In a bid to stimulate the innovation ecosystem and entrepreneurial spirit across the United Arab Emirates, His Excellency Prof. Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, met with representatives from LG NOVA, the innovation arm for LG Electronics, and Aurion Capital to explore strategic collaboration opportunities.

The discussion focused on establishing an Innovation Hub at the University of Sharjah to support joint technology development and business acceleration, and to collaborate on the hub with LG NOVA’s centers in Silicon Valley and in West Virginia. The discussion also centered on the University of Sharjah’s participation in Aurion Capital’s new global investment initiative which aims to build bridges between Asia, the GCC, and America through regional hubs that will power a globally connected innovation ecosystem.

During the meeting, Prof. Agamy emphasized that forging collaborations with global leaders such as LG aligns with the University’s strategic plan which focuses on establishing collaborations with global industrial powerhouses, thereby empowering students, and researchers to transform ideas into real-world innovations.

“We believe in nurturing a robust holistic ecosystem that links academia with industry, helping our students and researchers translate their ideas into practical innovations in artificial intelligence, digital health, sustainable energy, and other vital fields. These discussions underscore our dedication to supporting a knowledge-based economy and further securing Sharjah’s place as a regional hub for innovation, all of which aligns with the UAE’s vision for a dynamic, technology-enabled future,” Prof. Agamy stated.

Mr. Ali Diallo, founder and managing partner at Aurion Capital, stressed the strategic value of a regional approach in driving sustainable innovation through strategic investments in emerging technologies. Diallo affirmed, “The University of Sharjah is a vital partner in building an integrated innovation network in the region.”

The proposed Innovation Hub will serve as a collaborative platform, bringing together academic and research expertise from UoS and from LG NOVA’s global innovation ecosystem.  Upcoming collaborations with Silicon Valley’s extensive investment and entrepreneurship networks are expected to further elevate the center’s impact.

It is worth noting that the initiative supports Sharjah’s ambition to build a thriving knowledge economy by empowering students and entrepreneurs to develop advanced technology start-ups. The center will also offer invaluable resources for applied research, training, and strategic investment.

Concluding the meeting, UoS, LG NOVA, and Aurion Capital representatives reiterated the importance to develop a comprehensive vision for the innovation hub, research and training initiatives in mutually beneficial fields.

The meeting was attended by His Excellency Abdul Razzaq Mohamed Hadi, who currently serves as Senior Partner at United Global Capital and as a Board Advisor of Aurion Capital in the UAE, Professor Maammar Bettateb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies; Dr. Salah Taher Al Haj, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs; His Excellency and several college deans and directors of research institutes; and faculty. The LG NOVA delegation included Joshua Di Frances, Vice President and Head of Business Incubation & Venture Building for LG NOVA; Josh Sim, Director of Investments for LG NOVA; Bashir Diagne, President of United Global Capital; Lisa Amani, Vice President of United Global Capital; and Rummana Dada, Partner at Aurion Capital.