Masdar Institute and Khalifa University launch cutting-edge R&D program for next generation of telecommunications standards

Two of Abu Dhabi’s leading R&D institutions, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology and Khalifa University, have entered into a partnership with the Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) and GLOBALFOUNDRIES to develop the next generation of light-based data transmission (photonics) and wireless network standards (5G).

The partnership is part of an innovative three-year program that will see the launch of a Center of Excellence on Integrated Photonics, which leverages each institution’s strengths in research, materials science, and product development.

The research initiative is designed to support the further development of GLOBALFOUNDRIES’ technology and create commercial solutions for the telecommunications and electronics markets. The program will be funded by a grant from Mubadala Development Company and will be based at both Masdar Institute and Khalifa University. The Semiconductor Research Corporation, known for its extensive experience in fostering quality academic research, will help manage the program and ensure global research standards are met.

The launch event was attended by Dr. Steve Griffiths, Vice President for Research and Interim Associate Provost, Masdar Institute, Dr. Rafic Makki, GLOBALFOUNDRIES Executive Fellow and Senior Vice President, and Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President, Khalifa University.

Dr. Griffiths of Masdar Institute said: “This strategic partnership and the leading role of Masdar Institute faculty members illustrates our commitment to advancing research and human capital development in photonics and 5G communications. We believe this partnership with Khalifa University, SRC and GLOBALFOUNDRIES will create a wide range of positive outcomes for the UAE in terms of developing innovations and capacity building in the semiconductors sector, which is critical to the country’s innovative knowledge economy transition.”

Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, said: “Khalifa University is dedicated to supporting the UAE’s vision to create a successful knowledge based economy, and one of the ways we do this is by partnering with other leading institutions and organizations in order to spur research and development in key areas. Photonics and wireless networks are essential to the development of next generation technologies, and advancements in them are vital if we want technology to continue to advance.  We look forward to the developments this partnership brings.”

“We have been very impressed with the quality of research delivered by Mubadala funded SRC university programs in Abu Dhabi,” said George Gomba, Vice President, Technology Research at GLOBALFOUNDRIES.

“GLOBALFOUNDRIES is committed to an aggressive research roadmap that continually pushes the limits of semiconductor technology. We see great value in close collaboration with leading Abu Dhabi universities to drive future technological breakthroughs in connectivity solutions and educate the next generation of innovators.”

According to the agreement, the program will feature close collaboration between the UAE faculties and GLOBALFOUNDRIES researchers, with built-in industry internships for students at Masdar Institute and Khalifa University.