6 September 2024 12:10 am Views - 63
From left: RIC2D Associate Director Commercialisation Dr. Ammar M.K. Jarrar, LOLC Group CEO Research and Innovation Manju Gunawardana, LOLC Group Deputy Chairman Ishara Nanayakkara, Khalifa University President Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, RIC2D Director Commercialisation and Special Projects Fahad Mohamed Rashed Alabsi and LOLC Group Deputy General Manager Business Acquisition and Development Imraz Iqbal
LOLC Advanced Technologies (LOLC AT), Australia, a subsidiary of LOLC Advanced Technologies (LOLC AT), Sri Lanka, has announced a strategic partnership with Khalifa University of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi.
This development builds on the memorandum of understanding signed in August 2023, which marked the official launch of the partnership between Khalifa University’s Research and Innovation Centre for Graphene and 2D Materials (RIC2D) and LOLC AT, Australia.
This association marks a significant step towards expanding the global availability of graphene technology, underpinned by high-quality graphite, which is a known for exceptional strength, flexibility and electrical conductivity. Graphite is also essential for the large-scale production of graphene, enabling its use in various high-tech industries, including advanced materials, electronics and renewable energy solutions.
LOLC AT is the parent company of Ceylon Graphene Technologies (CGT) in Sri Lanka, a leading entity in advanced materials. Established through a strategic alliance between the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) and LOLC Holdings PLC. Today, CGT has become a market leader in the production of high-quality graphene and with this partnership, CGT will now be the primary supplier of materials to RIC2D, leveraging the expertise and resources of LOLC AT across both Sri Lanka and Australia.
LOLC Group CEO Research and Innovation Manju Gunawardana stated, “Our nation’s exceptional raw material endows us with a significant edge within the graphene industry, positioning us to lead the way in producing innovative and high-quality materials for global markets.”
In conjunction with this development, RIC2D’s commercial arm, INTRATOMICS, will shift its focus towards commercialising cutting-edge graphene research. This initiative includes the establishment of a state-of-the-art graphene production facility in Abu Dhabi, the first of its kind in the Middle East. RIC2D will also oversee the operations of the new facility, including plant setup, cost management and material testing. The collaboration combines CGT’s proprietary technology with Khalifa University’s extensive resources, enhancing the production and technological capabilities of the venture.
Khalifa University Board of Trustees Vice-Chairman Homaid Abdulla Al Shimmari remarked, “By leveraging our combined expertise, this joint initiative will enable us to develop advanced materials using graphene and related products, ultimately supporting the UAE’s transition towards a more sustainable and diversified economy.”