Science and technology company, Merck KGaA (Merck) has announced the establishment of its Sustainability Centre in District 2020, which will focus on capacity building through educational and research focused programs. It will also aid in the provision of collaborative research and development spaces with the aim to support a new generation of innovators.

According to a statement from the company, the centre will be home to a start-up incubator, focused on nurturing the growth of new innovative businesses in the sustainability space. Moreover, it will collaborate with academia, research institutions, multi-sectoral businesses, governmental and non-governmental entities, as well as community organisations and media for a cross-sector strategy, it said.

HE Reem Al Hashimy, minister of state for International Cooperation and director general of Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “We are excited about our partnership with one of the world’s leading companies in science and technology and about the prospect of making a tangible and measurable impact on people’s lives around the world. This is a testament to the convening power of Expo and an Expo legacy based on technology, innovation and the vast array of opportunities.”

Merck also added that District 2020’s diverse ecosystem will serve as an ideal environment to develop new technologies and partner with organisations to drive innovation and sustainability in the science and tech fields.

Meanwhile, Dr Stefan Oschmann, chairman of executive board and CEO of Merck added: “This centre will work towards encouraging the knowledge exchange among like-minded individuals, build local capacity with special focus on women and youth, and support start-ups that have the potential to deliver sustainable solutions with the aim to improve people’s lives through science and technology.”

“With such an emphasis on nurturing innovation and collaboration, District 2020 provides the ideal ecosystem for us to do so. Merck’s presence will help to underline Dubai and the UAE’s vision to continue creating a competitive knowledge economy underpinned by sustainable applications of science and technology,” he said.

Marjan Faraidooni, chief pavilions and exhibitions officer, added: “Merck’s announcement reinforces District 2020’s growing status as a community for start-ups, SMEs, and the most innovative leaders of industry to connect and create transformative ideas.”

“A collaborative ecosystem, District 2020 is the ideal location for multinational brands such as Merck to set up a global hub due to the mixed-use community’s global location, easy accessibility, and advanced physical and digital infrastructure,” she concluded.

Merck is the most recent organisation to join District 2020, following Siemens, Accenture, and Shanghai-based Atlas Capital Holding.