Minister of State for Entrepreneurship HE Alia Al Mazrouei Visits Key Innovation Hubs in Abu Dhabi
Her Excellency Alia bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, conducted a significant visit to three of the UAE's foremost innovation and entrepreneurship hubs: the Khalifa Innovation Center at Khalifa University of Science and Technology, the in5 business incubator of TECOM Group, and the Masdar City Free Zone. The visit was aimed at exploring collaborative mechanisms to further enhance the UAE's entrepreneurship ecosystem, with a focus on fostering technological innovation and creating new opportunities for Emirati entrepreneurs.
During her visit, HE Alia Al Mazrouei emphasized the UAE's strong commitment to advancing its entrepreneurship and innovation sectors by adhering to global best practices. She highlighted the critical role that business incubators play in supporting the competitiveness of the nation's entrepreneurial environment, aligning with the objectives of the “We the UAE 2031” vision for economic diversification and sustainability.
In5 Business Incubator: A Hub for Creativity and Growth
At the in5 business incubator, HE Al Mazrouei met with Abdulla Khalifa Belhoul, CEO of TECOM Group, where she was briefed on the incubator’s achievements. The presentation showcased in5's support for over 490 active startups, including the emergence of three local billion-dollar companies. The discussions centered on nurturing startups in emerging sectors such as financial technology and the importance of a flexible regulatory environment to support their growth. Both parties agreed to establish a joint working team to advance initiatives that bolster the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Masdar City Free Zone: Innovation and Technological Advancement
In her visit to the Masdar City Free Zone, HE Al Mazrouei met with CEO Ahmed Baqhoum, who provided insights into Masdar’s focus on key sectors such as space, energy, life sciences, AI, and mobility. The discussion highlighted the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, including funding and access to specialized equipment. The visit reinforced the importance of collaboration to support the adoption of emerging technologies and the development of forward-looking companies in the region.
Khalifa Innovation Center: An Incubator for Deep Technology
At the Khalifa Innovation Center, HE Al Mazrouei engaged with HE Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University of Science and Technology. The Center, known as the UAE's first incubator dedicated to 'Deep Tech,' was discussed as a critical platform for startups to access markets and secure funding. The visit also underscored the importance of boosting innovation outputs and overcoming challenges such as the communication gap between academia and the private sector.
Her Excellency’s visit concluded with a tour of Khalifa University’s advanced laboratories, which are equipped to support research and innovation in fields such as AI and robotics. The visit reinforced the UAE's commitment to fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and technological advancement, in line with its vision for a diversified and sustainable economy.
