PRINCE Saud bin Abdullah bin Thenayan Al Saud, chairman of Sabic and chairman of the Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu, has officially opened the company’s state-of-the-art Sabic Technology Centre (STC) in Bengaluru, India in a ceremony which marked a significant milestone for Sabic in India.

The centre, built with an initial investment of $100 million, is one of 17 Sabic global R&D centres of excellence. The STC, with an area of 187,000 sq m, is home to over 300 scientists from India – a critical mass of some of the best and brightest talent from this vibrant country.

In welcoming the state Governor, Government Ministers, state and national government officials to the inaugural event, Prince Saud thanked all for their efforts in helping create a cutting-edge research facility in Bengaluru and said: “We are extremely proud to be here, in a city that is a world-renowned centre for technology in India. Saudi Arabia and India have a long history of deep relationships. We believe in the future of India – a rapidly developing nation where partnership and inclusive development is a priority. India is an important market for us in Asia, which is why our investment here is significant.”

“From Sabic’s perspective, the key to success here involves partnership and cooperation among governments, scientists and the business sector to promote science, technology and innovation. Today, we are joined by our valued customers and business partners to achieve long term success.”

Echoing Prince Saud’s comments, Mohamed Al Mady, vice chairman and CEO said: ”Sabic as a company grounded in developing material solutions has innovation, ingenuity and collaboration at its core, helping us to achieve a deeper understanding of our customers and their business. This major centre in Bengaluru is an integral part of our global R&D strategy.

In this centre the scientists here are carrying out cutting-edge research into new platforms for next-generation materials across industry sectors including construction, clean energy, electrics and electronics, medical devices, transportation. Other initiatives include designing greener building materials to reduce environmental footprints and developing eco-friendly products in response to global megatrends and needs.”

Alongside another technology centre slated to open in China in early December, the Bengaluru facility builds on Sabic’s two existing dedicated application centres in the region – one in Moka, Japan, and the other in Sungnam, South Korea. With these centres, Sabic has 17 Technology & Innovation facilities globally including its centres in Saudi Arabia, the US, the Netherlands and Spain.

Ernesto Occhiello, Sabic’s executive vice president, Technology and Innovation, said: “We are gathering some of the best and brightest talent from India to shape the future of our R&D efforts. Both centres together host a critical mass of professionals and are an indication of Sabic’s commitment to be the preferred technology partner for Asian customers as well as the employer of choice for the best talent from the region.”

Janardhanan Ramanujalu, vice president, Sabic South Asia & ANZ said: “The launch of the Sabic Technology Centre in Bengaluru is a clear reflection of Sabic’s commitment to India, and is a very important milestone for us. The centre will therefore play a pivotal role in delivering innovative products and solutions, while harnessing local talent coupled with the infusion of hi-tech local expertise and knowledge into the country, including scientists and engineers who are returning from overseas.”