
Technology Innovation Institute joins global partners to launch OpenSTX Foundation
Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research arm of the Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), today announced its founding membership in the newly launched OpenSTX Foundation, a global initiative hosted by the Linux Foundation. The OpenSTX Foundation aims to establish a vendor-neutral, open industry standard for Synchronous Transmissions (STX), a transformative wireless protocol designed to deliver ultra-reliable, secure, and energy-efficient communications for industrial applications.
The OpenSTX Foundation brings together a coalition of global academic and industry leaders to standardize next-generation STX protocols. These protocols enable multiple devices to transmit simultaneously with precise synchronization, significantly improving network reliability, reducing latency, and optimizing power usage. Such capabilities are essential for emerging applications in industrial IoT, smart cities, real-time asset tracking, and emergency response systems.
The initiative holds particular promise for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, where the rapid growth of industrial and smart infrastructure projects demands resilient and scalable wireless systems.
Michael Baddeley, Principal Researcher at TII and Chairperson of the OpenSTX Foundation, said: 'When launching the OpenSTX Foundation, we were looking for a platform that could support both rigorous technical collaboration and global inclusivity. The Linux Foundation gave us exactly that—a proven framework for open, vendor-neutral standards that empowers contributors across academia, startups, and global enterprises. It's the right foundation for scaling STX into an industrial-grade wireless standard.'
The Foundation's steering committee brings contributors from Graz University of Technology, Imperial College London, University of Trento, SKF CNEA, RedNodeLabs, Fly4Future, and Technische Universität Darmstadt, combining deep expertise from both academia and industry.
TII's involvement reinforces its mission to drive innovations and solidify Abu Dhabi's position as a global hub and center of excellence for technological development. The OpenSTX Foundation welcomes industry players, researchers, and engineers to participate in shaping the future of wireless communications.
Learn more and join the movement at: https://www.openstxfoundation.com
ABOUT TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION INSTITUTE (TII):
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is the dedicated applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). TII is a pioneering global research and development center that focuses on applied research and new-age technology capabilities. The Institute has 10 dedicated research centers in advanced materials, autonomous robotics, cryptography, AI and digital science, directed energy, quantum, secure systems, propulsion and space, biotechnology, and renewable and sustainable energy. By working with exceptional talent, universities, research institutions, and industry partners from all over the world, TII connects an intellectual community and contributes to building an R&D ecosystem that reinforces the status of Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a global hub for innovation.
For more information, visit www.tii.ae
PRESS CONTACTS:
Jinan Warrayat – jinan.warrayat@tii.ae
tii@edelman.com
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Zawya
15 minutes ago
- Zawya
Thawani Pay and Ominvest unveil ‘Ominvest Plus' for enhanced employee lifestyle benefits
Muscat: In alignment with its strategic vision to invest in the well-being of its human capital and foster meaningful private-sector partnerships, Thawani Pay has signed a strategic agreement with Oman International Development & Investment Company (Ominvest) to launch the "Ominvest Plus" initiative - an exclusive discount and offers platform tailored for Ominvest employees and their families. The agreement was signed by Majid Al Amri, Founder and CEO of Thawani Pay, and Abdulaziz Al Balushi, Group CEO of Ominvest, marking a significant step forward in employee-focused benefits under Thawani's 'Sama' corporate offers platform. The 'Ominvest Plus' platform unlocks a curated selection of offers across diverse lifestyle categories, including restaurants, hotels, wellness services, and automotive care. Designed to provide exceptional convenience, the card enables users to redeem unlimited offers through the Thawani app, with the flexibility to complete transactions via the app or through other preferred payment methods. The platform will be available exclusively to Ominvest employees and their families, ensuring a seamless and rewarding experience integrated into their everyday lives. In this context, Majid Al Amri, CEO of Thawani Pay said: 'At Thawani, our mission is to lead the fintech sector by delivering smart, simple, and secure payment services today's launch of the 'Ominvest Plus' exemplifies this commitment. By bringing exclusive lifestyle benefits directly to Ominvest employees and their families through our Sama platform, we're not only enhancing convenience but also redefining how fintech innovations can uplift human capital. This partnership underscores our belief that when technology, purpose, and care come together, we create ecosystems that drive real impact.' Commenting on the partnership, AbdulAziz Al Balushi, Group CEO of Ominvest said: 'At Ominvest, we continuously seek opportunities to create synergies across our diverse group companies and leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance value. 'Ominvest Plus' is a prime example of how we integrate innovation into our strategy to benefit our most valuable asset—our people. This collaboration with Thawani not only introduces tangible lifestyle benefits for our employees and their families but also reinforces our commitment to a tech-driven future and fostering a connected ecosystem within the Ominvest group. This collaboration with Thawani Pay aligns perfectly with our vision of building a future-ready enterprise.' Waleed Al Yarubi, Chief People, Corporate Communication and Sustainability Officer, added: 'This initiative is a testament to Ominvest's unwavering commitment to cultivating a thriving, people-first culture. This initiative is strategically aligned with our broader goals of sustainability and ESG, demonstrating our commitment to the well-being and growth of our human capital. By empowering our employees with smart, lifestyle-enhancing solutions, we are not only increasing engagement and retention but also building a more resilient and impactful organization from within.' This initiative underscores Thawani Pay's forward-looking approach to innovation and its role as a catalyst for transforming workplace experiences across the private sector. By aligning with institutions such as Ominvest, Thawani is helping shape dynamic and progressive work environments that prioritize employee well-being. Through thoughtful, tech-driven collaborations, the company continues to redefine how organizations can uplift their teams by offering smart benefits that are both practical and inspiring. As Thawani Pay continues to expand its corporate solutions and deepen its engagement with key stakeholders, it remains steadfast in its mission to build value-driven ecosystems where innovation and human impact go hand in hand. The launch of 'Ominvest Plus' stands as a testament to this vision by delivering meaningful benefits through collaboration, technology, and purpose.


