Media Center
NEWS RELEASE
23 February 2010, ABU DHABI
Contacts:
Hill & Knowlton: Stephen Reid, +971 509201227, stephen.reid@hillandknowlton.com
ATIC: Hanan Harhara, +971 (0) 2 413 0009, hanan.harhara@atic.ae
Masdar Institute, In Collaboration With Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC), To Offer World-Class Master's Program
ABU DHABI - February 23, 2010 - The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, the Middle East's first graduate research institution dedicated to alternative energy, environmental technologies and sustainability, and the Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC), today announced an Abu Dhabi-based, world class, research- centric Master's in Microsystems degree program that will begin in the fall 2010 school year.
Developed in collaboration with the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the new program's coursework and curriculum will also provide joint research opportunities for faculty. Through this partnership, ATIC will support the development of a semiconductor "clean room" and associated laboratories at Masdar Institute's facility to be located in Masdar City, the world's first sustainable city, fully powered by renewable energy.
"This program is an important milestone for both partners as it will contribute to building highly skilled human capital for Abu Dhabi which is making a significant investment in semiconductor manufacturing in an effort to create a knowledge-led economy, " said Dr. John Perkins, Provost of Masdar Institute.
"The academic structure at Masdar Institute is dynamic in nature so that it can respond to Abu Dhabi's need of transforming its economy from being a technology importer to a technology exporter. The world class infrastructure for research and teaching being established through this partnership at Masdar Institute will benefit Abu Dhabi and the renewable energy industry," added Dr. Perkins.
"Energy is one of the most critical issues facing the world," said Ibrahim Ajami, Chief Executive Officer of ATIC. "Semiconductors play a key role in all phases, from energy generation - especially renewable energy generation - to distribution and consumption. Advances in semiconductor research can significantly impact the globe's energy footprint, an issue of critical importance that can help make Abu Dhabi a future hub of semiconductor innovation."
The Microsystems MSc graduates of Masdar Institute will have globally-relevant skills. The coursework, developed in collaboration with MIT and with the support of ATIC, will include modules on nanoprocessing technology, digital systems laboratories, integrated microelectronic devices and the physics of micro-fabrication. As part of the program, the research being conducted in collaboration with the semiconductor industry will provide Masdar Institute faculty and students with the opportunity to develop, pilot and scale solutions applicable to solving the problems of energy supply, demand and climate change.
Set to commence in the 2010 academic year, the program in its first year will be open to 20 students, and will be taught by world class faculty covering a highly specialized technical curriculum. The infrastructure developed to deliver the curriculum is both international in both inspiration and application.
About Masdar Institute of Science and Technology
The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (MI), is a not-for-profit, post-graduate research institute, dedicated to alternative energy, environmental technologies and sustainability developed with the support and collaboration of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, is part of the Masdar Initiative, a multi-faceted initiative of the Abu Dhabi Government aimed at the development, deployment, and commercialization of advanced energy solutions.
About Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC)
The Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC) was created in 2008. A technology investment company wholly owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi, ATIC is focused on making significant investments in the advanced technology sector, both locally and internationally. Its mandate is to generate returns that deliver long-term benefits to
the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
ATIC seeks to leverage the unique advantages it enjoys as an investor from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to identify and realize long-term investment opportunities in the highly competitive and capital-intensive advanced technology sector.These advantages include significant and reliable capital, a patient investment philosophy, and a subsequently long-term investment horizon. For more information about ATIC visit www.advancedtechnologyic.com
