The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT Madras), is set to launch its first international flagship centre in Dubai, called the IITM Global Dubai Centre, in early 2025. This initiative aims to foster research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in advanced fields like artificial intelligence (AI), data science, robotics, and sustainable energy. The new centre is expected to bridge the gap between India’s startup ecosystem and Dubai’s growing technology landscape.
Strategic Collaboration with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism
The establishment of this centre is the result of a strategic agreement between IIT Madras and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The agreement was signed during GITEX Global 2024, one of the world’s largest technology exhibitions, by Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), and Prof. Raghunathan Rengaswamy, Dean of Global Engagement at IIT Madras.
Focus Areas of IITM Global Dubai Centre
The IITM Global Dubai Centre will focus on several priority areas:
| Key Focus Areas | Objectives |
| Artificial Intelligence (AI) | Drive innovation in AI for tech startups in Dubai |
| Data Science | Enhance data-driven research and technology solutions |
| Robotics | Develop advanced robotics technologies |
| Sustainable Energy | Promote green energy solutions and research |
Objectives of the First International Flagship Centre
The centre aims to:
- Facilitate research, innovation, and technology transfer between India and Dubai.
- Support international expansion of deep-tech startups.
- Enhance intellectual property (IP) licensing in priority sectors.
- Strengthen economic ties between the two regions by encouraging collaboration in tech and innovation.
Significance of the IITM Global Dubai Centre
IIT Madras is known for its excellence in technical education and research. The opening of the IITM Global Dubai Centre marks a significant milestone in expanding its global footprint. This initiative is set to attract top global talent, support deep-tech startups, and strengthen Dubai’s position as a leader in research and technology innovation.
First International Flagship Centre Summary
- IIT Madras will establish its first international centre in Dubai, set to open in early 2025.
- The centre will focus on AI, data science, robotics, and sustainable energy.
- A strategic agreement was signed between IIT Madras and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) during GITEX Global 2024.
- The centre will promote technology transfer, IP licensing, and support deep-tech startups.
It aims to connect India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem with Dubai’s tech landscape.
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The IITM Global Dubai Centre is the first international centre of IIT Madras, focusing on research and innovation in areas like AI, robotics, and sustainable energy.
The centre is set to be launched in early 2025.
The centre will focus on AI, data science, robotics, and sustainable energy to drive research and innovation.
The agreement was signed by Hadi Badri, CEO of Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), and Prof. Raghunathan Rengaswamy, Dean of Global Engagement at IIT Madras.
The centre will enhance tech collaboration between India and Dubai, support deep-tech startups, and boost economic ties by encouraging technology transfer.
Dubai’s strategic location and growing tech ecosystem make it an ideal hub for global research and innovation, fostering strong connections between the two regions.
GITEX Global 2024 served as the platform for the signing of the agreement between IIT Madras and Dubai’s DET, facilitating this strategic partnership.