Zawya
15 minutes ago
- Zawya
Mobily recognized among the world's top 5 telecom operators
Mobily continues to drive strong value creation, positioning itself as a key player in the global telecom landscape. Deployment of AI positioned as an essential driver for operational excellence and competitive differentiation. BCG analysis serves as a guiding framework for telecom leaders aiming to navigate the complexities of an evolving digital ecosystem and capitalize on emerging opportunities for sustainable growth and industry leadership. Riyadh — Saudi Arabia's Mobily has entered the ranks of the world's top 5 telecom operator value creators, according to the Boston Consulting Group's (BCG) 2025 Telco Value Creators Report. The milestone is attributed to $7 billion in value creation from 2020 to 2024, representing a successful transformation driven by digital innovation and strategic positioning. The BCG report, titled "Returns May Be Declining, but Opportunity Is Calling," advocates for transformative growth in the telecommunications sector, despite prevailing industry challenges. According to the analysis, Mobily ranks 4th based on its five-year Total Shareholder Return (TSR) from 2020 to 2024, which stands at 19%. This achievement signifies a market capitalization of $11 billion. The competitive edge for six of the top ten telecom performers from emerging markets stems from regulatory conditions and investment approaches that successfully yield a Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) outpacing the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) by 60 basis points. Kaustubh Wagle, Managing Director & Partner, BCG said: "Developments in network structures and the introduction of innovative products, driven by the adoption of AI, have paved the way for significant value generation for telecommunications companies such as Mobily. These technological advancements harness AI's capabilities to significantly enhance the telecom sector, marking a pivotal moment for operators globally to re-evaluate their conventional approaches, considering the prospects that lie ahead towards the 2025 outlook. The research shows that by adopting progressive strategies, leading telecom firms illustrate a practical plan for substantial value growth, providing a model for others to follow in achieving success within the current market environment." The report underscores the critical necessity for telecom operators to enhance value generation through a multifaceted approach: optimizing physical and network assets, adopting new cost-efficient network architectures, and innovating with next-generation products and marketing strategies. How GCC Telcos Are Leading the Shift AI and digital services are emerging as pivotal elements in the transformation toward smarter, more efficient enterprises. Investments by operators in automation, customer intelligence, and tailored AI solutions for enterprises underscore this pivotal shift. This is further propelled by strategic alliances with both hyperscale cloud providers and local startups, driving scalable, bespoke enterprise AI solutions. In parallel, sovereign cloud and data security initiatives are important within the GCC region. Operators are forging partnerships with global technology corporations to establish compliant, local cloud infrastructures, reinforcing data residency and sovereignty—critical components for adherence to compliance standards and the monetization of AI and analytics in regulated industries. "For telecom companies, it's crucial to act quickly and with insight, utilizing AI as a key enhancer of innovation, operational effectiveness, and customer interaction. Mobily's success underscores the value of adopting a forward-thinking and innovation-led investment strategy, highlighting the significance of transformative mergers and acquisitions as well as the adoption of cutting-edge marketing strategies,' added David Panhans, Managing Director and Senior Partner at BCG The deployment of next-generation networks, such as 5G and Open RAN, are geared toward achieving operational efficiencies and incubating new revenue streams, including low-latency services integral to smart city and IoT frameworks. Efforts in edge computing and low-earth-orbit satellite partnerships aim to extend connectivity, granting telcos the opportunity to exploit untapped markets. Regarding monetization, the focus on enterprise modernization, the bundling of AI-driven services, and an infrastructure aligned with AI optimization are key components for maximizing the returns from investment in next-generation technologies. Further investments in next-gen network infrastructures align with the GCC's ambition to advance smart cities and assert digital leadership. The Path Forward: A New Model for Value Creation Telecommunications operators could benefit from a proactive approach to optimizing their strategic assets. This involves the monetization of infrastructural assets and the simplification of business models. By exploring shared-models and cloud-based solutions for non-core assets like fixed-line networks and data centers, telecommunications operators can enhance efficiency. Additionally, mergers and acquisitions are pivotal in solidifying market presence and achieving operational synergies, driving industry consolidation towards increased profitability and market leadership. Cost and Capital Expenditure (CapEx) optimization remains at the heart of this transformative agenda, with AI and automation serving as principal levers. AI enables significant CapEx efficiency through infrastructural innovations such as Open RAN, which mitigates vendor lock-in and lowers associated expenditures while additional network-sharing arrangements can generate substantial annual cost savings. As 5G deployments mature, redirecting cash flows from these efficiencies to facilitate growth or shareholder dividends underscores a disciplined CapEx strategy. The development of next-generation network architecture takes center stage, featuring cloud-native systems, Open RAN, and edge computing. These technologies are essential to reducing costs, fostering technological flexibility, and enabling advanced applications for smart cities and the Internet of Things. In concert with this architectural evolution, sales and marketing strategies are undergoing a transformative shift towards AI-empowered personalization, enhancing interactions across both B2C and B2B domains. The blend of automated and human-driven sales interactions represents a hybrid model where AI-addressable inquiries streamline customer service, reserving high-value interactions for expert human engagement. AI is playing a dual role, reducing operational costs and accelerating growth, enabling personalized consumer offerings and sector-specific B2B tools. The telcos poised for superior performance are those merging these strategies: modernizing network and operational infrastructure, refining asset portfolios to concentrate on areas with the highest potential, and innovating customer engagement through data-driven insights. As per BCG's report, embracing cloud-native technologies, facilitating edge computing for IoT applications, and executing on network-sharing agreements, have clear-cut implications for the evolution of the telecom sector's operational and competitive dynamics. About Boston Consulting Group Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we help clients with total transformation—inspiring complex change, enabling organizations to grow, building competitive advantage, and driving bottom-line impact. To succeed, organizations must blend digital and human capabilities. Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives to spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting along with technology and design, corporate and digital ventures—and business purpose. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, generating results that allow our clients to thrive.


Zawya
15 minutes ago
- Zawya
SICO Capital announces strategic voluntary transition in management of SICO Saudi REIT
SICO Capital, the fund manager of SICO Saudi REIT , announced today that unitholders of SICO Saudi REIT have approved its decision to voluntarily withdraw from managing the fund and voted to appoint Wasatah Capital as its successor, subject to final approval from the Saudi Capital Market Authority. The resolution was passed during a meeting of the REIT's unitholders which was held virtually on 26 June 2025 via Tadawulaty. This decision to transition out of the Fund's management came after a thorough internal strategic review process at SICO Capital, which also appointed its new CEO last month. Management views the move as a strategic step in the best interest of unitholders and the long-term sustainable growth of the fund. Wissam Haddad, CEO of SICO Capital, said, 'This transition represents a new chapter for the REIT and reflects SICO Capital's ongoing commitment to unitholders. We received significant interest from several fund managers, these requests were handled with full transparency and objectivity, underscoring our commitment to ensuring a smooth and well-governed transition that safeguards unitholder's interest and supports price stability. We are confident that this step will support the long-term sustainability of the fund's success, in compliance with the Capital Market Law, its implementing regulations, and other relevant laws and regulations.' -Ends- About SICO Capital SICO Capital is a full-service financial services firm that offers a comprehensive range of services and products to individual, institutional and corporate clients. SICO Capital has a paid-up capital of SAR 60.0 million and is incorporated as a closed joint stock company (CJSC) in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) under Commercial Registration No. (1010259328). SICO Capital is licensed by the Capital Market Authority (CMA) under Authorization No. (08096-37) and commenced operations on 20/06/2009G (previously under Muscat Capital). Our comprehensive licenses allow us to offer the full spectrum of capital market activities such as Arranging, Advising, Custody, Dealing, Managing Investments and Operating Fund. SICO Capital manages SAR 7 billion in AUMs (as of March 31, 2024G) across mutual funds and discretionary portfolios, we aim to service our clients to achieve their investment objectives through our research driven investment process, insightful financial advisory while operating in a client-centric, high-performance culture. SICO Capital is 100% owned by SICO BSC (c), Bahrain, SICO is a leading regional asset manager, broker, and investment bank with more than USD 7 bn in assets under management (AUM). Media Contact: Ms. Nadeen Oweis Head of Corporate Communications, SICO Email: noweis@