Cairo, 14 June 2009

Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), in cooperation with IBM Corp., celebrated today the launch of the first Nanotechnology Research Center in Egypt.

The celebration was held under the auspices and in the presence of Minister of Communications and Information Technology Dr. Tarek Kamel and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr. Hani Helal.

The center confirms the State's focus on research and development, while offering integrated scientific environment encouraging immigrant scientists to go back home and present their innovations in Egypt.

ITIDA CEO Dr. Hazem Abdelazim said that by establishing this center, Egypt is eager to begin with what others have finally realized. This target, he said, could be achieved by having a partnership with IBM.

Director of Science and Technology Development Fund (STDF) Dr. Ali Al-Shafie noted that the center depends in its operations on state-of-the-art equipment, adding that it will be the base for other similar facilities.

The launch of the new center has put into force a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in September 2008 among ITIDA, on behalf of Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), STDF, representing Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and IBM Corp.

The center operates in collaboration with Nile University and Cairo University. Nile University attracts Egyptian experts working abroad in the field, while Cairo University facilitates the main researchers specialized in alternative energies and water desalination. Ten Egyptian researchers have been hired to work at the center.

During the celebration, Dr. Kamel and Dr. Helal gave two speeches, highlighting the center as an important foundation for Egypt in scientific research that covers several fields.

Mr. Thomas Reeves, VP, IBM anticipated that such collaboration will have a very positive impact on Egypt’s competitiveness in a globally integrated economy.

The Nanotechnology Center aims at conducting research in fields that are related to and having an impact on the Egyptian industry in solar energy and water desalination.

Moreover, the center's research activities will include simulation and modeling software programs. It is expected to prepare generations of scientists for serving scientific R&D in Egypt and building the required skills in the diverse fields of global economies with a special emphasis on international services.