Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) announced that Gradiant, a water and wastewater solutions unicorn founded at MIT, has selected Abu Dhabi as its headquarters and global innovation centre for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).
The cooperation agreement between ADIO and Gradiant was signed during COP28 UAE, aligning Abu Dhabi with leading innovators focused on developing global climate change solutions.
The collaboration positions Abu Dhabi at the forefront of an industry with substantial growth potential, given the anticipated value of the global water and wastewater treatment market, which is expected to reach Dh4 trillion by 2030. With a valuation of Dh3.6 billion, Gradiant’s decision to base its operations in Abu Dhabi solidifies the emirate’s role in this rapidly expanding sector.
“Our partnership with ADIO amplifies our commitment to developing sustainable water solutions across the EMEA region,” said Prakash Govindan, Chief Operating Officer at Gradiant. “Leveraging our proven success in Singapore, we aim to position Abu Dhabi and the UAE at the forefront of innovation in water technology.”
Gradiant in Abu Dhabi
ADIO offers Gradiant comprehensive support and connections within Abu Dhabi’s ecosystem and international trade opportunities. Gradiant, headquartered in Boston and boasting over 1,000 global employees, specialises in addressing the challenges of industrialisation, population growth, and water stress. Its technologies cater to essential industries such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, renewable energy, refining, and chemicals, helping optimise operations and minimise water consumption.
Gradiant’s solutions encompass process and digital approaches for water and wastewater facilities, supported by nearly 250 patents covering various technologies. Leveraging AI, Gradiant’s Smart Ops product enables plant performance optimisation and asset management through machine learning.
“Gradiant’s focus on serving clients across key sectors aligns closely with Abu Dhabi’s economic priorities, and its operations in the emirate will be a catalyst for growth across many different areas,’ said Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO. “As part of its wider Water Security Strategy, the UAE is working to increase the reuse of treated water, which is a goal ADIO is proud to support through strategic collaborations with key global players like Gradiant.”
The establishment of Gradiant’s global innovation centre in Abu Dhabi aims to develop and commercialise novel water treatment technologies. Collaborations with Khalifa University, Masdar, and local academic institutions will enhance the emirate’s innovation ecosystem. These partnerships will focus on advancing Gradiant’s RO Infinity and Carrier Gas Extraction (CGE) technologies, among other pioneering water treatment solutions.
ADIO’s efforts also extend to fostering sustainable energy solutions in Abu Dhabi, including partnering with Siemens Energy AG to establish its Middle East Customer Innovation Centre in the emirate. As one of four global centres, it aims to accelerate the commercialisation of innovative solutions in the UAE and contribute to global net-zero goals.
