The American University in Cairo has signed an agreement with the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park) to support entrepreneurship and strengthen the startup ecosystem in the Mena region. 

 

Through knowledge sharing, the MoU will provide guidance and support to startups in the Egyptian and Emirati markets, it stated.

 

"This collaboration marks a great step for startups in the Egyptian and Emirati ecosystems. We are facilitating knowledge sharing, extending market insights and resources beyond local boundaries, and expanding our offerings to create regional impact," remarked Ayman Ismail, the Abdul Latif Jameel Endowed Chair of Entrepreneurship and associate professor at AUC School of Business and the founding director of the AUC Venture Lab.

 

Ismail said that through regional and international partnerships, AUC Venture Lab is committed to the growth of the region's entrepreneurial capacity from two of Mena’s biggest startup ecosystems."Cooperation will also include joint hackathons, knowledge sessions, and various startup exchange opportunities," he noted.

 

SRTI Park CEO Hussein Al Mahmoudi said the signing of this deal with AUC is an important step towards further cooperation in joint research and development between Sharjah and Cairo. 

 

According to him, this partnership reflects the vision of HH Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

 

Al Mahmoudi also highlighted the need for cooperation with the academic and research institutions in the region to attract investment to Sharjah's innovation sector.