Evonik sets up first Asia research hub

EVONIK is to build its first Asian research hub in Singapore, with a specific focus on functional surfaces and additive manufacturing.

The hub will begin operations in 2018 and will employ around 50 staff. Evonik says that the hub will host local and international experts and will help to build an R&D ecosystem in the area. The environment will be designed to foster creativity and collaboration but also to generate sustainable business growth, as part of Evonik’s R&D development plans.

The research hub will be based in an area of Singapore called Biopolis, which is a centre for research and development activity in the south Asian country. A number of public and private research institutions are based in Biopolis and Evonik says it will be able to use the existing R&D value chain there, making synergies within the scientific research community. The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) is supporting the hub’s development.

“Evonik’s choice of Singapore as the location for this research hub is a statement of confidence in our research capability and availability of skilled talent,” said Beh Swan Gin, chairman of EDB. “We look forward to partnering Evonik in this initiative, where one of the topics will be additive manufacturing, that will support Singapore’s efforts in advanced manufacturing as well as further strengthen Singapore’s position in R&D and technologies in Asia and globally.”

Evonik Resource Efficiency chairman Claus Rettig said that the research hub demonstrates Evonik’s commitment to expanding its R&D footprint in Asia and reflects Asia’s growing significance in global innovation.