SHARJAH, 23rd May, 2022 (WAM) -- The Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park) has recently launched Sharjah Advanced Industry Accelerator 2.0 (SAIA) to boost the diversification of the national industrial base and contribute to the positioning of the UAE as an incubator of innovation and creativity In line with Industry 4.0, the accelerator programme will provided local and regional start-ups with innovative solutions and strong support system within the thriving SRTI Park ecosystem.

SAIA 2.0 is also in line with the UAE’s industrial strategy 'Operation 300bn', a 10-year comprehensive policy aimed at empowering and expanding the industrial sector to become the driving force of a sustainable national economy, increasing its contribution to the GDP.

Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTI Park, said, 'SAIA will focus on supporting early and growth stage start-ups to scale up in the UAE and MENA region, thereby further supporting UAE’s goal to attract world-class talent and innovation. SAIA is also in line with UAE’s Unified Industrial Brand Identity, ‘Make It in the Emirates’, an integrated industrial system that leverages advanced technologies and Fourth Industrial Revolution solutions to contribute to building a sustainable, knowledge-based economy.'

SAIA 2.0 will transform Sharjah into a test bed of advanced technologies in research, manufacturing sector, including petrochemicals, plastics, metals, food, agriculture, water, and healthcare, space, biotech, medi-tech, pharmaceuticals, clean and renewable energy, including hydrogen production, machinery and equipment, rubber and plastic and electronics and electrical gadgets. It is also a part of the endeavors aimed to set up the pillars of the UAE Strategy of Industrial Transaction and Transformation.

Al Mahmoudi noted, 'SAIA 2.0 will result in limitless potential for growth and establish local start-ups as an integral part of the UAE’s unique success story and a key contributor to the country’s development journey. The accelerator programme reflects the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to position the UAE as a global industrial hub by focusing primarily on future industries that implement advanced technology and the 4th Industrial Revolution solutions and technology.'

Al Mahmoudi explained that SAIA 2.0 will focus on supporting early stage businesses in the following areas: Smart Construction Management, Smart Materials, Green Building, Modularisation/Prefabrication, Building Information Modelling, Additive Manufacturing, Connected Infrastructures and Connected Ecosystems.

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