Dubai: In a landmark development, the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT Madras) is set to establish its first international flagship centre in Dubai, dedicated to research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The IITM Global Dubai Centre is slated to open its doors in early 2025, as announced on Friday. This strategic move aims to enhance the existing economic and social connections between the emirate and India. The newly inaugurated centre will focus on advanced disciplines such as artificial intelligence (AI), data science, robotics, and sustainable energy, acting as a vital link to India's burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The establishment of the centre was made possible through a partnership agreement signed between IIT Madras and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The agreement was formalized by Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, and Prof. Raghunathan Rengaswamy, Dean of Global Engagement at IIT Madras, during the GITEX Global 2024, the 44th edition of the prominent technology exhibition held in Dubai. As the first centre of its kind under IIT Madras's new entity, ‘IITM Global,’ the Dubai centre will spearhead research initiatives, foster innovation, facilitate intellectual property licensing, and enhance technology transfer in critical areas identified as priorities for Dubai, including AI, data science, robotics, and sustainable energy technologies.
The centre will also play a pivotal role in supporting the international scale-up of deep-tech startups. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to expand the global footprint of IIT Madras and bring our expertise in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship to Dubai’s dynamic ecosystem,” stated Prof. Rengaswamy. Furthermore, the partnership between DET and IIT Madras is anticipated to bolster the already robust economic and social bonds between Dubai and India.
“The launch of the IITM flagship Centre in Dubai, along with our broader strategic partnership with the institute, marks a significant milestone in positioning Dubai as a global leader in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship,” Badri emphasized. He added, “Through our collaboration, we aim to elevate the levels of research and development in Dubai, attract top global talent, and drive the growth of deep-tech startups.” As IIT Madras prepares to make its mark in Dubai, the global academic community eagerly anticipates the positive impact this centre will have on the region’s innovation landscape.
