Empowering Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Abu Dhabi University

ADU Innovate

Fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and impact.

Turn your idea into a startup – join ADU Innovate's incubation program

Need support to start your business? Mentorship, workspace, and networking available at ADU Innovate

ADU students & alumni: apply for incubation and get guidance to launch your own venture

From concept to company – ADU Innovate helps you build and grow your startup

Interested in incubation or startup support? Click here to learn how ADU Innovate can help

Highest Standards of Research & Innovation

ADU Innovate (ADUi) is the innovation and entrepreneurship arm of Abu Dhabi University. We combine personalized education with real-world challenges to prepare students, faculty, and staff for impactful roles in various sectors.

Vision and Mission

Vision: To optimize the positive impact of innovation and entrepreneurship research, education, and training, contributing to the UAE’s innovation strategy through sustainable and inclusive research, innovation, and incubation strategies.

Mission: To incubate initiatives from students, faculty, staff, and community members, addressing economic, social, and environmental concerns with innovative solutions.

Research Pillar: Bridging academia and industry to solve real-world challenges.
Research Pillar: Bridging academia and industry to solve real-world challenges.
Incubation Pillar: Supporting startups and projects from conception to implementation.

Research Centers

Research Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF)
Research Institute for AI & Emerging Technologies

Publications and Patents

Our commitment to excellence in research is reflected in its robust publications and patents strategy, aimed at advancing knowledge, promoting scholarly achievements, and fostering innovation for the benefit of society.

Publications
Patents

Distinguished Visiting Research Professors

Our commitment to academic excellence is enhanced through its Distinguished Visiting Research Professors program, facilitating collaboration with eminent scholars to enrich research initiatives and elevate the university's global research impact.

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Research Strategy and Policies

Our research strategy and policy are dedicated to fostering innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and impactful contributions to address global challenges, driving a culture of excellence in research and knowledge dissemination.

About Us
Policies
Institutional Research KPIs

Research Funding Opportunities

Faculty Funding
Student Funding

Undergraduate Research and Innovation Competition (URIC)

History
Registration Portal

ADUi Events

26 February 2024

INNOTANK Innovation Challenge Workshop

Launched in collaboration with the Khalifa Fund, this workshop introduced the INNOTANK Challenge to students, focusing on four key sectors: healthcare, tourism, information and communications technology (ICT), and agriculture. Students engaged in early ideation sessions and received mentorship on how to align their solutions with national development priorities.

1 March 2024

The ADUi G20 Myjlis

An exclusive session inspired by the traditional Majlis concept, this event brought together Gulf nationals and global entrepreneurship experts in a private gathering to connect, share strategic insights, and support each other's growth. The agenda featured sessions by Prof. Montasir, G20 YEA representatives, and a spotlight on Emirati entrepreneurs, ending with networking and collaboration discussions.

20 May 2024

Abu Dhabi Academic Healthcare Innovation Challenge

In partnership with the Department of Health (DoH), this challenge introduced students to key healthcare challenges like dementia care, genetic screening, and home healthcare. Students explored how their ideas could align with Abu Dhabi's healthcare priorities and future innovation goals.

9 September 2024

Para Café Shop Opening

Founded by ADU students Salim Alhashemi and Thani Almarar, Para Café launched as a student-led startup supported by ADUi. The opening celebrated youth entrepreneurship, branding success, and student-focused innovation spaces.

17 September 2024

Inauguration of the Entrepreneurial Excellence Academy

ADU launched the Entrepreneurial Excellence Academy in partnership with Gracia Group. The event featured a project showcase, recognition of student innovators, and a keynote address by H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei, the UAE Minister of State for Entrepreneurship.

19 September 2024

From Ideas to Action: Project Management for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

This Injaz UAE workshop introduced students to entrepreneurial thinking and practical project management tools. The session helped participants understand how to organize, pitch, and scale ideas into viable business ventures.

11 October 2024

ADUi x Hub71 Information Session

Hub71 representatives introduced students to Abu Dhabi's leading startup ecosystem. Attendees learned about available programs, funding access, and the process of becoming part of Hub71's community.

16 October 2024

How to Grow a Billion: Session by Professor Lars Kolind

International business leader Prof. Lars Kolind shared insights on how to build billion-dollar companies. Drawing from his experience as CEO of LEGO and Oticon, he inspired students to dream big and lead boldly.

6 January 2025

Inclusion Advocates of Tomorrow Program

ADUi collaborated with Key2Enable, Zayed Higher Organization (ZHO), and Ma'an to deliver the Inclusion Advocates of Tomorrow Program, a multi-week initiative dedicated to inclusive innovation. The program empowered students to explore real-world applications of assistive technologies and universal design, combining theoretical learning with hands-on experience. Sessions were hosted at Naqraa Lab and focused on building awareness, empathy, and solutions that improve the lives of People of Determination.

21 February 2025

Nestlé Sustainability Heroes Pitch

In collaboration with Nestlé UAE and INJAZ, ADUi-supported students participated in the 'Sustainability Heroes' initiative. This unique program allowed students to present their sustainability-driven business ideas directly to Nestlé executives and industry mentors. The hands-on experience enhanced participants' business, social impact, and communication skills, while top participants were fast-tracked for internship opportunities at Nestlé.

27 February 2025

EGA Ramp-Up S3 Program

As part of Innovation Month, ADU Innovate collaborated with C3 to host an engaging session on the EGA Ramp-Up Program. This initiative is designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs through four comprehensive Masterclasses. These sessions cover the fundamentals of impact entrepreneurship, essential business skills, and the tools needed to launch and grow sustainable startups. The event introduced students to one of the region's most impactful programs for early-stage founders. Even if attendees missed the session, registration remains open for those eager to embark on this journey.

Renewable Energy Research Laboratory

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Programs & Services

Holistic Start-Up Development

Facilitating Spin-Offs and Innovation

Incubation and Legal Services

Networking and Integration

Sustainable Development and Inclusive Innovation

Access to University and Expert Resources

Contact Us

Contact Us

Zainab Ahmed Abdi
Innovation Development Representative
ADU Innovation Center

zainab.abdi@adu.ac.ae
02-501-5211