Bio: Prof. Arafat is the Senior Director, Research and Innovation Center for Graphene and 2D Materials (RIC2D) and professor of chemical engineering at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, UAE, where he has been working since 2010. He received a Ph.D. and BSc. in Chemical Engineering from the Univ. of Cincinnati (USA) (2000) and the Univ. of Jordan (1996), respectively. He is a recipient of several research fellowships by the US National Academy of Science (USA), the Open Society Foundation (USA) and DAAD (Germany). Through his career thus far, he has supervised 58 postdoctoral fellows and graduate students. His research has been published in 270+ book chapters, journal papers, and conference presentations, in addition to two US patents. He has been invited and delivered more than 60 keynote and invited talks worldwide.

Title: The Research and Innovation Center for Graphene and 2D Materials (RIC2D) at Khalifa University

Abstract: The United Arab Emirates is a young and diverse country, which is advancing at a rapid pace in all areas, most notably infrastructure, water treatment and desalination, healthcare, and energy amongst others. The emphasis is on sustainable, low emissions development, driven by high R&D investment.

The Research and Innovation Center for Graphene and 2D materials (RIC2D) is the result of the country’s early acknowledgment of the potential of those technologies and the association with the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) of the Univ. of Manchester from its inception stage.

With a dual focus on both research and commercialisation, RIC2D provides funding and support for collaborative research at an international level, as well as prototypes and products development jointly with industry. Priority 2D technologies areas are water, energy (including hydrogen) and lightweight materials. The Center is also pursuing interests in healthcare, photonics, and communications.

Believing in the power of synergy and collaboration, we welcome all proposals for joint, impactful research and development with the aim of tangible, commercially viable outcomes.

Bio: Director of Self-healing and Nanomaterials (TII) PhD in Materials Science – Ecole Centrale de Lyon

Title: Nanomaterials and the Industry in the UAE

Abstract: The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is a research institute based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It's a part of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), which is responsible for defining the strategy and overseeing the execution of R&D in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The TII is dedicated to driving advanced research and technology innovation in the UAE and aims to become a global leader in applied research and advanced technology. The institute's objective is to bridge the gap between early-stage academic research and the successful commercialization of viable products.

At the Technology Innovation Institute's Advanced Materials Research Center, one of its specialized research divisions, there is an ongoing expansion of research and development in nanotechnology within the UAE. This growth is fueled by investments across various sectors including renewable energy, advanced materials, water treatment, and healthcare. The integration of nanomaterials is playing a significant role in fulfilling the UAE's objectives of economic diversification, endorsing sustainability, and establishing the nation as a worldwide frontrunner in the realm of advanced technology.

Bio: Dr. Ammar Jarrar is a distinguished professional, currently serving as the Associate Director for Commercialisation at the Research and Innovation Center in Graphene and 2D Materials (RIC2D) at Khalifa University for Science and Technology. With a focus on developing and managing smart and sustainable programs, he is at the forefront of addressing crucial challenges in business development and commercialisation initiatives related to Graphene and 2D Materials.

With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Jarrar has earned global recognition as a Technical Advisor and Programs Director, demonstrating expertise in integrated water management, program management, business development, stakeholder's management, innovation, R&D, smart cities, and the water industry.

Throughout his illustrious journey, Dr. Jarrar has showcased his versatility in handling diverse program management initiatives. From operational and project management to contributing effectively and managing executive board meetings, he has consistently delivered outstanding results in the development and execution of sustainable programs.

Dr. Jarrar's profound impact extends to the successful formulation of strategic plans and implementation frameworks, leading to the design and realization of pioneering smart cities and water management initiatives. He has been instrumental in delivering highly efficient and effective programs, focusing on sustainable smart cities and innovative water strategies.

An accomplished researcher and prolific writer, Dr. Jarrar has published numerous articles and reports in esteemed journals such as WRR Journal, IAHS, ASCE, IAHR, and IRF. His contributions as an author and contributor to various reports and studies in the field of sustainability and water resources management and planning have further solidified his reputation as a thought leader in the industry.

With an unwavering commitment to advancing technology and sustainable practices, Dr. Ammar Jarrar continues to inspire and lead the way in the dynamic landscape of graphene and 2D materials research and commercialization.

