The Ras Al Khaimah government in the UAE and the Swiss Centre for Electronics and Microtechnology Inc (CSEM) have signed a joint venture agreement to set up a technology centre in the UAE.
A joint statement said the centre would advance innovation and incubation of technologies and process improvements for industrial and entrepreneurial partners in the UAE and the region.
“The CSEM-UAE Innovation Centre will provide state-of-the-art applied research facilities in the fields of micro/nanotechnology, microelectronics, systems engineering, information and communication technologies,” it said.
“By offering its high-tech know-how, competencies and expertise, the CSEM-UAE innovation centre will anticipate and fulfil the needs of industrial partners in the region. In particular, it will supply customised microsystems, microelectronic designs and system solutions, as well as services for high-tech coatings and new materials.
“The agreement ushers in a strategic partnership for the UAE to strengthen its presence in the high technology arena and in dispersion and upgradation of technologies for UAE resident businesses.”
Signing the agreement were Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and Thomas Hinderling, chief executive officer and member of executive board of CSEM.
CSEM operates in the Swiss cities of Neuchatel (headquarters), Zurich and Alpnach, near Lucerne. It is also internationally active in many European countries as well as overseas, especially in the US and Japan with a large portfolio of industrial, governmental and European projects.
Key business activities include applied research work, product development, prototype development and low-volume production. Over the past few years, CSEM has generated several independent spin-off businesses and start-up companies in related fields
The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has seen in the recent past several large investments in the manufacturing sector.
Recent large-scale investments include the joint venture between RAK Ceramics and the US’ Laticrete International Inc for the manufacture of tile and stone adhesives and Falcon Technologies, a CD/ DVD Rom manufacturing company. RAK Ceramics is also in the process of expanding its plants.
