The Strategic Development Fund (SDF), an investment body owned by EDGE Group, has signed an initial partnership and investment agreement with Machina Labs, a US company known for AI-led manufacturing and robotics. The discussions concluded at the Dubai Airshow 2025 and set the basis for a joint venture that will produce advanced metal structures in the region using Machina Labs’ software-defined factory methods.
The agreement includes an initial investment with the option for SDF to provide further funding of up to AED 125 million. Both sides will review how Machina Labs’ production systems can support work in the UAE and wider region. They will explore requirements in sectors such as aerospace, defence, mobility, and other strategic industries.
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director & CEO of EDGE Group, said: “This collaboration between SDF and Machina Labs aligns with EDGE Group’s vision to accelerate the UAE’s growth in advanced industrial capabilities and future technologies. Partnerships that explore next-generation manufacturing solutions play an important role in supporting EDGE’s developmental roadmap and the nation’s position towards industrial sovereignty and excellence through innovation.”
Abdulla Naser Al Jaabari, Managing Director & CEO of SDF, said: “Our collaboration with Machina Labs follows our hybrid investment approach, which includes investing in startups developing next generation technologies related to dual-use industries while developing strategic partnerships that localize high-value technologies.”
“SDF has identified several potential requirements where our project with Machina Labs will be able to contribute towards the EDGE ecosystem and SDF portfolio.”
“We are glad to have taken the first step with this initial investment, which will be followed by further capital as our partnership progresses.”
Machina Labs’ main capability sits in its RoboCraftsman™ system, a robotic cell that carries out forming, scanning, trimming and drilling, with added systems for welding and assembly. The setup works without conventional tooling, which allows faster turnaround times, wider design options, and scalable production of complex metal parts.
Edward Mehr, CEO and Co-Founder of Machina Labs, said: “We are pleased to establish this initial partnership with the Strategic Development Fund as we explore opportunities to bring our intelligent robotics to the UAE. The country’s commitment to industrial innovation, combined with EDGE Group’s strategic vision and SDF’s advanced investment strategy, creates an ideal environment for adopting next-generation manufacturing technologies. Once finalized, this partnership strengthens our ability to scale our business via rapidly deployable production capacity for defense and strategic sectors and programs.”
Machina Labs designs its factories to enable quick setup of full production lines. This shortens lead times and makes it possible to establish new sites within weeks rather than years. The system may support the UAE’s plan to grow its manufacturing base and improve supply chain resilience.
SDF’s work with Machina Labs marks a careful step in studying technologies that may support future national industry needs. SDF will continue working with its partners to decide how such systems could fit the local market and where they may offer value.