Bookmark 06-04-2014

Solvay Opens Research & Innovation Center at Korean University

Solvay S.A., Brussels, Belgium, has opened its new Research & Innovation (R&I) center at Ewha Womans University in South Korea, putting the Group in a prime position to work closely with key Asian customers and universities to develop products for the booming battery, electronics and car markets.

Ewha is the world's oldest and largest women's university with origins in 1886 (figure: Ewha)

The R&I center in Seoul is Solvay's fourth in Asia and will employ some 60 scientists by the end of 2015. Based at the campus of Ewha, the world's oldest and largest women's university with origins in 1886, Solvay will have access to a strong national and international network with universities and research institutes. Moreover, it brings Solvay close to leading industrial players and customers in the strategically located country and region, which facilitates partnerships to develop products and solutions according to their specific needs.

The R&I center will harbor Solvay's new electronics laboratory to develop Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED) display and lighting technologies, following its recent acquisition of Plextronics. Research will also target materials for the high-growth, high value-added markets of lithium-ion batteries to enable optimal energy storage, and the development of new materials that reduce energy use of cars. The opening of the center comes after Solvay and Ewha signed their agreement in 2011. It also includes the move of Solvay's Global Business Unit Special Chemicals to the campus, from where it will serve as a hub in the region. Special Chemicals' leading-edge technologies already serve Asia's fast-growing electronics market.

Solvay and research-oriented Ewha will also partner with other top universities for long-term scientific projects. Solvay will sponsor scholarships for highly talented women, provide international internships for Ewha students and take part in key scientific conferences. This partnership positions Solvay among the main foreign players within South Korea's scientific eco-system.