- Launch of the AED 100 million Dubai Tech X Fund, a joint initiative between the University of Dubai and Significa Ventures to support startups in Deep Tech and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- The fund aims to transform academic research into commercial startups, building a sustainable ecosystem that connects education, venture capital, and entrepreneurship.
Focus on strategic sectors such as energy, healthcare, education, and smart cities, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for advanced technology and a knowledge-driven economy.
The University of Dubai announced the launch of the Dubai Tech X Fund, valued at AED 100 million, in partnership with Significa Ventures, marking a strategic milestone to strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Deep Tech and Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the region. The initiative aims to empower the next generation of startups and position Dubai as a global hub for advanced technology and a knowledge-based economy.
Fostering Innovation
H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, Chairman of the Board of Directors at the University of Dubai, stated:
“The launch of the Dubai Tech X Fund marks a new milestone in the University’s journey to promote innovation and support the knowledge-based economy.
We believe that the partnership between education and investment is the ideal path to building a sustainable technological future that aligns with Dubai’s and the UAE’s vision to be a global hub for advanced technology.”
Supporting the Knowledge Economy
H.E. Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, added:
“This fund embodies the University’s practical commitment to accelerating the transformation of research into commercial applications and startups capable of making a real societal impact.
Our goal is for the Dubai Tech X Fund to become a platform that fosters collaboration among students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors to create the next generation of innovations.”
Strategic Partnership Between Academia and Investment
Ayman Ismail Abouhind, Chief Investment Officer at Significa Ventures, said:
“At Significa Ventures, we are proud to partner with the University of Dubai in launching the ‘Dubai Tech X Fund,’ a landmark initiative that strengthens the UAE’s position as a global center for innovation and deep technology.”
He added:
“This fund represents a strategic platform that bridges science and capital, where academic research meets institutional investment to accelerate the growth of technology startups and build a sustainable ecosystem that supports talent and entrepreneurship across the region.”
He continued:
“Our goal is to transform knowledge into investment value and link university innovation with regional and global markets, contributing to enhancing the competitiveness of the digital economy in Dubai and the UAE.
We believe that the partnership between academic institutions and venture capital is the real key to shaping the future, and the Dubai Tech X Fund will serve as a practical example of that vision.”
Driving Technological Entrepreneurship
The Dubai Tech X Fund represents a new cornerstone in Dubai’s and the UAE’s efforts to reinforce their position as a global platform for technology entrepreneurship and innovation.
Beyond funding startups, the fund aims to build a sustainable ecosystem that connects academic knowledge, venture investment, and entrepreneurial innovation, thereby strengthening the UAE’s status as a regional and global leader in future technologies and innovation-driven economies.
Collaboration Between University of Dubai and Significa Ventures
The fund is the result of a strategic collaboration between the University of Dubai and Significa Ventures, one of the pioneering investment firms in developing Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) programs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
It provides an integrated platform that brings together academic research, practical implementation, and investment funding to empower innovators and entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into real-world ventures.
Investing in the Future
The University of Dubai confirmed that the Dubai Tech X Fund will invest in startups developing innovative solutions across key strategic sectors such as energy, healthcare, education, and smart cities, with a particular focus on Deep Tech and Artificial Intelligence as drivers of future growth.
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