R&D centre to drive wireless M2M designs

The Shanghai Regional Design Centre (RDC) will focus on research and development in wireless M2M connectivity for global OEM products in automotive, retail, medical and security. Driven by the IoT that continues to stimulate demand, the M2M space is forecast for high growth.

China is one of the fastest growing markets for IoT applications and is forecast to be the largest growth market over the next five years with the country set to invest ¥5bn ($800m) into the IoT by 2015. The Ministry of Information and Technology estimates China’s IoT market will hit ¥500bn ($80.3bn) by 2015, then double to ¥1tn ($166bn) by 2020.

Shanghai is the largest city by population in China and in the world, covering an area of 6,340km² with a population over 24m. Shanghai has the highest average wage and disposable income in China whilst maintaining the lowest urban to rural income gap in China. For these reasons Shanghai has historically been able to attract investment, entrepreneurship and talent which are key to the success of the RDC. Shanghai also has a track record of being an early adopters of new ideas and technology as demonstrated by the Hi-Tech and Research parks around the city.

Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park has been selected as the location for the RDC office. Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park covers an area of 120km² on the Pudong side of the city. It is host to a large number of industries including integrated circuits, software, biopharmaceuticals, bankcards, information security, semi-conductor illumination, cultural originality and modern agriculture.

A significant number of multinationals also have their research and development centres located on this Hi-Tech park. The talent pool in Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park for electronics engineering and related skills is one of the best in Asia with a vast pool of experienced skilled doctorates and graduates.

A 210m² site has been chosen in the Sandhill Plaza complex in close proximity to an MTR station, modern amenities and an ecosystem of other Hi-Tech companies in related electronics space.

Tony McFadden, Managing Director, Stadium United Wireless, commented: “The Shanghai RDC is an exciting move for Stadium that both strengthens our wireless capabilities and gives us access into new markets. We have recruited a highly experienced team including design engineers and field application engineers, specialised in wireless, RF and M2M technology. The RDC features a working laboratory with the necessary equipment and processes in place to deliver high quality design and test solutions.”

“Stadium’s presence in China, delivered by the new RDC and the existing established manufacturing facility in Dongguan, positions the company to capitalise on a growing market opportunity and expand further into the Asia Pacific market,” added McFadden.