https://www.linkedin.com/school/middlesexdubai/Middlesex University Dubai's Innovation Hub(MIH) promotes an innovation mindset as a core competency. Through platforms to showcase student projects, mentorship programs, skills workshops, access to government and industry entrepreneurship programs, and networking opportunities, MIH has quickly become a nexus of entrepreneurship for students and Alumni of the University. Since its creation in 2023, across 18 initiatives working with 10 external companies, over 200 students have been engaged wit MIH. The physical space is designed in such a way that it encourages design thinking through specialized hardware and software. The Hub has both flexible co-working areas that promote interaction and quiet spaces for focused work. Through Accelerator and other initiatives, MIH tailors its support to meet the diverse needs of its aspiring entrepreneurs. MIH also organizes workshops, hackathons, and pitching competitions for students, fostering learning and providing networking opportunities and a unique platform to showcase innovations. Emphasizing cutting-edge technologies, it offers students hands-on experience and knowledge crucial for future career success. There is great emphasis on students' education and skills development, nurturing them to showcase their work at external innovation competitions and applied research conferences. Bridging the gap between academia and industry, MIH fosters partnerships between all stakeholders and facilitates collaborative projects that leverage academic research for commercial applications. MIH engages with the broader community through national and international campaigns and envisions inspiring students and Alumni to create innovative ideas and learn about marketing themselves in a competitive business industry. Overall, MIH plays a vital role in creating an innovation ecosystem in the region that is aligned with the University's strategy for UAE's D33 economic and national agenda for startups and has gained immense support from industry and government entities in the UAE.
RUNNER-UP
Innovation and Collaboration Space of the Year Award
Middlesex Innovation Hub(MIH)
RUNNER-UP Innovation and Collaboration Space of the Year Award
Middlesex University Dubai- A 5-Star KHDA-rated, largest U.K. university operating in Dubai since 2005 and has over 5,600 students from 120 countries - United Arab Emirates
"EMPOWERING IDEAS THAT SHAPE THE FUTURE"
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Summary
Key People
Professor Fehmida Hussain
Head of Middlesex Innovation Hub, Deputy Director, Head of Computer Engineering and Informatics
Middlesex University Dubai
Acknowledgements
Middlesex Innovation Hub. (MIH) is thankful to the Pro-vice chancellor and Director of Middlesex University Dubai Professor Cedwyn Fernandes and the Chief Operating Officer of Middlesex University Dubai, Ms Felicity Preston for their support in creating the Collaborative Innovation space at the University. Special thanks to the CEO of Dubai Future Foundation His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul his kind support and for formally inaugurating the Middlesex Innovation Hub.
Images
Middlesex University Dubai Innovation Hub(MIH) - Physical space
MIH supports Innovation Competitions and Promotion of interdisciplinarity
MIH supports Classroom teaching leading to Innovation and Research
MIH High profile Launch event
Middlesex University Dubai Innovation Hub (MIH)
MIH Impact Story - Student acquires funding for his startup
MIH support Innovation and Entrepreneurship Awareness and Participation in Global and National Campaigns
Middlesex University Dubai Knowledge Park Campus
IMPACT STORY
Impacting lifes
Middlesex University Dubai's Innovation Hub Ignites Student Creativity at MDXcelerator 2024
In July 2024, Middlesex University’s Innovation Hub (MIH) celebrated a landmark event, MDXcelerator 2024, showcasing the exceptional talent and creativity of its students. Organized in collaboration with Careers and Employability Services (CES), the competition brought together visionary participants from all Middlesex Univeristy campuses, culminating in an exhilarating international finale on Tuesday, 16 July 2024.
The finale stood as a powerful testament to the ingenuity and dedication of the participants, who presented innovative business ideas with outstanding creativity and strategic thinking. Among the bright minds, Middlesex Univeristy Dubai emerged victorious, with Vansh Mohan a BEng Honours Computer Systems Engineering recent graduate winning the top award and seed funding of £3,000 for his groundbreaking project, "The Skills Forge."
MDXcelerator, initiative supported by the Middlesex Innovation Hub, is a unique business start-up support program designed to help students and recent graduates turn their business ideas into reality. The program offers one-on-one mentoring, workshops, online resources, and the opportunity to pitch for a cash prize. By equipping students with business skills highly valued by modern employers, MDXcelerator aims to foster a new generation of entrepreneurs.
The 2024 program launched with masterclasses and workshops, covering various aspects of starting and managing a business, including ideation, business model development, marketing strategies, and financial planning. Students received guidance on pitching their ideas effectively and gained practical knowledge from industry experts to transform their entrepreneurial ideas into successful ventures.
LEARNINGS
Lessons learned
The Middlesex Innovation Hub (MIH) has learned valuable lessons that can guide other innovation hubs toward success. Building a strong community and fostering collaboration among students, faculty, industry experts, and government entities is essential. A thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem relies on active participation and support from diverse stakeholders. Effective resource allocation is crucial, and MIH has recognized the need to strategically allocate funding, mentorship, and other resources to high-potential projects, maximizing contributions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Embedding practical skills into the curriculum and training programs is vital. Students with hands-on experience in entrepreneurship and innovation are better prepared to tackle real-world challenges and convert their ideas into viable businesses. Additionally, soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership are essential for building strong teams, effective networking, and successful negotiations. Regularly measuring and assessing the impact of programs and initiatives is important. MIH uses data-driven approaches to evaluate success, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions about future directions.
Ensuring that initiatives contribute meaningfully to larger objectives enhances impact and relevance is equally vital. Encouraging a culture of mentorship helps budding entrepreneurs navigate challenges and accelerates growth. Building strong relationships with industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs provides invaluable guidance. Where maintaining a clear vision that aligns with broader national or regional goals is crucial, fostering an inclusive environment where diverse ideas and perspectives are welcomed is essential as promoting diversity and inclusion ensures all voices are heard and valued. All this will nurture startups for immediate success and their potential to make lasting impacts on the economy and society.
FUTURE PLANS
What's coming?
The Middlesex Innovation Hub (MIH) aims to foster an entrepreneurial culture among its students through various initiatives, incubators, and accelerator programs. Strategically positioned in the UAE, the Hub plans to contribute to the UAE's D33 agenda and the National Agenda for Entrepreneurship and SMEs by 2031. By promoting research and innovation that address local challenges and global trends, MIH seeks to align with the UAE's economic diversification and sustainable development goals.
MIH aspires to support student employability by nurturing the launch and growth of new businesses, creating direct employment opportunities. These startups, in turn, are expected to create additional jobs as they scale. The Hub's planned training and workshops aim to equip students with valuable skills that enhance their employability.
By embedding innovation and entrepreneurship into the curriculum, the Hub seeks to ensure that students graduate with essential skills for the global job market, aligning with the University's educational goals. The commercialization of research through the Hub's initiatives is expected to enhance the University's research profile and demonstrate its commitment to practical, impactful scholarship. The Hub's anticipated success in fostering startups, creating job opportunities, and contributing to the local economy aims to enhance the University's reputation as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship education.
By enhancing the innovation and entrepreneurship landscape in the UAE, the Hub aims to support the development of a vibrant knowledge economy. This will contribute to the region's competitiveness and attract talent and investment.
