Dutch photonics company FAZTech Research is to open a global research centre in Dublin with the potential to create 25 jobs.
The company, which makes optical and photonic technologies for geographical surveys, is majority owned by Dutch multinational Fugro. It already employs 26 people at its research and development centre at Park West and intends to double its workforce over the coming year as it begins to roll out its first products.
The company is currently developing a core optical sensing platform and sensor technology to measure temperature, pressure, flow and strain for use in the energy, infrastructure, and marine transportation industries.
Upcoming projects include collaboration with University College Cork's Beaufort Laboratory and Tyndall Research Institute, the National Sensor Centre at Dublin City University, the Eindhoven Technical University and the University of Central Florida.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton said it "demonstrates once again Ireland's strengths as a hub for innovation, research and development".
Fugro chief executive Paul van Riel said the company decided to locate in Ireland as "key intellectual property was developed in Ireland by Irish researchers and engineers, the vision and enthusiasm of the current workforce and the outstanding professionalism and support by IDA Ireland".
IDA chief executive Barry O’Leary said the announcement was a welcome boost to Ireland’s technology and innovation sector.
“It provides further proof that Ireland is a highly attractive location to carry out sophisticated research and development initiatives,” he said.
