The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and ASPIRE, entities of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), have signed their first research and development (R&D) agreement with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).
The collaboration aims to address key challenges in carbon storage monitoring and battery optimization by leveraging quantum technology. This marks the first milestone in a wider collaboration that will include joint efforts in autonomous robotics, propulsion systems, and advanced technologies for renewable and sustainable energy.
By bringing together TII’s expertise in advanced quantum sensing, ASPIRE’s strategic vision, and ADNOC’s leadership in energy solutions, the partnership will explore the technology’s potential for large-scale impact, commercialization, while enhancing sustainable energy solutions
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is vital for reducing CO₂ emissions, but monitoring storage sites remains challenging. The partnership will use TII’s quantum sensing technology to detect subtle environmental changes, such as shifts in magnetic or electrical properties, enhancing safety, preventing leaks, and improving the long-term reliability of CCS systems.
As batteries play a crucial role in addressing the intermittency issues associated with renewable energy, the need for sustainable lifecycle management and efficient battery recycling and reuse has increased. The project seeks to create a reliable, non-invasive way to measure how batteries perform during operation.
By analyzing the magnetic fields generated by batteries, researchers will develop cutting-edge models to predict their remaining lifespans. These insights will help enhance battery sorting, optimize recycling processes, and support more sustainable energy storage solutions.
Dr. Najwa Aaraj CEO – TII
“Collaborating with a market leader like ADNOC provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the potential of our advanced quantum sensing technologies. We look forward to developing quantum magnetic field sensing solutions with ADNOC, aimed at optimizing CCS processes and enhancing battery-based energy storage systems.”
The agreements enable both parties to work on key R&D projects, such as unmanned robotics inspections and robotic applications, to address key business challenges. The collaboration combines the unique expertise of each partner to tackle critical challenges in the energy and technology sectors, driving the development of innovative, sustainable solutions.
Stephane Timpano, CEO at ASPIRE, stated that, “Innovation flourishes when research meets real-world application. This collaboration reflects our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies like quantum sensing to drive sustainable solutions and also demonstrates how partnerships can transform bold ideas into practical technologies that make a tangible impact on industries and communities.”
Sophie Hildebrand, CTO of ADNOC, added that, “At ADNOC, we are committed to leveraging the latest technologies and are proud to serve as a testbed for UAE-grown innovations. Collaborating with partners like TII and ASPIRE allows us to accelerate new technologies, such as quantum sensing, and drive progress and support for a more sustainable energy future.”
