Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed opened the University of Sharjah Innovation Hub, empowering students and researchers with AI, digital manufacturing, and startup opportunities through a strategic e-partnership.
WEBDESK – SHARJAH NEWS – WAM
H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, officially inaugurated the University of Sharjah’s Innovation Hub on Wednesday, marking a major milestone in the emirate’s drive to advance innovation, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship through a strategic partnership with e&.
The new facility is designed to transform innovative ideas into commercially viable technologies, products, and startups while strengthening Sharjah’s position as a regional hub for research, digital manufacturing, and knowledge-based industries.
Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed officially opened the Innovation Hub by unveiling the building before being welcomed by an advanced artificial intelligence-powered robot stationed at the entrance. The robot introduced the hub’s mission and highlighted the services and facilities available to students, researchers, and visitors.
During a comprehensive tour, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed explored the hub’s state-of-the-art laboratories and workshops, where he was introduced to advanced smart systems, AI-powered robotics, and emerging technologies. He also watched demonstrations of digital manufacturing capabilities, including 3D printing, laser cutting and engraving systems, robotic technologies, digital control devices, and drone applications.
The Innovation Hub has been established as part of the University of Sharjah’s long-term strategy to foster innovation and entrepreneurship across its academic community. Supporting this vision, the university has introduced a pioneering startup policy for students and faculty members—the first initiative of its kind among universities in the UAE. The policy enables innovators to establish startups and commercialize their research while continuing their academic studies, thereby creating early-career opportunities and supporting the country’s growing innovation economy.
The hub provides an integrated ecosystem where students can design prototypes, develop new products, and collaborate with government and private-sector partners. By connecting research with industry, it aims to produce a new generation of innovators capable of contributing to the UAE’s future economy.
Its facilities include advanced laboratories dedicated to design, artificial intelligence and computing, electronics, additive manufacturing, advanced materials, woodworking, CNC manufacturing, and metalworking. The center also supports virtual and augmented reality technologies, as well as robotics, drones, and digital fabrication tools, that enhance both education and research.
A key feature of the facility is the Sharjah Digital Fabrication Lab, the first laboratory in Sharjah to join the global network of Digital Fab Labs established by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Membership in the international network provides students, researchers, and faculty with opportunities to exchange expertise, collaborate on projects, and access a worldwide community focused on digital innovation and manufacturing.
University officials said the Innovation Hub will serve as a platform for technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and scientific innovation, enabling creative ideas and academic research to evolve into prototypes, commercial technologies, products, and startup companies with meaningful economic and social impact.
The initiative also reflects the growing partnership between the University of Sharjah and e&, reinforcing their shared commitment to advancing research, innovation, patents, intellectual property development, and entrepreneurship. The collaboration is expected to help students and researchers transform innovative concepts into sustainable business ventures that contribute to the UAE’s knowledge economy.
At the conclusion of the visit, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed received a commemorative gift—a three-dimensional model of the university’s main building produced at the Innovation Hub to mark its inauguration. He also presented a commemorative gift to the representatives before joining officials for a group photograph.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department; Masood Sharif Mahmood, CEO of e&; Rashid Ali Al Ali, Executive Director of the Sharjah Communication Technologies Authority; Prof. Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah; along with senior officials from educational institutions and government entities.
