Huawei, Leica extend partnership to set up R&D lab in Germany

After the launch of Huawei P9 and P9 Plus smartphones, co-engineered with Leica’s dual-lens cameras, Huawei has extended its strategic partnership with the German optics firm to establish a new research and design (R&D) facility called the Max Berek Innovation Lab. The space will reportedly house work on optical systems and software-based technologies to improve imaging quality in a wide range of photographic and mobile device applications. The innovation center is named in remembrance of Max Berek, the German pioneer of microscopy and creator of the first Leica lenses.

The new lab, located at Leica’s global headquarters in Wetzlar, Germany also aims at other important projects like the creation of computational imaging, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) solutions. Leica and Huawei also said that the lab will collaborate with German and international universities to further capabilities driven by the repository.

Ren Zhengfei, CEO, Huawei, is of the belief that in the coming future, over 90 percent of data traffic will be images and videos.

“The Max Berek Innovation Lab provides the capacity to establish an even closer partnership with Leica, leading to continuous improvements in image and video quality. As a result, we will deliver the most advanced innovations in the smartphone camera market and bring greater value to consumers,” Zhengfei eommented.

Andreas Kaufmann, Chairman, Advisory Board Leica Camera AG, also spoke about the extended collaboration between both the companies, “With the founding of the Max Berek Innovation Lab, Huawei and Leica Camera AG are expanding the scope of their successful strategic relationship and are laying the foundation for close collaboration in research and development of groundbreaking technologies in the imaging segment.”

Markus Limberger, Chief Operating Officer, Leica Camera AG, will be seen chairing the position of Director at Max Berek Innovation Lab. He stated:

“Huawei and Leica share not only enormous innovation power and years of research experience, but also their dedication to providing the highest quality standards. The Max Berek Innovation Lab offers us a historic opportunity to unite the resources and extensive expertise of both companies to pioneer game-changing technologies.”