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 Innovation Center on Wednesday. The center was established as part of a strategic partnership between the university and e&.
The opening ceremony featured an interactive demonstration by an advanced artificial intelligence robot situated at the center’s entrance. The robot, which utilizes high-performance computing and the latest AI models, provided an introductory overview of the facility’s services for students, researchers, and visitors.
Following the unveiling, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed toured the new facility, inspecting its diverse laboratories and manufacturing workshops. During the tour, he viewed practical demonstrations of digital manufacturing technologies, including three-dimensional printing, laser cutting and engraving systems, digital control devices, robotics, and drones.
A Hub for Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer
The center is designed to serve as a central platform for innovation and entrepreneurship, aligning with the university’s broader strategy to foster a culture of creative enterprise. According to university officials, the facility aims to empower students and faculty to develop prototypes and innovative products, facilitate technology transfer, and market scientific research outcomes.
The establishment of the center follows the university’s adoption of a startup policy for students and faculty—the first of its kind among universities in the country. This policy enables participants to establish startups and invest in their own technologies during their academic careers. The initiative is intended to support the national economy, convert research outputs into commercial products, and provide early employment opportunities for students prior to graduation.
Global Connectivity and Digital Manufacturing
A key feature of the Innovation Center is the inclusion of the Sharjah Digital Manufacturing Lab. This facility is the first of its kind in the Emirate of Sharjah to join the global network of Fab Labs originating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States.
By joining this international network, the university gains access to thousands of digital manufacturing laboratories worldwide. This connection allows faculty and students to exchange expertise, projects, and international standards in the fields of innovation and digital manufacturing, thereby strengthening Sharjah’s position on the global innovation map.
Comprehensive Facilities and Academic Integration
The center houses a wide array of specialized laboratories and workshops tailored to support advanced technological projects. These include:
* Design and AI Labs: Dedicated spaces for design, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing.
* Electronics and Systems: Laboratories for electronics, digital systems, and robotics.
* Manufacturing Workshops: Specialized areas for wood, metal, advanced materials, and digital control manufacturing.
* Emerging Tech: Facilities for virtual and augmented reality, alongside equipment for manufacturing electronic circuits.
The launch of the center complements the university’s recent academic expansion. As part of its strategy to prepare students for the future economy, the University of Sharjah has introduced several new programs in artificial intelligence and digital transformation, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees designed according to international standards.
Strategic Objectives and Future Impact
The collaboration with e& reflects a shared commitment to supporting the university’s initiatives in technical transformation and knowledge production. Dr. Essam Eldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, noted that the Innovation Center is a manifestation of the university’s strategic plan (EDGE), which aims to launch more than 60 startups and secure new patents. The center serves as an environment to link academic research with the industrial sector. By providing a bridge between theoretical research and practical application, the university seeks to cultivate a generation of innovators capable of leading the future economy in alignment with the United Arab Emirates’ vision for sustainable development and innovation.
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