Faisal Al Bannai is an Emirati leader in defence technology and advanced research, Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EDGE Group. Career Faisal Al Bannai is currently Chairman of the Board of Directors of EDGE Group, an advanced technology group based in the UAE that develops disruptive solutions for defence and beyond. EDGE, a state-owned conglomerate, was publicly made known by Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. Alongside his position at EDGE, Al Bannai is Secretary-General of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), the overarching entity mandated to shape a research and development ecosystem in Abu Dhabi and drive the strategic R&D priorities of the UAE to position the country as an international research and development hub. He is also a Member of the Board of Trustees of Khalifa University. In his role as Secretary-General of the ATRC, Al Bannai is also a member of the Emirates Research and Development Council, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Council aims to strengthen the governance of the UAE’s research and development sector and to unify efforts and monitor performance in this field. Technology Innovation Institute (TII) (2020–Present) In November 2020, Al Bannai announced the launch of the Technology Innovation Institute (TII). TII is a global research and development centre focused on applied research and new-age technology. As the applied research arm of ATRC, TII has seven initial research centres focused on advanced materials, autonomous robotics, cryptography, digital security, directed energy, quantum, and secure systems. Al Bannai works closely with Dr Ray O. Johnson, TII’s CEO in leading its 375+ scientists towards realizing TII’s goals. ASPIRE (2020–Present) Also in November 2020, Al Bannai announced ASPIRE, ATRC’s programme management pillar. Working with cross-sector industry stakeholders, ASPIRE focuses on fast tracking research solutions to market through shaping and supporting challenges and international competitions. Al Bannai works closely with Dr Arthur Morrish, ASPIRE’s CEO in allocating funds to research projects. Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) (2020–Present) In August 2020, Al Bannai was appointed as the Secretary-General of the Advanced Technology Research Council, the overarching entity mandated to shape the research and development ecosystem in Abu Dhabi as well as direct the UAE’s research priorities. In this role, he is responsible for leading the strategy to create Abu Dhabi’s R & D ecosystem and strengthen its