In a significant move to boost technological innovation and industrial growth, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have formed a joint venture to enhance graphene production and its applications. Inovartic Investment Lanka Ltd., a collaboration between Sri Lanka’s Apex Asia Holdings and UAE-based Inovartic Investment LLC, has set its sights on accelerating the advanced manufacturing of graphene and graphene-based products across Sri Lanka and Abu Dhabi.
This initiative represents a bold step toward strengthening ties between the two countries, positioning Sri Lanka as a leader in technological innovation within the region. The partnership, supported by Abu Dhabi University (ADU) and the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC), aims to push the boundaries of innovation in the advanced materials sector, with graphene at the center of this transformative collaboration.
Graphene: The Material of the Future
Graphene, often dubbed the “material of the future,” is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. It boasts exceptional properties, including high electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, flexibility, and thermal resistance. These characteristics make it an essential material in industries such as electronics, semiconductors, healthcare, biotechnology, transportation, and environmental conservation. As a result, graphene’s potential is enormous, offering innovative solutions for a wide range of applications.
Recognizing this potential, the joint venture between Inovartic Investment Lanka and Inovartic Investment LLC aims to harness graphene’s capabilities for economic and technological advancement in both Sri Lanka and the UAE.
A Collaborative Effort: Sri Lanka and UAE
Inovartic Investment Lanka, co-founded by Sri Lanka’s Apex Asia Holdings and UAE’s Inovartic Investment LLC, was created to lead the charge in graphene production. The joint venture’s goal is to establish Sri Lanka as a regional hub for graphene manufacturing, while also contributing to Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a global leader in cutting-edge industries and technological innovation.
Speaking on the importance of this collaboration, Daham Arangalla, the Founder and Director of Inovartic Investment Lanka, highlighted the venture’s potential to create a robust ecosystem for innovation. “This consortium establishes a fully functional ecosystem to effectively promote and enhance innovation and technological advancement in this field,” Arangalla said. He further emphasized that the venture would not only strengthen ties between Sri Lanka and the UAE but also open up global synergies, positioning Sri Lanka as a key player in the technological landscape.
Arangalla also noted that the joint venture would enable significant advancements in research, training, and knowledge exchange, helping to propel Sri Lanka to the forefront of technological innovation in the region.
The Role of Abu Dhabi University and SLINTEC
A key aspect of this partnership is the collaboration between Abu Dhabi University (ADU) and the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC). These institutions will play a crucial role in driving research and development in graphene technology. By combining their expertise, ADU and SLINTEC aim to unlock new opportunities for technological innovation and create a foundation for long-term growth in advanced material manufacturing.
The involvement of these academic and research institutions underscores the importance of knowledge exchange and collaboration in advancing cutting-edge technologies. SLINTEC, known for its research in nanotechnology and advanced materials, brings valuable expertise to the table, while ADU’s support enhances the venture’s reach and impact across both countries.
A Vision for the Future: Graphene’s Economic Impact
The joint venture is not just about technological advancement; it also has significant economic implications for both Sri Lanka and the UAE. Saif Aldarmaki, Chairman and Co-Founder of Inovartic Investment Lanka, emphasized the transformative potential of graphene manufacturing. “This Joint Venture will serve as a cornerstone for the future of advanced materials manufacturing, paving the way for innovative solutions and significant economic impact for both economies,” he said.
Graphene’s unique properties allow it to be used in a wide range of industries, making it a key player in sectors like electronics, semiconductors, healthcare, and even environmental conservation. By investing in graphene production, Sri Lanka and the UAE are positioning themselves as leaders in these industries, which are critical for future economic growth.
Local Resources and Sustainable Development
One of the standout features of this joint venture is its focus on leveraging local resources in Sri Lanka. The partnership has secured access to Sri Lanka’s vein graphite, a natural resource that is essential for producing graphene. The plan includes setting up pre-processing facilities in Sri Lanka to convert vein graphite into graphene, which will then be exported to international markets.
This approach not only enhances the value of Sri Lanka’s natural resources but also supports sustainable development. By processing graphene locally, the joint venture is contributing to the growth of Sri Lanka’s manufacturing sector, creating jobs, and fostering economic development.
Shawn Gajasinghe, Chairman of Apex Asia Ltd. and Co-Founder of Inovartic Investment Lanka, reiterated the importance of this initiative. “The consortium’s potential to drive significant advancements in research, training, and knowledge exchange is immense. This initiative will propel Sri Lanka to the forefront of technological innovation in the region,” Gajasinghe said. His words reflect the optimism shared by the stakeholders involved in this venture.
Global Synergies and Future Prospects
The Sri Lanka-UAE joint venture is not only focused on local development but also aims to create global synergies. By working closely with international partners, the collaboration seeks to tap into global markets and bring cutting-edge technologies to the forefront. The support from Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) further strengthens the partnership’s global reach.
ADIO, in particular, has been instrumental in promoting research and development in graphene-supported products. Its involvement ensures that the joint venture has the backing of key players in the UAE’s economic and technological landscape, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s broader goals of becoming a hub for innovation.
Looking ahead, the joint venture has the potential to transform both the Sri Lankan and UAE economies by creating new industries, generating jobs, and fostering innovation. As graphene technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for its application are limitless, and this collaboration positions both countries at the cutting edge of this exciting field.
Conclusion: A New Era of Technological Collaboration
The joint venture between Sri Lanka’s Apex Asia Holdings and UAE’s Inovartic Investment LLC marks a pivotal moment in the development of advanced materials manufacturing in the region. By focusing on graphene production and leveraging local resources, the partnership aims to drive technological innovation, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.
The involvement of Abu Dhabi University and SLINTEC ensures that this collaboration is rooted in research and development, with a strong focus on knowledge exchange and training. As Sri Lanka and the UAE work together to unlock the potential of graphene, they are setting the stage for a new era of technological collaboration that will have a lasting impact on both economies.
With the support of key institutions and government bodies, the Sri Lanka-UAE graphene processing partnership is poised to become a cornerstone of the region’s future industrial landscape. This joint venture represents not only a win for both countries but also a significant step toward global leadership in advanced materials manufacturing.