Bio: Vincent Bouchiat is the Founder and CEO of Grapheal, a company spin-off from Neel Institute focusing on bioelectronics and healthcare applications of monolayer graphene. He is on leave from the French National Research Center (CNRS) at Grenoble, where he has a permanent position since 1997. He co-authored more than 110 publications in electron transport in nanodevices with over 7,000 citations and hold 9 international patents. He received the Visiting Miller Professorship Award from University of California, Berkeley in 2007, and the Lee Hsun Research Award from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (2017).

Title: Industrial Scale-up of Graphene sensors with RFID & smartphone readout

Abstract: At Grapheal, we are exploring the industrial use of graphene on biocompatible polymer^1,2 to enable simultaneous biosensing³ and tissue engineering⁴ together with the integration of an RFID component to enable direct connectivity with a smartphone.  I will demonstrate our progress in integrating graphene biosensing devices into various consumer applications for on-site diagnostics as well as wearable sensors⁵.

• Bourrier et al. Adv. Health. Mat. 8 , 1801331, (2019) doi : 10.1002/adhm.201801331
• Veliev, et al., Biomaterials, Elsevier, 86, pp.33−41 (2016).
• Veliev et al. Doi : 10.3389/fnins.2017.00466 (2017)
• Le Gall et al. doi: 10.1101/2021.05.16.444337 (2021)
• https://www.grapheal.com

Bio: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burcu Saner Okan received BS degree in Chemistry at Middle East Technical University, Turkey in 2005. Dr. Saner Okan received MS degree in 2007 and PhD degree in 2011 in Materials Science and Engineering programme at Sabanci University. Dr. Saner Okan is an academic director of Sabancı University Composite Research Center since March 2022, and also a research faculty member at Materials Science and Nanoenginnering and Manufacturing technologies at Sabanci University since 2017. In addition, Dr. Saner Okan is co-founder of NANOGRAFEN Nano Technological Products Company. Dr. Saner Okan develops cost-effective and lightweight automotive composites parts reinforced by waste tire-derived Graphene NanoPlatelet with part producers and leading OEM partners. Dr. Saner Okan has an expertise in graphene, polymer nanocomposites, compounding, surface chemistry and electrospinning, recycling and upcycling, circular economy. She has more than 50 articles published in international journals, 8 book chapters, 2 patents and more than 50 conference papers in these fields.

Title: Sustainable graphene manufacturing from waste tires and its composite applications

Abstract: Upcycling is a significant concept to bring an end to the life cycle of materials and open various new application routes for nanomaterial production from waste sources. Nanografen provides an insight into the importance of sustainable graphene synthesis methods and aims to reduce the amount of waste being sent to the landfills by developing upcycling approaches of thermoset wastes like tires. When tires are landfilled and just sit under air, they release methane gas into the air, release chemicals to the water and ground and thus alter the ecosystem. Nanografen developed a scalable technology to produce graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) from recovered carbon black obtained from the pyrolysis of end-of-life tires by using recycling and upcycling technology. Nanografen becomes an official supplier of Renault together with Ravago and they developed OEM certified masterbatch to reduce glass fiber and mineral amount in polypropylene and polyamide based interior and exterior parts. The presence of surface oxygen groups directly coming from manufacturing process hinder graphene agglomeration in compounding process and also it acts as a nucleating, compatibilizing and co-reinforcing agent in the thermoplastic matrix and thus keep the mechanical integrity even decreasing main reinforcement in the matrix. Consequently, this technology initiates the mass production by lowering cost from raw material to the selected part and overcomes the needs by addressing greenhouse gas emissions with sustainable designs by integrated manufacturing technologies of injection, overmoulding, and joining techniques. To conclude, Nanografen’s novel and sustainable solution supporting by applying eco-efficient manufacturing technologies and using Life Cycle Assessment provides CO₂ emission reduction of at least 10% in each application by adopting eco-design and a circular economy approach.

Bio: Mamoun is a distinguished deep tech entrepreneur and award-winning founder, currently serving as the CEO and CTO of Graphmatech in Sweden. He leads a passionate and high-performing team, leveraging the power of graphene to enable and accelerate the green transition. Mamoun is driven by a passion for solving complicated challenges through innovation and leadership and converting technical breakthroughs into commercial values. 

Title: "Innovating with Graphene: Graphmatech's Solutions for a Cleaner and Diversified Future"

Abstract: Graphmatech, a Swedish start-up established in 2017 as a spinoff from Uppsala University, is at the forefront of the advanced materials industry, harnessing the transformative power of graphene technology. With a robust technology platform, the company is redefining possibilities in various sectors by offering specialized materials and cutting-edge solutions that are integral to the global green energy transition.

