Emirates Foundation, an independent philanthropic organisation, has announced that four public and private sector investors are set to provide incubation funding to Think Science projects.

The foundation was set up by the Abu Dhabi government to facilitate public-private funded initiatives to improve the welfare of people across the UAE.

ADNOC, Total, Injazat and Khalifa Fund are the first of a number of potential Think Science investors who will provide advisory support to the Emirati youth and act as incubators for their inventions to help transform their ideas from working prototypes into models that have real-life industrial and commercial applications. Students will receive mentoring and training as well as a platform to learn and enhance their scientific knowledge and skills.

Commenting on the announcement, Clare Woodcraft-Scott, chief executive officer at Emirates Foundation, said: "At Emirates Foundation we embrace innovation and entrepreneurial spirit and we want to make sure local scientific talent gets as much assistance as possible. Through our strategic partnerships with the public and private sectors, we are focused on providing young scientists with the skills and knowledge to make the most of their talents and realise their full potential.

"The goal of an incubator is to help create and grow potential businesses by providing them with the necessary support and financial and technical assistance. I am confident that the projects selected for incubation will go on to have a real impact in the UAE and beyond, and contribute to the growth of our scientific sector.”

The announcement follows the recent Think Science Fair, an interactive programme aimed at sparking an interest in science among the Emirati youth, which was held from May 5-7, 2015. The event culminated in an awards ceremony on May 25 during which 27 prizes were awarded to top scientific innovations from school and university youth.

Mohanna Al Muhairi, chief operating officer at Emirates Foundation, said, "Today's young Emirati scientists believe in the same core values as our partners, sponsors and organisations – to find solutions to real world problems, and to do so in sustainable and scalable ways. Emirates Foundation works hand in hand with the private sector. This latest move will provide budding scientists an excellent opportunity that would have otherwise not been possible.

"We are delighted that these leading companies in the scientific field have chosen to provide much needed long-term support to some of our most talented youth.”

Hatem Nusseibeh, Total UAE president and Ibrahim Mohamed Lari, chief executive officer, Injazat Data Systems, lauded the efforts.

Launched in September 2012, Think Science is an interactive programme aimed at sparking an interest in science among the Emirati youth. Targeted towards young people between the ages of 15 and 24, it aims to inspire, encourage and empower Emirati youth to follow their passion for science. This is through interactive, hands-on activities in the fields of engineering, energy, aviation and other technological industries.
Source: The Gulf Today