SiNova Semiconductor to establish microelectronics design center at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)

SiNova, which caters primarily to the telecommunications sector, announced today that it is joining DSO.

In addition to locating its corporate headquarters at the DSO site, SiNova is planning a design hub that will facilitate the sharing of advanced and sub-micron design methodology, design tools, end-to-end design and manufacturing capabilities for wireless, multimedia and mixed-signal processing systems.

Currently, SiNova is focused on developing digital application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) and Systems on a Chip (SoC) solutions for wired and wireless communication networks, power-line communication systems, Internet access, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). The fabless semiconductor firm has specifically targeted the Middle East as one of the world's fastest-growing telecom markets, based on robust wireless and Internet adoption, as well as increased privatization efforts and competition in a number of markets. SiNova will also cater to US, European and Asian clients from its base within DSO.

'Dubai Silicon Oasis is an ideal site for the SiNova IC Design Center based on a host of attributes, including access to regional engineering talent, modern infrastructure, and IT markets in the Middle East region, and Indian subcontinent as well as the US and Europe. Even the quality of life afforded in Dubai makes DSO the right location for the SiNova headquarters,' said Dr. Mohammad-Reza Movahedin, SiNova Semiconductor's Founder and President.

SiNova's plans are in alignment with the Middle East's growing status as a design and development incubator for the technology sector. The company's focus on the telecommunications sector, which is enjoying unprecedented growth in the Gulf, Levant, and North Africa markets, will ensure that it has sufficient demand for its IC innovations.

The company anticipates staffing its DSO offices and the design center beginning in January 2004. SiNova's DSO site will also enable the company to foster stronger relations with regional partners such as Helia Communication Products, based in the UAE, while creating a regional reach for global partners including US-based InfoTech Integrated Products.

'SiNova Semiconductor's plans to locate within DSO mark a critical juncture in Dubai Silicon Oasis' evolution to become the region's most advanced center for microelectronic design, development and intellectual property creation. SiNova will be a key partner in DSO's collaborative approach to developing a chip design center to be utilized by SiNova and other IC design organizations within the DSO community,' added Dr. Salem Abuzeid, Chief Marketing Officer, Dubai Silicon Oasis.

In addition to SiNova, DSO's management is in advanced discussions with a number of companies involved in the semiconductor supply chain that may locate within the facility, including PC and consumer electronics manufacturers, IC design companies, electronics assemblers, and incubation, education and training groups.