Creating Technology that is Indispensable: GE International

Sustainability should be the basis for any technology that intends to make a long-lasting impact. According to Dr Dalya Al Muthanna, who is the president for the UAE region and global chief of Strategy and Operation at GE International Markets, businesses that intend to deliver new technology and products should achieve commitment towards the Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria.

GE is continuously striving towards improving its standards based on the quality of sustainability. Many types of research are being done in GE to make their business and technology sustainable. Presently there are over 1000 researchers and creators working in GE to achieve this goal. The company holds almost 375 patents and their researches are supported by their partners.

AIR2WATER or Additively Manufactured, Integrated Reservoir to Extract Water project is one of the main projects that GE is currently working on. It is research work done in the area of water scarcity. Water supply in the UAE region is provided through the desalination process. The desalination process is a power-consuming one and needs to be replaced with a process that is less energy-intensive. GE is channelling its research to produce a more energy-efficient method for water supply in the UAE region that would meet the UN Sustainable Development Goal for Clean Water and Sanitation.

GE’s top researchers has partnered with engineers and innovators from the University of California at Berkley, the University of Chicago and the University of South Alabama. They are trying to create a device that is tangible and handy and make clean water from thin air. This device is designed to be light enough to be lifted by four people. It makes use of innovative materials and thermal processes to provide water in areas facing water scarcity daily.

GE is also trying to provide better healthcare facilities that are based on the principle of sustainability. It has acquired Zionexa which is a successful innovator in the field of oncology and neurology biomarkers. Partnering with Zionexa, GE is trying to invest in the area of recurrent Breast Cancer and Lung monitoring and assessment.

‘Digital Womb’ is another project from GE, which tries to enhance the child care facilities especially in the field of neonatal care. They are intending to create sensors that monitor the development and growth of children without intruding in their life in any way. This will help further researches in the field of neonatal care and will enhance the care provided for premature babies.

GE has also developed technology that could diagnose viral pneumonia due to COVID-19. It has also aided in the field of ventilator production, thus playing an important role in the field of health care during the pandemic. Currently, they are trying to create sensors that could detect any kind of virus, including the covid virus. These sensors, called the ‘Virus Hunters’ is designed to be embedded in smartphones.