From Sri Lanka to Middle East, LOLC sets new era in graphene technology

From left: Research and Innovation Centre in Graphene and 2D Materials Associate Director – Commercialisation Dr. Ammar M.K. Jarrar, LOLC Group CEO – Research and Innovation Manju Gunawardana, LOLC Group Deputy Chairman Ishara Nanayakkara, Khalifa University President Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, RIC2D Director-Commercialisation and Special Projects Fahad Mohamed Rashed Alabsi, and LOLC Group Deputy General Manager – Business Acquisition and Development Imraz Iqbal

LOLC Advanced Techn-ologies (LOLC AT), Australia, a subsidiary of LOLC Advanced Technologies (LOLC AT), Sri Lanka, has announced a strategic partnership with Khalifa University of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi. 

This development builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in August 2023, which marked the official launch of the partnership between Khalifa University’s Research & Innovation Centre for Graphene and 2D Materials (RIC2D) and LOLC AT, Australia.

This association marks a significant step towards expanding the global availability of graphene technology, underpinned by high-quality Graphite, which is a known for exceptional strength, flexibility, and electrical conductivity. 

Graphite is also essential for the large-scale production of graphene, enabling its use in various high-tech industries, including advanced materials, electronics, and renewable energy solutions.

LOLC AT is the parent company of Ceylon Graphene Technologies (CGT) in Sri Lanka, a leading entity in advanced materials. Established through a strategic alliance between the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) and LOLC Holdings PLC. Today, CGT has become a market leader in the production of high-quality graphene, and with this partnership, CGT will now be the primary supplier of materials to RIC2D, leveraging the expertise and resources of LOLC AT across both Sri Lanka and Australia.

Commenting on the alliance, LOLC Group CEO of Research and Innovation Manju Gunawardana stated, “Sri Lanka is uniquely positioned as the only country in the world to produce the highest quality graphite, which is both authentic and unparalleled. In today’s industrial landscape, graphite has emerged as one of the most valuable raw materials, utilised across every sector. It is our responsibility and privilege to harness the exceptional graphite; we extract from our country and transform it into the highest quality graphene. By doing so, we aim to provide the world with superior start-up materials that leverage Sri Lanka’s distinct advantage in advanced manufacturing. Our nation’s exceptional raw material endows us with a significant edge within the graphene industry, positioning us to lead the way in producing innovative and high-quality materials for global markets.”

In conjunction with this development, RIC2D’s commercial arm, INTRATOMICS, will shift its focus towards commercialising cutting-edge graphene research. This initiative includes the establishment of a state-of-the-art graphene production facility in Abu Dhabi, the first of its kind in the Middle East. RIC2D will also oversee the operations of the new facility, including plant setup, cost management, and material testing. The collaboration combines CGT’s proprietary technology with Khalifa University’s extensive resources, enhancing the production and technological capabilities of the venture.

Khalifa University Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees Homaid Abdulla Al Shimmari remarked: “INTRATOMICS’s partnership with LOLC Advanced Technologies is a testament to Khalifa University’s consistent commitment to driving innovation and advancing the development of cutting-edge materials. By leveraging our combined expertise, this joint initiative will enable us to develop advanced materials using graphene and related products, ultimately supporting the UAE’s transition towards a more sustainable and diversified economy.”

For LOLC AT, this partnership represents a strategic expansion into the Middle East, solidifying its presence in the region. For Khalifa University, it aligns with their mission to advance technological innovation and contribute to the UAE’s economic development. Together, by combining Sri Lanka’s world-class graphite resources with Khalifa University’s research capabilities, this joint venture is set to establish new standards in graphene production and commercialization, while enhancing the region’s influence on the global stage.