SRC and ATIC chart course for semiconductor research in Abu Dhabi

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, USA & ABU DHABI, UAE: Semiconductor Research Corp. (SRC) and the Advanced Technology Investment Co. (ATIC) announced a university research partnership serving the needs of the semiconductor industry and the future technology ecosystem in Abu Dhabi.

SRC is the world's leading university-research consortium for semiconductors and related technologies, and ATIC is a technology investment company wholly owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi that is focused on making significant investments in the advanced technology sector, both locally and internationally.

The partnership involves ATIC sponsorship of Abu Dhabi university research focused on low power microelectronic applications. As part of the agreement, SRC and its member companies will increase their research activities in Abu Dhabi in partnership with key Abu Dhabi education institutions.

The announcement follows a May conference co-hosted by SRC and ATIC in Abu Dhabi (MEES Forum) that also focused on the development of minimum-energy electronic systems.

“For almost 30 years, the semiconductor industry has been sponsoring precompetitive basic research at universities,” said SRC president Larry Sumney. “As the semiconductor industry has expanded globally, the sponsorship of basic research has spread beyond US borders to Europe and Asia. Now that the semiconductor industry is active in the Middle East, it is natural for SRC to establish a relationship with ATIC in Abu Dhabi.”

Rafic Makki, executive director of the Office of Planning and Strategic Affairs at Abu Dhabi Education Council, said: "Abu Dhabi Education Council's Higher Education Strategy recognizes the importance of a strong research and development culture in improving quality and aligning education with Abu Dhabi's national priorities. Our partnership with a renowned organization like SRC will contribute greatly towards developing a viable research ecosystem in Abu Dhabi."

“The development of Abu Dhabi as a hub for leading-edge semiconductor capabilities, research and development is enabling the Emirate to realize its vision to diversify its economy away from dependency on oil and gas,” said Sami Issa, ATIC’s executive director leading Abu Dhabi Ecosystem Development. “ATIC is working on developing an R&D ecosystem for advanced technology, and our partnership with SRC is a definitive step in this direction.”