Keynote speech 1: Semiconductor research: A corner stone for building a knowledge based economy

Dr. Ismail will present the Abu Dhabi 2030 vision towards diversifying the economy beyond oil and gas by investing in the strategic sectors of ICT, semiconductors, public health, nuclear technology and aerospace. We will introduce the newly established UAE Center of Excellence on Energy Efficient Electronic Systems (aka ACE4S http://www.src.org/program/grc/ace4s/) involving researchers from 5 UAE Universities looking at developing new technologies aiming at innovative self powered wireless sensing and monitoring techniques. The research will target applications in wearable self powered chip sets for use in public health, ambient intelligence, safety and security and water quality. The Center will cultivate human capital trained in cutting edge semiconductor and nanotechnology research with the ultimate goals of spinning off companies and attracting local and foreign direct investments.