Thales deepens its research & technology commitment in Singapore with extension of joint NTU / CNRS Laboratory

• Cintra Lab was established in Oct 2009 in partnership with NTU & CNRS
• Lab focuses on fundamental research in 2D materials, metamaterials, AI design

With one of the highest R&D expenditures in the region, Singapore stands as a leading hub for upstream research. Thales, in a statement, reaffirmed its alignment with this ambition, boasting one of its five R&D centers situated in the country as witness to the group's strong commitment to research and technology.

The Cintra lab was established in Oct 2009, with Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), and Thales jointly inaugurating it. The partnership began with mutual interests in fundamental sciences such as modeling and simulation, materials synthesis and characterization, and domain knowledge.

Over the years, the lab has excelled in exploring new materials, evolving its focus to strong fundamental understanding and application-based research in 2D materials, metamaterials, and artificial intelligence for materials design.

Located at the NTU campus, this fourth tenure of the lab underlines the strategic importance of Singapore for Thales Group's upstream research. The renewed partnership will concentrate on four main application areas: energy, sensors, acoustic and microwave devices, and nano-photonic circuits.

Cooperation between research teams and the academic world plays a vital role in developing smart materials for this age of technology disruption with Thales stressing that it values the continued partnership with NTU and CNRS, providing a platform for innovation, knowledge sharing, and attracting talented science graduates to build on acquired expertise.

The diversity in research teams brings well-rounded and unbiased research studies, leading to cross-disciplinary discoveries. 

Emily Tan, CEO & country director of Thales in Singapore, expresses pride in the Cintra lab's early example of upstream research collaboration in Singapore, supporting the country's reputation as an R&D leader in the region.

“As Thales celebrates its 50th year of presence in Singapore, the credentials of CINTRA highlight the company's influence within scientific and technical communities,” she added.