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Press Release
Siemens to invest EUR10m for development centre at QSTP
DOHA , 15 June 2010:Siemens has announced plans to launch a development centre at Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) marking a major move for the company in its drive to develop local access to specialist technology and engineering disciplines.
The centre will include an industry research laboratory that will undertake research in fields such as transportation solution system design, operability and maintainability; integrated mobility strategies such as light rail vehicles for extreme climates, and energy assessment for light rail systems. Siemens also plans to set up a clinical training facility to deliver courses for clinical applications for doctors and technicians in Qatar and the region.
"The collaboration between Siemens, QSTP and our clients is a testament to the commitment Siemens is making to the development of applied research in the fields of engineering and medicine," QSTP executive chairman Dr Tidu Maini said.
Pointing out that Siemens has a prestigious commercial track record in Qatar, he expressed his belief that the establishment of the development centre will make a significant contribution helping QSTP support the delivery of the Qatar National Vision 2030.
"The establishment of this centre in Qatar is a natural progression of our historic relationship with the Middle East region - a key region for Siemens," said chief technology officer Professor Hermann Requardt.
When launched at the end of this year, the centre will host technology sessions on clinical innovation, focused on specialists from the healthcare industry. The overall target is to reach approximately 600 candidates by the end of 2013
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Meanwhile, the centre will also host a research team from Siemens' Mobility Division. Among their targets is a planned study on the impact of extreme environmental conditions on urban mobility solutions, such as trams and trains.
In undertaking this work Siemens will develop a collaboration with the Williams Technology Center (QSTP-LLC) on the interaction of Mobile Energy Storage Units in light rail systems.
The results of this work are expected to help in the development of mobility solutions, which are optimised to withstand the challenging climate and soil conditions of the Gulf region.
"Our historic strengths in developing engineering innovation are continued in every part of our organisation," Requardt said adding over 30,000 researchers ensure that Siemens remains at the leading edge of developing technologies to meet the infrastructure development needs of rapidly evolving societies.
Siemens has maintained a continuous presence in the Middle East region for over 150 years and in the Gulf region since the 1950s. During this time, the company has been an active partner in building infrastructure to help support the region's development.
The company entered Qatar in 2005 and since has played an important role in infrastructure building in the country. Among these are a sizeable number of contracts to help build the electrical transmission and distribution system in Qatar.
"We have a successful history in Qatar and there is yet more we can do here," said Siemens Qatar CEO Martin à Porta adding that the new centre is part of the company's commitment to the country.