Abu dhabi: H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, inaugurated the University's Innovation Hub on Wednesday morning, part of the strategic partnership between the University and 'e and '. H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed officially opened the hub by unveiling its building. He experienced a demonstration featuring the advanced artificial intelligence robot set at the entrance, which provided a warm welcome to H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed and the attendees.
According to Emirates News Agency, the hub provided a comprehensive overview and showcased the various services available to students, researchers, and visitors. H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed toured the facilities, visiting various laboratories and workshops, gaining insights into modern technologies, smart systems, and AI-powered robots. During the tour, he observed a demonstration of the hub's digital manufacturing technologies, including 3D printing, laser cutting and engraving systems, digital control devices, robotic systems, and drones.
The opening is part of the University of Sharjah's vision to strengthen the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. The university has introduced a startup policy aimed at students and faculty, the first of its kind among the country's universities. This allows students and researchers to create startups and invest in their innovations while pursuing their degrees. The initiative enhances the university's role in serving the community by translating scientific research into products and companies that support the national economy. It also provides early job opportunities for students before they graduate.
The hub focuses on creating a strong environment for innovation and entrepreneurship, helping students build prototypes and develop new products. It also forms partnerships with agencies, both government and private, to create a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs ready to contribute to the future economy. The hub features modern digital manufacturing technologies that support projects and improve the university's educational environment.
The hub houses the Sharjah Digital Fabrication Lab, the first of its kind in Sharjah to join the global network of digital fab labs, started by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States. This generates opportunities for the hub and the university academic community to benefit from a global network of digital fab labs and exchange experiences and project ideas.
The joint collaboration reinforces Sharjah's position on the global innovation and digital manufacturing map and provides opportunities for the university's students and researchers to engage with their counterparts in digital fab labs globally. The hub serves as a platform for innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer, creating a scientific environment that helps turn creative ideas and scientific research into prototypes, technologies, products, and startups with economic and social impacts.
The partnership between e and the University of Sharjah in creating and supporting the Innovation Hub demonstrates their dedication to advancing the University's efforts in innovation and technology. This partnership is key to fostering knowledge and innovation, generating inventions, developing patents and intellectual property, and helping students and researchers turn their ideas into business projects and startups with lasting economic benefits.
At the end of the tour, H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed accepted a commemorative gift: a three-dimensional model of the main university building made at the hub to celebrate the opening. He also gave a commemorative gift to e and took photos with them. The inauguration ceremony was attended by several officials from educational institutions, including Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Masood Sharif Mahmood, Rashid Ali Al Ali, and Prof. Esameldin Agamy.