Abu Dhabi, UAE – October 2025
A memorandum of understanding signed earlier this year at the Quantum Innovation Summit in Dubai has evolved into one of the UAE’s most compelling examples of how vision, education, and innovation can shape the global future. The agreement between the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy (ADMA)—the region’s leading academic institution for mariners and an integral part of AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a global facilitator of trade, logistics, and industry—and Vernewell Group, an innovation enterprise specialising in quantum strategy, technology acceleration, and deep-tech commercialisation, laid the foundation for a strategic endeavour to integrate quantum technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) into the maritime domain.
Formalised in February 2025 during the Quantum Innovation Summit, the memorandum became a declaration of purpose to bridge research and industry, translating scientific potential into operational capability. The collaboration outlined a roadmap built on four pillars: developing quantum advisory frameworks to guide maritime transformation; launching joint research and pilot projects applying quantum and AI solutions to logistics and cybersecurity; creating training and capacity-building programmes to cultivate quantum literacy; and establishing a global platform to connect science, policy, and industry under one shared vision.
By October 2025, that vision materialised. The Quantum Maritime Conference 2025, hosted at ADMA’s newly inaugurated campus, marked a defining milestone for both institutions and for the UAE’s position as a leader in the next generation of maritime innovation. Held with the strategic support and sponsorship of AD Ports Group and organised and curated by Vernewell Group, the event transformed intent into measurable impact through a comprehensive programme that united research, technology, and real-world application.
In addition to hosting the world’s first international forum dedicated to the convergence of quantum technologies, AI, and maritime strategy, the conference launched two major innovation platforms: the Quantum Maritime Industry Challenge 2025 and the Research-to-Impact Competition 2025. These initiatives were designed to turn ideas into implementation, connecting academia, startups, and industry to develop quantum-driven solutions for navigation, logistics, emissions management, and maritime sustainability. Together, they formed the practical foundation of the conference’s mission, to create a living ecosystem of research, innovation, and enterprise that extends beyond the event itself.
Over two days, over 400 in person and online participants from more than 30 nations took part in the Quantum Maritime Conference 2025, including government officials, industry leaders, researchers, and innovators. The gathering featured forty distinguished speakers, among them Nobel Laureates, senior policymakers, and executives from leading technology companies. Keynote speakers included H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, who delivered an address on quantum resilience and national digital sovereignty, and Professor Sir Konstantin Novoselov, Nobel Laureate in Physics and co-discoverer of graphene, who spoke on the intersection of new materials, probabilistic computing, and industrial transformation. Together, they explored how emerging technologies are redefining the future of global shipping, ports, and naval operations, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a hub for technological leadership and maritime innovation.
In their opening remarks, Dr. Yasser Al Wahedi, President of Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, and Malak Trabelsi Loeb, Founder and CEO of Vernewell Group, articulated the deeper essence of the event. Their words reflected the UAE’s national vision of progress through knowledge, innovation, and leadership, and highlighted Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a global centre for science, technology, and maritime excellence. They spoke of education, research, and sustainability as the fundamental pillars of national development, and of quantum technologies and artificial intelligence as transformative enablers that redefine how industries operate, communicate, and evolve.
For both leaders, the conference represented the realisation of a philosophy that defines the UAE: Innovation guided by vision and grounded in education and collaboration forms the path to enduring progress. The Quantum Maritime Conference 2025, they affirmed, reflects the nation’s commitment to turning knowledge into capability, capability into competitiveness, and competitiveness into shared prosperity.
Among the outcomes, the launch of the Quantum and AI Blue Initiative (QAIBI) stood as the most significant milestone. Developed jointly by ADMA, AD Ports Group, and Vernewell Group, QAIBI connects education, research, and enterprise to accelerate innovation in quantum communication, optimisation, sensing, cybersecurity, and sustainable maritime operations. It establishes a long-term framework for collaboration that strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as the global hub for quantum-enabled maritime development.
Two pioneering demonstrations showcased practical applications already taking shape. ID Quantique presented a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network designed to secure ship-to-shore and port communications, while QuantumGate unveiled a quantum communication prototype that enhances operational accuracy and network integrity. These demonstrations underscored the importance of advancing efficiency, precision, and cybersecurity across the maritime ecosystem.
For Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, the conference reaffirmed its mission to lead maritime education, research, and digital transformation in the region. Under Dr. Yasser Al Wahedi’s leadership, ADMA continues to evolve from a maritime training institution into a global centre of scientific and strategic excellence, preparing professionals to guide the sector through rapid technological change. As part of AD Ports Group, ADMA embodies the Group’s broader commitment to advancing global trade through innovation, sustainability, and world-class education.
For Vernewell Group, the collaboration represents the continuation of a long-term mission to transform quantum science into applied impact. Since 2020, the company has pioneered quantum adoption through its Quantum Adoption Program under the QInnovision Consortium, bridging research, investment, and industry deployment. The creation of VerneX Quantum Valley, at the DIFC Innovation Hub, reinforces Vernewell’s commitment to deep-tech commercialisation and the advancement of innovation ecosystems in the UAE.
The journey from the signing of the MoU in Dubai to the closing session in Abu Dhabi reflects the UAE’s distinctive model of progress, a nation where foresight meets execution and where innovation is embedded in long-term vision. This trajectory aligns with the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, who has placed innovation, education, and sustainability at the core of national growth, and with the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, whose inauguration of ADMA’s new campus stands as a testament to the UAE’s enduring investment in knowledge and technology as foundations of prosperity.
As the Quantum Maritime Conference 2025 concluded, it was clear that this milestone is only the beginning. The launch of QAIBI, the Quantum Maritime Industry Challenge 2025, and the Research-to-Impact Competition 2025 marks the start of a sustained transformation that will continue to expand through research, education, and enterprise. This ongoing journey will strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as the capital of maritime innovation.
From a memorandum signed in Dubai to the establishment of a fully realised innovation ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, this story embodies the UAE’s vision—to imagine boldly, collaborate meaningfully, and lead decisively. The journey that began at the Quantum Innovation Summit and reached its first milestone through the Quantum Maritime Conference 2025 continues under the UAE’s broader national strategy for innovation and sustainability. As Abu Dhabi advances the work of QAIBI, the Quantum Maritime Industry Challenge, and the Research-to-Impact Competition, the nation reinforces its standing as a centre for scientific excellence and strategic leadership. This is the foundation upon which future industries will be built: intelligent, secure, and connected through the power of innovation.
About Vernewell Group
Vernewell Group is a global holding company managing a portfolio of ventures shaping the future of quantum technology, artificial intelligence, space, and deep tech. The Group steers and supports its UAE-based companies dedicated to advancing innovation and accelerating the adoption of transformative technologies across the region.
These companies and platforms are led by Vernewell Management Consultancies LLC, which oversees strategic initiatives and platforms such as the Quantum Innovation Summit, the QInnovision Consortium, and Quantum Universum Magazine. Vernewell Academy is a subsidiary focused on education and capacity building. At the centre of this portfolio is the VerneX Quantum Hub at DIFC, a collaborative platform connecting enterprises, researchers, and investors to pilot and scale quantum solutions across sectors. By promoting cooperation and supporting applied innovation, VerneX Quantum Hub contributes to the advancement of the UAE’s technological ecosystem and the practical integration of quantum technologies.
Through its flagship platform, the Quantum Innovation Summit, Vernewell Group has mobilised high-level engagement and initiated pilot collaborations that laid the groundwork for the Quantum Maritime Conference 2025. The Summit demonstrated Vernewell Group’s capacity to translate vision into sector-specific outcomes, paving the way for the focused maritime initiative developed with AD Ports Group and the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, both of which play central roles in advancing the UAE’s maritime innovation ecosystem.
As organiser of the Quantum Maritime Conference 2025, Vernewell Group brings this ecosystem into action to amplify the contributions of AD Ports Group and the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, positioning Abu Dhabi and the UAE as global leaders in maritime resilience, technological innovation, and the adoption of frontier technologies.
Media Inquiries
Press Office – Vernewell Group
Email: press@vernewellgroup.com
Phone: +971 58 540 1480
Website: www.quantummaritimeconference.com
