"UAE throws $1bn at UK start-up to cut construction CO2"

" \r\n UAE throws $1bn at UK start-up to cut construction CO2 \r\nA Dubai-based firm\u2019s $1bn investment in technology developed by a\u00a0 University of Manchester start-up \u00a0is tipped to be a turning point in the commercialisation of graphene and its potential to tackle sustainability challenges.\r\n\r\nThe recently announced joint venture between Quazar Investment and Graphene Innovations Manchester (GIM) will develop and mass manufacture environmentally friendly building materials which are designed to slash carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions.\r\n\r\nIt is a \u201cseminal moment\u201d in the material\u2019s commercialisation, claims James Baker, CEO of Graphene@Manchester, the University of Manchester\u2019s research facility where GIM is headquartered. It \u201cdemonstrates huge confidence in [graphene\u2019s] potential \u2026 to help lead our transition into a net-zero world,\u201d he adds.\r\n\r\nConsisting of a single atomic layer of graphite, graphene is the world\u2019s thinnest, lightest and strongest material, according to the American Chemical Society. Since it was first identified by scientists at the University of Manchester in 2004, graphene has been used to coat small goods such as shoes and tires, improving performance and durability.\r\n\r\nThe Quazar-GIM deal, however, is one of the first attempts to commercialise graphene at scale. \u201cThe $1bn investment makes it possible for large-scale manufacturing of sustainable products,\u201d said GIM\u2019s CEO, Vivek Koncherry, adding: \u201cIf you want to create a factory that can change the world, you can\u2019t do it with $1m or $10m.\u201d\r\n\r\nThe joint venture, which is being registered as a company in the UAE, will develop and produce sustainable, graphene-based construction products based on GIM\u2019s technology. These include a type of concrete that requires no water, and can be made from recycled plastic and other materials; and graphene-enhanced tanks and pipes to store and move hydrogen with minimal leaks.\r\n\r\nUnder the agreement, which was announced on April 11, Quazar will contribute at least $1bn towards the new company. It is among the largest partnership agreements within the UK\u00a0 university ecosystem .\r\n\r\n Graphene goals \r\n\r\nThe potential of GIM\u2019s technology to tackle environmental challenges and support the UAE government\u2019s sustainability goals was one factor behind Quazar\u2019s investment decision, said its chief financial officer, Sameer Salgar.\r\n\r\nThe deal deepens the UAE\u2019s decade-long drive to exploit graphene\u2019s sustainability potential by partnering with the University of Manchester\u2019s graphene ecosystem. In 2014, Abu Dhabi\u2019s state-owned renewables company Masdar provided \u00a330m to sponsor a Graphene@Manchester building. In 2021, the UAE government provided a $100m grant to Dubai-based Khalifa University to establish a graphene research and innovation centre. Last November, the two\u00a0 universities \u00a0signed a partnership to boost funding and collaborate on graphene innovation.\r\n\r\nGIM\u2019s technologies, specifically its waterless concrete, is \u201ca perfect market fit\u201d for the UAE, said Steven Griffiths, senior vice president for research and development at Khalifa University. \u201cLook around the world for a country that\u2019s growing very rapidly, building lots of things that require concrete, has water scarcity \u2026 and is a major producer of plastics,\u201d he said, pointing to the emirates.\r\n\r\n Growing from Manchester \r\n\r\nGIM\u2019s partnership with Quazar differs from the typical\u00a0 university spin-out\u00a0 model, whereby early stage investors provide capital in exchange for equity. GIM will remain a UK business, and will continue to be majority-owned by Mr Koncherry with minority stakes held by investors in North America and Switzerland.\r\n\r\nA $1bn collaboration between a UK university start-up and investor is \u201crelatively rare\u201d, according to Henry Whorwood, head of research and consultancy at data provider Beauhurst. Mr Baker describes it as a \u201cpowerful model\u201d that \u201cpreserves the intellectual property in the core company, but enables it to move very quickly in [an overseas] territory.\u201d Mr Koncherry is talking to potential customers and investors regarding a UK manufacturing plant, and plans to expand into Europe and US using the partnership model.\r\n\r\n\u201cWe want to remove cement from construction,\u201d said Mr Koncherry, noting that cement produces 8% of global CO 2 \u00a0emissions. \u201cOne country alone can\u2019t make the difference; it\u2019s a global effort.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n "

"UAE throws $1bn at UK start-up to cut construction CO2"

African Airlines Record 9.4% Growth In Air Cargo Demand In July 2025 – IATAAMP

South African President Ramaphosa Launches G20 Taskforce to Tackle Global Wealth Inequality Amid US AbsenceAMP

Burkina Faso’s Nationalization Rattles West Africa’s Gold SectorAMP