh24 billion to Abu Dhabi’s GDP.

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The core objective of this initiative is to embed AI, cloud technologies, and data-driven insights into the very DNA of the government. “By incorporating these cutting-edge technologies, we will optimize our operations, improve public services, and ultimately support sustainable economic growth,” said Ahmed Hisham Al Kuttab, Chairman of DGE.

Key aspects of the strategy include the establishment of a unified digital enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform, which will improve government efficiency and streamline processes. As part of the “AI for All” program, the initiative will also focus on empowering citizens by training them in AI applications, ensuring a highly skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Moreover, the government is committed to implementing over 200 AI-driven solutions across various public services, ensuring that these innovations reach all facets of governmental operations. Alongside the technological advancements, comprehensive cybersecurity measures will be introduced, with new digital guidelines aimed at maintaining the highest standards of security.

This move is not only a strategic shift towards a fully digital government but also a bold step towards positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in the adoption of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies in the public sector.