NexTech

NexTech is an Abu Dhabi government initiative that seeks to propel exceptional Emirati talent in research and technology, nurturing and encouraging young people to explore careers in advanced technology. To fulfil one of its key programmes, NexTech is currently scouring the UAE – and beyond – for 125 outstanding young Emiratis to work on 31 long-term collaborative technology projects in partnership with 23 world-leading institutes.

The programme was launched in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, and Chairman of the Board of the Advanced Technology Research Council, to nurture talent and encourage the nation’s youth to explore careers in advanced technology in line with Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s ongoing investment in knowledge development.

ATRC is mandated to create talent development programmes for UAE national graduates and young professionals in advanced technology, and expand academic placements, as well as student and faculty member exchanges, through partnerships in Abu Dhabi and around the world.

To nurture the next generation of tech talent, NexTech is inspiring young people across the UAE to explore and develop careers in advanced technology. The programme has three core elements:

1. Outreach and engagement drive

- We inspire young Emiratis to study and work in science and advanced technology

2. Talent scouting initiative

- We fast-track and support exceptional talent in their R&D careers

3. Empowerment initiatives

- We encourage new talent to become part of research projects at TII.

NexTech is managed by the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), an Abu Dhabi government body established in May 2020 with a mandate to set the research and development priorities for Abu Dhabi and oversee R&D programmes and partnerships in the Emirate and beyond.

Yes. NexTech is a UAE government funded programme that has been designed to enhance the skills and education of Emirati citizens.

In its first phase, NexTech is recruiting an initial cohort of 125 candidates from across the UAE.

NexTech offers the opportunity to acquire your master’s degree or PhD from one of the leading international universities, while working as an associate researcher at one of the seven initial research centres at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII). NexTech also offers outstanding professional development, including the opportunity to work on exciting and unique scientific challenges, as well as attending and presenting papers at major conferences around the world.

You must hold a bachelor’s degree if you are applying to the master’s programme. To apply for the PhD programme, you must hold a master’s degree.

You can specialise in any of the following disciplines:Artificial Intelligence; Advanced Robotics; Machine Learning; Computer Engineering; Computer Science; Electrical Engineering; Electronic Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Electromechanical Engineering; Mathematics; Physics; Communications Engineering; Software Engineering; or Information Technology.

You should have achieved a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) above 75%; a TOEFL score above 90 (with minimum 21 per section) and an IELTS score above 6.5 (with minimum of 6.0 per section). You should also be able to demonstrate research skills, cognitive skills, organisational skills, and influencing and impacting skills.

Yes. There is a fixed monthly compensation which will be discussed with you during the selection process.

You can apply to become a candidate by submitting your CV here.

NexTech recruits will be Associate Researchers at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi, working on long-term collaborative projects with leading universities and research centers in the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Italy, France, The Netherlands, Switzerland, and Colombia. As part of the NexTech programme, they will also engage in further study and participate in master’s or PhD programmes in the United Arab Emirates andglobally .

Successful NexTech candidates will be assigned to TII’s dedicated research centers of excellence in quantum, autonomous robotics, cryptography, advanced materials, digital security, directed energy and secure systems – based on their own academic and research capabilities and interests.

Yes, you will be expected to travel abroad to study at a leading international university, as well as attend conferences and seminars around the world.

This depends on various factors such as course duration and the university that you are assigned.

Yes, you can travel with any family member(s), but this will be at your own expense.

No. Because our research centers already operate a number of key partnerships with global universities, we have tailored our fields of study to align with them. Successful candidates will be matched with the research area that most closely fits their skills and interests.

You should discuss and agree your work in advance with the Technology Innovation Institute. Your studies and projects should always be aligned with the work of TII’s research centers.

Successful candidates will sign a full-time unlimited employment contract with TII.

The United Arab Emirates is home to an extraordinary young talent base in the fields of science and technology. To develop this talent base for the future and inspire the next wave of advanced technologists, NexTech will identify and empower this generation to deepen its knowledge and advance its skills. By launching NexTech, the UAE is taking decisive steps to build its national competencies and develop its knowledge-based economy at an accelerated pace.

NexTech offers you an opportunity to play your part in helping position Abu Dhabi and the UAE as an innovation and R&D hub. Working on research projects with global impact, you’ll tackle today’s challenges and innovate for a better world for all.

Based in Abu Dhabi, the ATRC – Advanced Technology Research Council – is a research and technology body mandated to guide breakthrough discovery and disruption, applied research and advanced technologies. The Council reinforces Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s status as an R&D and innovation hub and one of the next global leaders in advanced technology that contributes to the development of a knowledge-based economy in our country.