Women at QRDC: Powering the UAE’s Quantum Future Through Innovation, Inclusion, and Excellence

At the Quantum Research and Development Centre (QRDC), innovation is not defined by technology alone. It is shaped by people, purpose, and national vision. Guided by the UAE’s commitment to a knowledge-based economy, QRDC integrates advanced science, digital transformation, and human capital to strengthen the country’s leadership in quantum and photonic sciences. At the heart of this progress stands a group of women whose expertise and dedication are helping translate research into real-world impact.

This journey is reflected in the leadership of Lina Ahmed, Business Development Manager at QuantLase. As the first woman to join a team largely composed of scientists and engineers, her entry marked a meaningful step toward inclusion in advanced and emerging technologies. Over time, her role evolved alongside the laboratory’s growth. She has led strategic initiatives across quantum photonics, biomedical imaging, photonic AI chips, and renewable energy, while representing QuantLase internationally and strengthening global collaborations. Her contributions have also supported operational excellence, including the achievement of ISO 9001 certification, reinforcing QuantLase’s transformation into a national research centre aligned with the UAE’s innovation priorities across healthcare, security, communication, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.

Supporting this strategic direction is a multidisciplinary team of women professionals whose work spans engineering, science, operations, and digital systems.

Renuka Menon, Product Engineer at QRDC, works at the critical intersection of theory and application. Through advanced circuit design, multilayer PCB development, embedded systems, and precision 3D modelling, she enables rapid prototyping and system integration. Her work plays a key role in accelerating the transition of quantum and optical sensing research from laboratory environments to deployable solutions.

At the organisational core, Priya Makan, Human Resources professional at QRDC, ensures that people, processes, and purpose remain aligned. By supporting talent management, workforce planning, and organisational culture, she reinforces the understanding that sustainable innovation depends as much on people and governance as it does on scientific discovery.

At the frontier of photonic intelligence and quantum-inspired research, Dr. Fatma Abbass, Photonic Scientist, contributes within the Photonic Intelligence Computing Lab. Her work on optical trapping systems for precision cell analysis and laser-based diagnostics strengthens experimental capabilities while promoting cost-effective innovation. These efforts support the UAE’s expanding role in advanced diagnostics and quantum-enabled healthcare technologies.

Bridging research with digital accessibility, Greeshma Unni, Software Engineer, plays a key role in transforming complex scientific outputs into structured, user-friendly digital platforms. Through data processing and system development, she helps translate advanced quantum research into accessible formats, supporting visibility, adoption, and scalability in line with the UAE’s digital transformation agenda.

Within the research ecosystem, Ruchi Basoya, Assistant Scientist, focuses on nanophotonic and quantum-based detection strategies for nanoplastics. By combining smart materials with high-precision laser sensing, her work addresses emerging challenges in environmental safety and biomedical imaging. Her journey reflects a research culture that empowers women scientists to grow, contribute, and lead with confidence.

In the area of secure quantum communication, Dani Dileep, Optical Engineer, contributes to the development of free-space and fibre-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems. Her work supports experimental setup, system optimisation, and performance monitoring, strengthening the UAE’s future-ready cybersecurity and communication infrastructure while encouraging greater female participation in advanced science and engineering.

Together, these women represent the living embodiment of the UAE’s innovation-driven, knowledge-based economy. Their roles differ in function, yet their purpose is shared. At QRDC, they are not only advancing quantum science. They are shaping a future where innovation is inclusive, impactful, and powered by diverse talent aligned with national progress.

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