Silicon Valley chip designer Marvell Technology said it was to invest $200 million in Israel to accelerate research and development of critical communications, mobile and system-on-chip technologies.

Marvell, which supplies chips for Research in Motion's Blackberrys, has two R&D centres in Israel that employ more than 1,200 people.

Recently, Israel has faced new, expanded international competition, said Yossi Meyouhas, general manager of Marvell Israel. While these new challenges are essential in stimulating global progress in technology, it is critical that organisations invest to ensure Israel remains a recognised leader in R&D and technology innovation.

The company, which entered Israel 10 years ago with its acquisition of Galileo, has made investments and acquisitions in Israel totaling $3.5 billion.

Co-founder Weili Dai said Marvell developed many of its advanced technologies in Israel, ranging from enterprise networking and cloud service to mobile cellular capabilities.

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