Abu Dhabi has called on Singapore companies to offer proposals to help the UAE city’s smart transformation.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and IPI Singapore, a subsidiary of ESG, have jointly launched an innovation call to advance the smart city agenda. Eligible companies from Singapore are invited to submit ideas to address individual challenge statements outlined by Abu Dhabi entities.

Through this, Abu Dhabi and Singapore aim to accelerate smart city development to improve quality of life, operational efficiency and competitiveness sustainably. Singapore ranks first globally on the Institute for Management Development (IMD) Smart City Index 2020 while Abu Dhabi is the highest ranking in the Middle East.

The innovation call aims to increase collaboration, connect innovation ecosystems and promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise between both sides.

“Abu Dhabi is committed to continuing the already strong economic cooperation with Singapore and to advancing innovation for long-term, sustainable growth,” said HE Tariq Bin Hendi, director general of ADIO, the government hub supporting private sector investment in Abu Dhabi. “The innovation call with Enterprise Singapore strengthens existing partnerships and bridges new collaboration opportunities between Abu Dhabi and Singapore. We look forward to uncovering viable solutions that are not only locally relevant but also exportable worldwide. This will contribute to the development of knowledge economies as well as smart cities in our regions and beyond.”

The innovation call provides a platform for companies to co-innovate and develop targeted technology that may be considered for city-wide implementation in Abu Dhabi. ADIO has worked closely with Abu Dhabi entities ADNOC, Department of Municipalities & Transport (DMT) and Masdar to identify six smart city challenges and commit to a pilot with the winning providers. Eligible companies will be able to receive funding support from Enterprise Singapore.

“The smart city joint innovation call will deepen collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Singapore,” said Tan Soon Kim, Enterprise Singapore assistant CEO. “Singapore companies with the capabilities and experience in smart solutions would be able to partner established entities in Abu Dhabi to co-create and pilot tech-enabled solutions for a range of urban challenges, including energy and water sustainability, transport efficiency, and dense communities. As partners, we can work together to drive social transformation and enhance the lives of our citizens.”

The innovation call is open for submissions from now until 29 July 2021. ADIO, ESG and IPI will conduct a virtual challenge briefing on 10 June 2021 for interested companies to find out more about the challenges.

“We are glad to be part of this joint innovation call, together with participants of Singapore’s innovation ecosystem network such as the local trade associations,” said Wong Lup Wai, CEO of IPI. “IPI is committed and looks forward to presenting solutions that could create more liveable and sustainable urban areas for the region.”