NYU Abu Dhabi Hosts Second Annual Innovators’ Dinner

On November 13th, NYU Abu Dhabi hosted the second annual NYU Abu Dhabi Innovators’ Dinner to recognize and encourage the commercialization of groundbreaking ideas developed through NYU Abu Dhabi research. Hosted by NYU’s Technology Opportunities & Ventures (TOV) and the NYU Abu Dhabi Office of Research Translation and Entrepreneurship (RTE), the evening brought together leading university innovators, entrepreneurs, and members of the NYU Abu Dhabi community who support research translation. Together, they celebrated NYU Abu Dhabi’s successful commercialization activity from 2025.

The event took place at NYU Abu Dhabi’s Torch Club, beginning with a reception and followed by a celebratory dinner. Opening remarks were delivered by Marc Sedam, Vice President of Technology Opportunities & Ventures, and Dr. Sami Bashir, NYU Abu Dhabi’s Vice Provost for Research Translation and Entrepreneurship, highlighting the University’s successful commercialization efforts, industry partnerships, and notable achievements over the past fiscal year. Additional leadership remarks were provided by Dr. Fabio Piano, NYU Abu Dhabi Interim Vice Chancellor, and John Tate, Chief Executive Officer of Tamkeen LLC, which plans, develops, and delivers projects on behalf of the Government of Abu Dhabi.

Ahmed Ellaithy, Director of Technology Transfer, then led the ceremony honoring contributors to commercialization, including first-time disclosers of innovations in FY 2025, as well as inventors on all U.S. patents that have issued since NYU Abu Dhabi was founded in 2010.

“The NYU Abu Dhabi Innovators’ Dinner is a great opportunity to celebrate the groundbreaking ideas emerging from this campus and the growing impact of the research community,” says Sedam. “By recognizing the innovators and first-time disclosers who contributed to this year’s commercialization successes, we underscore NYU Abu Dhabi’s commitment to building a vibrant ecosystem that turns discovery into real-world solutions, strengthening global partnerships, supporting economic development, and advancing technologies that improve lives.”

NYU Abu Dhabi is already planning next year’s Innovators’ Dinner and looks forward to celebrating the innovations and commercialization accomplishments of FY 2026.

Are you an NYU Abu Dhabi innovator with a groundbreaking idea? Visit the TOV website to learn more about innovation disclosure and how TOV can help turn your research into real-world impact.