In a world driven by the urgent need for sustainable solutions, Graphmatech's focus on graphene-enhanced materials has positioned it as a player in the evolution towards cleaner energy sources. The company's innovative products span diverse applications including polymer-graphene materials for hydrogen transport and storage, materials tailored for 3D printing and high-precision industries, as well as graphene technology tailored for battery advancements.

By leveraging advanced graphene materials and modern manufacturing processes, the company works on contributing to the reduction of carbon footprints across industries. These groundbreaking materials not only enhance the efficiency of hydrogen transport and storage but also offer novel opportunities in high-precision manufacturing and additive printing processes, thereby revolutionizing the landscape of sustainable production. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerges as a focal point for deep tech solutions adoption. The UAE's commitment to sustainable development and its drive to diversify its economy align seamlessly with the transformative potential of graphene-enhanced solutions. Graphmatech recognizes the immense opportunities presented by the UAE's vision and aims to collaborate closely with local stakeholders through the research and innovation center for graphene and 2D materials (RIC-2D).

In this talk, we will delve into Graphmatech's journey from academia to a pioneering graphene technology force, highlighting its graphene-enabled breakthroughs that are instrumental in propelling the green energy transition. We will explore the diverse applications of the company's offerings, shedding light on the contributions to hydrogen transportation, precision manufacturing, 3D printing, and battery technology. Furthermore, we will underscore the strategic alignment between Graphmatech's innovations and the UAE's sustainability ambitions, showcasing how collaboration can accelerate the adoption of graphene-enhanced solutions and foster a cleaner, more resilient future.

Bio: Guy has spent over 20 years in highly technical sales environments developing bespoke solutions in naval defence, subsea, oil & gas, renewables, and industrial markets. A degree-qualified chemical and process engineer, he began his career as a Graduate with Continental AG in the tyre industry, developing expertise in rubber and plastics. Guy subsequently moved into advanced composites and engineered materials, and later in specialised gas equipment systems with Trelleborg AB.

Guy has significant experience in North America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia in both direct sales and growth of partner networks for sales and distribution. He joined the Levidian team in 2021 and leads their graphene team where they develop performance enabled materials to help reach NetZero.

Title: Graphene at the cutting edge of decarbonisation

Abstract: Graphene has a wide range of applications that will directly contribute to the decarbonisation of heavy industries like concrete and the enhancement of new energy infrastructure like batteries, amongst other use cases. Levidian’s proprietary production system, LOOP, produces graphene through the decarbonisation of methane. LOOP is a form of permanent carbon capture, producing a unique carbon negative graphene, with very few defects and a low CO2 footprint. Levidian’s first LOOP was deployed remotely at Khalifa University in the UAE in 2022 where it successfully decarbonised methane and produced a high quality graphene called G3.

Levidian has been focused on the development of graphene applications for infrastructure and other advanced materials such as concrete, mortars, paints and coatings, composites and more. Graphene can be used to increase material performance in mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. In partnership with organisations across the UAE, Levidian is actively exploring routes to commercialise graphene applications that will decarbonise our world.

Bio: Dr. Abusafieh is responsible for advanced materials business at Strata Manufacturing and R&D initiatives within UAE Clusters division of Mubadala. Dr. Abusafieh has over 25 years of industry experience in advanced materials & technology development across multiple industry sectors. His current role also involves supporting investment decisions in emerging technologies relevant to Mubadala Clusters’ growth strategy. His prior US employment includes Drexel University, Composite Optics Inc., Alliant Techsystems (ATK), Cytec, and Solvay. He has co-authored several patents and sits on several management & advisory boards. He led execution of several R&D-sponsored programs from NASA, ARFL, and other government agencies in the US and received various awards.

Title: Enabling Success with Advanced Materials Innovations

Abstract: Advanced materials continue to be a powerful tool for enabling advancement in various applications across many industries including mobility, healthcare, energy, computation & communications. The emergence of 2-D materials such as graphene’s and MXenes in recent years have introduced a new generation of solutions with enhanced performance. This presentation will provide examples of how advanced materials have been used to enable success in various applications and highlight future opportunities with specific eye on UAE’s recent initiatives in this domain.