ADGM Academy & PGIM Launch RealAssetX Innovation Centre in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, UAE – July 17, 2025 - ADGM Academy (ADGMA) has partnered with PGIM, the global investment management business of Prudential Financial, Inc., to launch the RealAssetX Abu Dhabi Innovation Centre, a cutting-edge lab focused on sustainable technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and deep tech in the real asset industry.

Scheduled to open in September at the ADGM Academy offices, the center is designed to bring together global expertise to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities across real estate, infrastructure, smart cities, and related sectors.

Focus Areas of Innovation

The RealAssetX Centre will zero in on three transformative areas:

Climate technologies for decarbonisation and environmental resilience
AI-driven decision-making to enhance asset management and investment strategies
Breakthrough applications, including blockchain for real estate and smart infrastructure systems

Role & Activities

PGIM and ADGMA will jointly guide and oversee the centre’s strategy and operations. It will offer a full suite of innovation activities, from ideation labs and hackathons to pitch competitions, incubator programs, and accelerator initiatives—bringing together academia, startups, and tech companies

Leadership Perspectives

Alessandro Borgogna, Advisor – Cluster Planning and Development at ADIO, said, “Abu Dhabi is driving the next stage of innovation by integrating AI, sustainability, and digital transformation across global industries. RealAssetX Abu Dhabi demonstrates our commitment to strengthening the financial services sector and positioning the emirate as a launchpad for deep tech solutions that deliver value at scale.”

Mansoor Jaffar, CEO at ADGM Academy and Research Centre, said, “We are committed to building a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures early-stage ventures and accelerates breakthrough technologies in real assets. Our partnership with PGIM, supported by ADIO, will enable the RealAssetX Centre to drive innovation, support sustainable development, and position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for deep tech and smart infrastructure.”

Mohammed Abdulmalek, Head of the Middle East at PGIM, commented, “By combining PGIM’s global investment expertise with ADGMA’s commitment to talent and technology, we are creating a platform that will drive sustainable growth, unlock new value, and position the region at the forefront of deep tech and AI-driven transformation.”

Launching RealAssetX Abu Dhabi marks a major milestone in the region’s real estate technology evolution. By merging global investment expertise with local innovation, the centre aims to fast-track development of advanced tech solutions in climate resilience, AI-enhanced asset management, and smart city applications—reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a leader in real asset innovation.