Varsities launch first dual Masters in Entrepreneurship, Innovation

Khalifa University of Science and Technology and the Arizona State University (ASU), US, jointly announced the launch of a dual Master of Science programme – the first of its kind in the UAE – with a core curriculum focused on embedding entrepreneurship and innovation in higher education.

According to the agreement signed by both universities, students will earn a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from ASU, which is delivered by faculty from the W. P. Carey School of Business and Herberger Institute of Design and Arts, and a Master of Science degree in Engineering Systems and Management with a concentration in Technology Management, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship from Khalifa University.

The Khalifa University-ASU partnership will be supported by the university’s business and investment arm Khalifa University Enterprises Company (KUEC), and the deep-tech incubator Khalifa Innovation Center (KIC). Focusing on the commercialisation of scientific research, these two entities will support students who wish to launch startups after completing the dual degree programme.

Dr. Bayan Sharif, Provost, Khalifa University, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Arizona State University on this unique dual Master of Science programme, that will provide Khalifa University students with a studio based academic and experiential immersive international experience that will culminate in a pitching competition to investors.

This initiative demonstrates our consistent commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation among our students, in line with our mandate to contribute to the UAE and the region, and to realise the vision of our leadership in creating a knowledge-based economy. The dual programme will equip and empower students with the necessary skills and experiences they need not only to succeed in academics and research, but also to convert their innovations into global businesses that can contribute to the economic development of the UAE.”

Hitendra Chaturvedi, co-director of the MS in Entrepreneurship and Innovation program at the W. P. Carey School of Business, said “ASU has been ranked No. 1 in Innovation 10 years in a row, and natural segue to innovation is entrepreneurship. The future demands world leaders with an entrepreneurial mindset who can excel in ambiguity and uncertainty. We are excited to partner with KU to teach the entrepreneurial mindset to such entrepreneurs, and intrapreneurs.”

The dual degree programme will also offer Khalifa University faculty, and students, as well as staff from KIC and KUEC opportunities to network with students and faculty from the MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovation programme at ASU that will enable transfer of knowledge especially in pitching for investors and developing the entrepreneurial mindset that can be applied when starting own company, or working for a large company.

Students will spend part of their study at ASU then return to Khalifa University, the faculty from both institutions will mentor the students on the dual degree programme during the execution of their projects.

Recently, Khalifa University of Science and Technology has launched a new full-time Bachelor’s academic programme in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to equip students with the knowledge and skills for technological advancement and innovation in those fields.

The interdisciplinary programme features a comprehensive curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience in robotics, artificial intelligence, computer, electronic and mechanical engineering, and mathematics, preparing graduates of the programme for a wide range of careers in a rapidly growing field.

Students are exposed to the latest advancements in robotics and AI technology, enabling them to explore emerging professional trends such as autonomous vehicles and drones, and develop systems that improve human-robots interaction. Healthcare robotics for surgical assistance, rehabilitation, and elderly care are exciting fields that are continuing to expand. Students will also be involved in projects that create robotic and AI prototypes for various applications including manufacturing and exploration of hazardous environments. Aspects of sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship are embedded throughout the programme.

WAM