IANS reported that TCE Consulting Engineers a TATA Group subsidiary will invest USD 12 million over the next 5 years in the Qatar Science and Technology Park.

Qatar's local media quoted Mr AP Mull CEO of TCE as saying in Doha that the investment will see development of new engineering solutions to meet environmental challenges. He said that "Buildings account for 40% of energy consumption worldwide, so with the right technology we can make a real difference in this area."

Mr Mull said that that leading universities around the world were developing nano particles which have the potential to bring immense benefit to society, he said that "We want to take the experimental work to the field in close cooperation with Qatar researchers and businesses."

Mr Mull said that TCE investments would initially go into 3 research projects. He said that the first will be on developing software that assists the design of environment-friendly buildings. The tool will determine the optimal use of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient features and locally sourced materials to minimize a building's total energy footprint.

Mr Tidu Maini executive chairman of QSTP said that "TATA has some very exciting expertise in energy and the environment, two of QSTP's strategic focus areas. He said that we are proud to be partnering with them to bring these innovations to life and further grow Qatar's knowledge-based economy."

The second project will study and design a solar thermal plant that will use sunlight to produce steam. The third program will aim at turning university nanotechnology research from around the world into practical engineering application products such as nano fiber building materials, wastewater filters and cladding windows with ultra thin solar cells.

QSTP is home to international technology companies in Qatar and an incubator of start up technology businesses. Established in 2004 as a part of Qatar Foundation a private non profit organization set up to promote education, research and community development the purpose of the science park is to spur development of Qatar's knowledge economy. Among the leading universities that have campuses at QSTP are Carnegie Mellon, Texas A&M and Weill Cornell. ADS, ExxonMobil, GE, Microsoft, Shell and Total are also members of QSTP.