The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, is set to open its first international flagship center for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in early 2025. The IITM Global Dubai Centre will focus on advanced fields like artificial intelligence (AI), data science, robotics, and sustainable energy, creating a vital link to India's entrepreneurial ecosystem. This initiative has been made possible through an agreement between IITM and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

It was signed by Hadi Badri, CEO of Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), and Prof Raghunathan Rengaswamy, Dean, Global Engagement of IITM during GITEX Global 2024, the 44th edition of the large-scale tech exhibition here. A first of its kind established under IITM's new entity 'IITM Global', it will drive research, innovation, IP licensing, and technology transfer in key priority areas for Dubai, such as AI, data science, robotics, and sustainable energy technologies.

It will be marketed as part of IITM Global's offering and will also support the international scale-up of deep-tech growth stage start-ups.
"This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to expand the global footprint of IIT Madras and bring our expertise in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship to Dubai's dynamic ecosystem",  Prof Rengaswamy said.

The partnership between DET and IIT Madras is poised to further strengthen the strong economic and social links between Dubai and India.

"The launch of the IITM flagship Centre in Dubai, and our wider strategic partnership with the institute, represents an important milestone to position Dubai as a global leader in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship", Badri said.

"Through our partnership, we aim to increase the levels of research and development conducted in Dubai to attract top global talent and drive the growth of deep-tech startups," Badri said.