Sharjah Research Park (SRTIP) is actively supporting the goals of the upcoming COP28 conference, set to be held in Dubai in November. COP28 aims to accelerate global efforts in reducing emissions by 43 percent by 2030, and SRTIP is committed to nurturing and funding startups that focus on developing environmental solutions.
The UAE has already made significant commitments to combat climate change, becoming the first country in the region to pledge an economy-wide reduction in emissions by 2030. The UAE launched the National Net Zero by 2050 Pathway in November 2022, which outlines the timeframe and mechanisms for implementing the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.
As a key hub for green startups in the region, SRTIP is aligning its activities and the projects of its startup tenants with the goals of COP28. The park is currently involved in multiple real-world projects aimed at reducing carbon footprint and developing sustainable infrastructure. Notable projects include hydrogen-related initiatives and collaboration with the American University of Sharjah in green hydrogen energy.
SRTIP is also actively engaged in sustainable agriculture, the development of solar-powered vehicles, and various other clean energy projects. The park promotes a range of innovative green projects, including the Usky project for green transportation, hydroponic farming, additive manufacturing, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence.
The Sharjah Advanced Industry Accelerator (SAIA), SRTIP’s global startup competition, received over 3,500 applications from more than 40 countries this year. Many of these applications focused on sustainable projects in digitalization solutions, energy technologies, transport and logistics, environmental analysis, water technologies, and production and design.
SRTIP is hosting numerous environmentally friendly projects, such as a startup that has developed hydrogen technology for rejuvenating combustion engines and reducing emissions. Another company is manufacturing autonomous forklifts, while a different startup is creating personalized footwear using sustainable digital manufacturing with 3D technology.
The park’s commitment to education and outreach is evident in its organization of technology-focused summer camps for students. These camps provide hands-on experiences that empower young minds to become future leaders in tackling climate change.
In preparation for COP28, SRTIP has planned a series of conferences, technology festivals, lectures, workshops, artificial intelligence initiatives, and exhibitions. The park will also host a dedicated conference in collaboration with the American University of Sharjah.
Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTIP, expressed his enthusiasm for leveraging COP28 to showcase the park’s unique ecosystem to global investors. He invited investors and startups to explore SRTIP’s ecosystem and be a part of its mission. Al Mahmoudi believes that COP28 represents a turning point in the UAE’s history, highlighting the nation’s remarkable achievements in sustainability and the green economy. SRTIP is proud to support this global event.
Through its dedication to fostering innovation and environmental sustainability, SRTIP continues to play an essential role in the UAE’s transition to a greener future. By nurturing startups and promoting sustainable projects, the park is contributing to the global effort to combat climate change and create a more sustainable world.