Marking a significant step in cross-border technology cooperation, IIT Madras Global Research Foundation will establish its first Applied Artificial Intelligence Innovation Centre at Dubai CommerCity. The initiative, launched in partnership with MCA Gulf, signals a new phase in India-UAE technology ties. The centre will initially onboard 6 early-stage applied AI startups focused on delivering market-ready solutions and strengthening the local innovation ecosystem.
Together, these startups hold a combined estimated valuation of nearly USD 118 million. Over the next 5 years, they are projected to generate close to USD 281 million in revenue. The announcement was made during WORLDEF Dubai 2026, a major digital commerce event attended by policymakers and private sector leaders from the region.
Prof. Raghunathan Rengaswamy, Dean of Global Engagement at IIT Madras, said the initiative will help scale academic research into wider industry adoption. He emphasised that the centre aims to promote responsible and people-centric AI development. MCA Gulf will play a key role in connecting scientific research with commercial outcomes, supporting economic growth through innovation.
According to an official statement by IIT Madras, “It will focus on advancing local product development, accelerating solution deployment, fostering intellectual property creation and strengthening collaboration with government entities, industry stakeholders and innovation ecosystem partners.” Amna Lootah, Director-General of Dubai CommerCity and Dubai Airport Freezone, stated that the partnership “reinforced the role of Dubai to be a digital trade and advanced technologies hub”. Government officials added that the centre aligns with Dubai’s strategy to drive innovation-led growth and create technology-focused economic opportunities.
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