Curtin University Dubai has partnered with Qora 71, a syndicate of venture investors focused on start-ups and growth ventures. Qora71 will play an integral role in the launch of Curtin University Dubai’s Innovation Hub, and will also be centrally involved in the execution of Curtin University Dubai’s Incubation Program.
Curtin University is a globally recognised institution, ranked in the top 1% of all universities in the world. Offering programs in Business, Information Technology, Engineering, Psychology and Design, the university plans to leverage their academic expertise, and industry network to establish a world class Innovation Hub, creating opportunities for youth to transform their business ideas into reality.
Dr Nidhi Sehgal, Head of School for Business and Humanities, has played a central role in bringing the project and this partnership to life. Speaking about the Innovation Hub and the partnership with Qora71, Dr Sehgal said, “This partnership with Qora71 marks a significant milestone in Curtin University Dubai’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The Innovation Hub will serve as a launchpad for aspiring entrepreneurs, providing them with the mentorship, industry connections, and resources they need to bring their ideas to life. By combining academic excellence with industry expertise, we aim to create an ecosystem that empowers young innovators to build sustainable and impactful businesses”.
Qora 71 is partnered with Hub71, a global tech ecosystem focussed on start-up growth in Abu Dhabi. Youssef Salem, Entrepreneur in Residence at Hub71, and founder of Qora71, believes that university incubators can help fuel the growth of entrepreneurship and innovation in the region. “We’re very excited about this strategic partnership with Curtin University Dubai. Qora71 is the fastest growing investor syndicate in the region, capitalizing on our partnership with Hub71, the Abu Dhabi-based global tech ecosystem. Qora71 has a portfolio of >50 companies including >15 Hub71 companies. We’re looking forward to putting all our resources to work in Curtin’s Innovation Hub to create a launchpad for the next set of unicorns to come out of the UAE and the region”.
Qora71 will play a significant role in all aspects of Curtin University Dubai’s Incubation Program. Qora71’s deep roots and connectivity within the innovation ecosystem of the UAE will allow them to provide mentors for the execution of CU Dubai’s Incubation Program and assist with curriculum design and development. They will also participate in panels and commercialization boards as required, and with their strong background of investing in a variety of growth ventures, Qora71 will also potentially provide seed funding, support, and access to their accelerators for promising ideas emerging from Curtin’s Incubation Program.
Dr Bilal Siddiqi, Director Learning & Teaching at Curtin University Dubai sees the value of providing a pathway for young entrepreneurs to build their portfolios and develop practical entrepreneurial skills. “There is tremendous benefit in young people acquiring entrepreneurial competencies. It can help sharpen their vision, and their ability to spot opportunities; enhance their creativity; teach them how to work with others; to plan and to learn by doing. Most importantly, it would help young people build resilience, and cope with uncertainty. Not only could this project help us uncover the next big idea, it will also young people develop skills and competencies that can be immensely beneficial to them in every walk of life.”
Curtin University Dubai aims to launch its inaugural incubation program this year, with participants attending sessions with academics and workshops with industry mentors during an intensive week-long program. At the end of the program, participants will create elevator pitches and present them to a panel of judges. The best elevator pitches will be invited into a residency at Curtin University Dubai where they will receive the support needed to develop an Minimum Viable Product.
Curtin’s innovation pathway seeks to ensure that promising ideas are developed, refined, and connected with potential investors and Curtin’s partnership with Qora71 helps strengthen Curtin University Dubai’s ability to deliver on this ambition. Overall, the partnership between Curtin Dubai and Qora71 will aim to meaningfully contribute to the UAE’s world-renowned entrepreneurial ecosystem by inspiring, training, and mentoring the next generation of young entrepreneurs.
