Strategic Development Fund announces investment, initial Agreement with Machina Labs

Strategic Development Fund (SDF), an Abu Dhabi-based investment entity wholly owned by EDGE Group, today announced the signing of an initial partnership and investment agreement with Machina Labs, a U.S.-based provider of next-generation, AI-driven manufacturing and robotics

The collaboration was finalized following discussions at the Dubai Airshow 2025 and establishes a framework to work towards creating a joint venture focusing on the production of advanced metal structures in the Middle East using Machina Labs’ intelligent, software-defined factory technology. 

Manufacturing in the Middle East

The companies said that this agreement is reinforced by an initial investment with additional funding by SDF that may reach up to AED 125 million (approximately USD 35 million) as both companies evaluate opportunities to deploy Machina Labs’ manufacturing capabilities in the UAE and Middle East region. SDF and Machina Labs said they will assess and address strategic requirements across priority sectors that include aerospace, defense, mobility and other key industries.

"Partnerships that explore next-generation manufacturing solutions play an important role in supporting the nation’s developmental roadmap and accelerate the UAE’s economic growth in advanced industrial capabilities,” said Hamad Al Marar, managing director & CEO of EDGE Group. “This collaboration between SDF and Machina Labs aligns with EDGE Group’s vision to strengthen industrial capabilities in future technologies, positioning the UAE as a leader in advanced technology."

Machina Labs said its core capability is built on its RoboCraftsman platform, a software-defined robotic manufacturing cell that integrates forming, scanning, trimming and drilling, with advanced systems for welding and assembly, without the need for conventional tooling.

The company said this architecture enables rapid production cycles, greater design flexibility and scalable manufacturing of complex metal assemblies.

"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,” said Edward Mehr, co-founder and CEO of Machina Labs. “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 said its factory is designed to enable fast deployment of full-scale manufacturing capacity, reducing lead times and allowing new production environments to be established in weeks instead of years. The company said its technology offers strong potential to strengthen the UAE's advanced manufacturing ecosystem and reinforce supply chain resilience.

“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," said Abdulla Naser Al Jaabari, managing director & CEO of SDF. “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.”