How Sundeep Makthala is Using Graphene to Reshape the UAE Industrial Sector

Sundeep Makthala Aligns RI Advanced Materials with UAE’s Operation 300bn Industrial Strategy. UAE/Hyderabad: Indian technology entrepreneur and global business strategist Sundeep Kumar Makthala, who serves as Chairman & Managing Director of RI Advanced Materials, is currently steering the firm toward a major UAE expansion. The goal is to establish a regional hub dedicated to Graphene, advanced materials, R&D, manufacturing, and global commercialisation. This strategic move is designed to support the UAE’s Operation 300bn industrial vision, which aims to boost the industrial sector’s GDP contribution to AED 300 billion by 2031 by prioritizing advanced technology, innovation, and future-ready industries.

To facilitate this growth, Makthala and his leadership team have been conducting high-level visits across Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah to evaluate the UAE’s industrial and innovation landscapes. During their visit to the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), the delegation met with park leadership to discuss potential synergies in Graphene, advanced materials, and next-generation manufacturing. Key areas of interest included applications for energy storage, water desalination, advanced coatings, and construction materials. SPARK representatives outlined how their ecosystem—which includes strong ties to top UAE universities—can bridge the gap between research, prototyping, and commercial market access. The team also held discussions with the Ras Al Khaimah ecosystem, including RAKEZ, to assess infrastructure and manufacturing investment requirements. This evaluation process is ongoing, with several emirates under consideration for future RI Advanced Materials production facilities.

RI Advanced Materials is prioritizing Graphene as a core focus, with applications spanning semiconductors, electronics, energy storage, hydrogen, construction, and ceramics. The company’s broader portfolio encompasses advanced carbon materials, nanomaterials, graphite, silica, quartz, feldspar, and silicon-based coatings. Dr. Rajendra Prasad Joshi, a scientist and Strategic Technology Advisor to the firm, contributes deep expertise in Graphene and nanomaterials research, while CMO Biyyani Ravindar brings extensive experience in mining and strategic mineral resources. The company has outlined a phased growth strategy for the UAE, starting with the launch of an R&D Centre and Centre of Excellence, with collaborative efforts with universities and research institutions slated for September 2026. Following this, the firm expects to deploy specialized machinery over a six-to-eight-month period to initiate production. The long-term roadmap through 2031 includes scaling operations across multiple emirates to create a robust manufacturing network serving both local and regional markets.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Joshi said: "I met Sundeep Makthala on July 10 in Haldwani. In less than a month, he has moved from discussions to establishing RI Advanced Materials and taking the UAE expansion forward. His speed, clarity and execution are commendable."

Biyyani Ravindar said: "In a very short time, Sundeep has brought together technology, Advanced Materials and mineral-resource expertise into a clear UAE expansion vision. I see significant opportunities for this ecosystem in the UAE and global markets."