TAQA Water Solutions, INTRATOMICS (a Khalifa University Enterprise Company) and MAGMASign MoU for Pilot Study to Convert Abu Dhabi’s Biosolids into Graphene
Tripartite initiative for circular economy in wastewater management, targeting the up-cycling biosolids into high-value advanced 2D materials
Abu Dhabi, UAE, [06 MAY 2026]: INTRATOMICS Advanced Material Technologies, a Khalifa University Enterprise Company (KUEC) and commercial spin-off of the Research & Innovation Center for Graphene and 2D Materials (RIC2D), today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MAGMA and TAQA Water Solutions to undertake a pilot study for the first programme globally for the direct up-cycling of dried biosolids into graphene and graphene-related materials (GRMs). The programme will deploy INTRATOMICS’ proprietary STRAT WX™ Reactor, powered by Instant Volumetric Conversion (IVC™) technology, at INTRATOMICS’ 2DWORKS pre-industrial facility in Abu Dhabi. This pilot study will assess technical feasibility, feedstock suitability, material yields, and the commercial potential for scaling the programme in Abu Dhabi.
TAQA Water Solutions is Abu Dhabi’s designated wastewater utility provider, managing 41 sewage treatment plant catchment centres across a 13,000-kilometre network and treating over 1.3 million cubic metres of wastewater daily. The Company has already achieved significant milestones for water reuse making biosolids the final frontier of its circular economy strategy. Abu Dhabi’s wastewater infrastructure generates an estimated 60,000 tonnes of dried biosolids annually, a material currently requiring active management and disposal. This initiative will include the provision of 400 kilograms of sludge by TAQA Water Solutions for the duration of the study, which has the potential to convert that liability into a sovereign supply of advanced materials.
IVC™ is a rapid, non-combustion conversion process that structurally transforms carbon-rich waste feedstocks into graphene and GRMs through near-instantaneous volumetric energy delivery, without incineration, combustion emissions, or landfill. The STRAT WX™ Reactor is specifically engineered for waste-derived feedstocks including biosolids, plastics, coke, fly ash, and petrochemical sludge, and is designed for continuous industrial-scale throughput as part of INTRATOMICS’ broader STRAT REACTOR™ platform. MAGMA will support feedstock preparation and logistics to ensure materials meet up-cycling process specifications. The resulting GRMs have active applications in coatings, construction composites, filtration, and energy storage, sectors where global graphene demand is growing rapidly.
The initiative is structured as a Public-Private Partnership bringing together a government-linked utility provider, a deep-tech university spinoff enterprise company, and a UAE-based industrial operator. It directly supports the UAE’s In-Country Value (ICV) Programme by building domestic advanced materials manufacturing capability from indigenous waste streams, and aligns with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy, UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, and Abu Dhabi’s circular economy objectives.
“This MoU marks a significant step in demonstrating a complete circular value chain, from waste origin through controlled up-cycling to qualified industrial material. TAQA Water Solutions generates the feedstock at utility scale; our STRAT WX™ platform up-cycles it at industrial scale. Together with MAGMA, we are establishing a new category of sovereign advanced materials production in Abu Dhabi.”
Fahad Mohamed Rashed Al Absi, CEO, INTRATOMICS Advanced Material Technologies
“[MAGMA quote, to be added]”
Mark Anthony Woods, CEO, MAGMA
Eng. Abdul Wahab Sharif, Chief Business Development Officer, said: “ This collaboration reflects our commitment to expanding how water utilities create value beyond their core operations. By transforming biosolids into advanced materials such as graphene, we are unlocking new economic and environmental opportunities from what was once considered waste. Through this partnership, we are advancing our circular economy ambitions, supporting national sustainability goals, and contributing to the development of future-ready industries in Abu Dhabi. Together, we are not only managing resources more responsibly, but also shaping a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable water sector.”
The MoU was signed by Fahad Mohamed Rashed Al Absi, CEO of INTRATOMICS; Mark Anthony Woods, CEO of MAGMA; and Eng. Abdulwahab Sharif , Chief Business Development Officer of TAQA Water Solutions, in the presence of [H.E./Representative Name, Title].
ENDS
About INTRATOMICS™
INTRATOMICS™ Advanced Material Technologies is a Khalifa University Enterprise Company (KUEC) and the commercial spin-off of RIC2D at Khalifa University of Science and Technology. The company develops and manufactures graphene, graphene-related materials, and advanced metal oxides through its proprietary STRAT REACTOR™ technology platform, operating from its 2DWORKS pre-industrial facility in Abu Dhabi.
About MAGMA
MAGMA (RWM, Sole Proprietorship L.L.C.) is a UAE-based company specialising in waste upscaling and sustainable resource recovery, transforming biosolids, coke, ash, and other industrial byproducts into valuable raw materials. Located in Ruwais, MAGMA combines advanced processing technologies with sustainable practices to advance circular manufacturing across the region.
About TAQA Water Solutions
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, TAQA Water Solutions, previously known as SWS Holding, is a leading company specialising in sustainable water solutions to transform one of our most valuable natural resources, contribute to sustainable economic development and improve the quality of life. As part of TAQA Group, TAQA Water Solutions has a focus on providing innovative solutions to manage water resources and is committed to delivering world-class solutions that meet the needs of industries and communities.
Aligned with the UAE's commitment to the Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative and to the United Nations SDGs, TAQA Water Solutions acts as a catalyst for promoting smart and sustainable growth through the power of collaboration, mainly B2B and G2G partnerships.
TAQA Water Solutions is the sole entity behind all wastewater collection, treatment, and reuse in the Emirate. With over 1,334 Million m3 collected daily through an extensive ~13,000 km network supported by over 260 pumping stations and 41 treatment plants, the company works towards reducing the pressure on natural water resources and promote sustainability and value creation.
About RIC2D
Established in 2022 at Khalifa University of Science and Technology, RIC2D is a Government of Abu Dhabi investment in the scientific development and commercial deployment of graphene and 2D materials technologies. It forms a core part of Abu Dhabi’s advanced materials innovation ecosystem. www.ku.ac.ae/ric-2d
About Khalifa University Enterprise Company (KUEC)
KUEC is the business and investment arm of Khalifa University of Science and Technology, dedicated to fostering innovation, commercialisation, and entrepreneurship in line with the University’s mission. Its subsidiaries include Beyond Education, Ankabut, and INTRATOMICS.
