Sharjah:Student and alumni entrepreneurs presented their ventures at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) during the Higher Education Entrepreneurship Week. The event provided visitors with a direct look at their businesses and the experiences behind them.
According to Sharjah 24, the two-day event was organized by the AUS Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. The exhibition featured ventures across seven themed zones and included sessions where founders shared their experiences.
The Higher Education Entrepreneurship Week, a joint initiative of the two ministries, was implemented with universities across the UAE. The program aims to foster an entrepreneurial culture among students and alumni, bolster universities' roles as sources of business ideas, and support the UAE's ambition to become a global hub for entrepreneurship.
Under the theme "AUS Founders, AUS Future," the program highlighted businesses at various stages of development. Some entrepreneurs began their ventures while studying at AUS, while others launched them after graduation. Dr. Jay Squalli, Professor of Economics and Director of CEI at AUS, emphasized the strategic role of universities in linking knowledge with economic opportunities.
The event commenced with remarks from a representative of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and AUS leadership, followed by a walkthrough of the exhibition by leadership and VIPs. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism also conducted an intellectual property awareness session.
Dr. Mariam Ibrahim Al Mahmoud of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research highlighted the importance of Entrepreneurship Week in empowering students and graduates to transform innovative ideas into ventures with sustainable economic and social impacts. Khaled Kalbat from the Ministry of Economy and Tourism reiterated the ministry's commitment to empowering students, graduates, and entrepreneurs.
The second day featured success stories sessions and knowledge-exchange forums covering various topics, supported by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa). The event also connected university initiatives with Sharjah's broader entrepreneurship ecosystem.
AUS alumna Hadeel Nassar, founder of AddValueHub, participated in Entrepreneurship Week, showcasing the platform's mission of transforming knowledge into measurable results via flexible remote learning and professional coaching.
AUS research centers contribute expertise across disciplines to address local and global challenges, with CEI supporting students, alumni, and faculty in developing marketable solutions through practical entrepreneurship programs, mentorship, and partnerships.