Abu Dhabi, Sep 10: In a landmark moment for India’s global innovation outreach, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday inaugurated the first-ever overseas Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) at the IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi campus.

Glad to inaugurate Atal Incubation Centre at the IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi campus, a first-ever AIC hosted in an Indian university overseas.

The AIC at @iitdelhi Abu Dhabi will nurture joint start-ups and research-led ventures by both Indian and UAE innovators and also promote… pic.twitter.com/fIpexeXTKM
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) September 10, 2025

The inauguration marks the debut of an Indian university hosting an AIC beyond national borders, signaling a new era of cross-border collaboration in science, technology, and entrepreneurship.

The initiative is part of India’s broader push to strengthen educational and innovation ties with the United Arab Emirates. The AIC is designed to foster joint start-ups and research-led ventures between Indian and UAE innovators, with a focus on deep tech, artificial intelligence, clean energy, healthcare, and other high-impact sectors.

At the inaugural ceremony, Minister Pradhan also launched two key academic programs: a Ph.D. program in Energy and Sustainability and a B.Tech program in Chemical Engineering. He commended the collaborative efforts behind the project and engaged with students and faculty during his campus tour.

As part of the visit, the Minister held talks with Ms. Sara Musallam, Chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). Discussions centered on strengthening educational cooperation, including support for Indian curriculum-based schools in the UAE and the establishment of Atal Innovation Labs for Indian schools in the Emirates, inspired by the success of Atal Tinkering Labs in India.

Also Read: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Embarks On UAE Visit To Boost India-UAE Educational Ties

A Hub for Innovation and Collaboration

The AIC at IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi will serve as a launchpad for entrepreneurs from both nations, offering world-class incubation facilities, mentorship, and access to cutting-edge research. It aims to accelerate bilateral cooperation in emerging technologies and create a vibrant ecosystem for innovation-driven enterprises.

Gateway to Middle East Markets

Beyond nurturing innovation, the centre will act as a strategic gateway for Indian start-ups seeking to expand into Middle Eastern markets. With its location in Abu Dhabi, the AIC provides proximity to regional investors, industry leaders, and policy-makers, enhancing opportunities for scale and impact.

Strengthening India-UAE Educational Ties

Minister Pradhan’s visit underscores the growing educational partnership between India and the UAE. Alongside the AIC launch, IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi also introduced new PhD and B.Tech programs, further cementing its role as a global academic and research hub.

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