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In 2022, over 20 startups from Skolkovo, Russia’s leading innovation hub, made significant strides in exporting their cutting-edge products to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Among these ventures were suppliers of vertical farms for cultivating vegetables and berries and developers of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) solutions.
Since 2017, Skolkovo has been actively fostering ties with the UAE and the broader Middle Eastern region, facilitating companies’ access to the Middle Eastern markets. The Skolkovo Foundation’s Vice President for International and Regional Development, Yuri Saprykin, explained the foundation’s efforts in assisting Russian startups in reaching the UAE market. Skolkovo’s partnership network in the UAE includes approximately 90 different companies and governmental institutions.
One of the notable Skolkovo residents that made strides in the UAE is iFarm, a provider of agrotechnological solutions for growing fresh salads, berries, and vegetables in automated vertical farms. The company has already constructed two farms in the Emirates and registered in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) free zone.
Another Skolkovo resident, Drone Solutions, partnered with the Middle Eastern startup Ahoy and Tawazun holding in 2022 to launch a joint project. Drone Solutions is a leader in manufacturing automatic control systems, cargo delivery, and territory analysis using drones. The company specializes in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and automatic drone control stations. Additionally, another Skolkovo resident, YWL Robotics, developed fully autonomous UAVs for logistics automation using artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. YWL Robotics established its branch in Abu Dhabi and, in 2021, signed a contract with an Emirati software provider to optimize warehouse spaces using innovative drone technologies.
Moreover, Promobot, known for its robot Dunyasha featured at the previous St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (PMEF), has been supplying its solutions to the UAE since 2018, including services for “Expo.” Also, in collaboration with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, the Future Laboratory launched a pilot project for a robotic system called Rope Walker, designed for diagnosing and servicing overhead power lines.
The successful export of Russian startups’ innovative products to the UAE has had several significant consequences. Firstly, it has opened up new avenues for economic cooperation between Russia and the UAE, fostering growth and collaboration in the technology and startup sectors. The partnership between Skolkovo and the UAE has proven to be mutually beneficial, enabling Russian startups to access the flourishing Middle Eastern market while also contributing to the UAE’s technological advancements.
Secondly, the integration of vertical farms and drone solutions in the UAE’s agricultural and logistics industries has enhanced efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. The adoption of advanced agrotechnological methods through iFarm’s vertical farms has allowed the UAE to produce fresh produce locally, reducing dependency on imports and promoting food security.
Simultaneously, the implementation of UAVs and AI-driven logistics solutions by Drone Solutions and YWL Robotics has optimized cargo transportation and warehouse management. This has streamlined supply chains, reduced operational costs, and increased overall productivity in various sectors, including e-commerce, shipping, and transportation.
Overall, the export of vertical farms and drone solutions from Russia to the UAE signifies a remarkable leap in technological collaboration, driving economic growth and fostering sustainable development in both countries.
