CHENNAI, Feb 18: IIT Madras Global Research Foundation, a vertical of IIT Madras, will set up its first Applied Artificial Intelligence Innovation Centre at Dubai CommerCity to accelerate innovation and support technology-led economic growth.
In its first phase, the Centre will host a portfolio of six applied AI startups with a combined valuation of approximately US$118 million and projected revenues of US$281 million over the next five years, it said in a statement.
Several of these startup companies demonstrate strong potential for scalable global expansion, it added.
Facilitated by MCA Gulf, a strategic partner of IITM Global in Dubai, the Centre aims to position Dubai as a regional and global launchpad for applied AI innovation, enabling solutions to be developed, deployed and scaled through a long-term platform focused on sustainable innovation and value creation, the statement said.
An MoU in this regard was signed on the sidelines of WORLDEF Dubai 2026, the Middle East region’s largest global gathering dedicated to digital commerce, held from 12th to 14th February 2026.
The event was inaugurated by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee.
Dubai CommerCity, a leading free zone dedicated exclusively to digital commerce in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, serves as a key hub for regional and international brands.
IITM Global has been conceived as a strategic, sustainable and scalable platform to take IIT Madras’s academic, research and innovation strengths to the global stage.
IITM Global will lead the project and provide enablement and advisory support. The centre will function as a specialised innovation platform dedicated to translating advanced artificial intelligence capabilities into scalable, market-ready applications.
It will focus on advancing local product development, accelerating solution deployment, fostering intellectual property creation and strengthening collaboration with government entities, industry stakeholders and innovation ecosystem partners.
The project is expected to generate sustainable economic value by stimulating commercial activity, developing intellectual property locally, creating high-skill jobs and improving productivity across sectors such as smart cities, energy, logistics and construction.
The centre will also serve as a critical bridge for deep-tech commercialisation by facilitating market access and investment for startups across the GCC region. It is expected to reinforce Dubai’s position as a hub for digital trade and advanced technology solutions while supporting the emirate’s broader economic diversification and innovation agenda.
Speaking about this partnership, Amna Lootah, Director-General of Dubai CommerCity and Dubai Airport Freezone, said, “This MoU with IIT Madras Global Research Foundation marks a strategic milestone in advancing Dubai CommerCity’s role as a specialised free zone for digital trade and advanced technologies.”
She said the establishment of IITM Global’s first Applied Artificial Intelligence Innovation Centre within the ecosystem of Dubai CommerCity reinforces commitment to enabling innovation-led growth and creating an AI-led vital market with high economic value.
“This initiative strengthens the India–UAE technology corridor under CEPA and reinforces Dubai’s position as a regional hub for responsible innovation, intelligent trade, and future-ready growth in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33,” she added.
Highlighting the importance of this AI Centre, Prof. Raghunathan Rengaswamy, Dean (Global Engagement), IIT Madras, said, “The launch of the Applied AI Innovation Centre in Dubai marks a pivotal step in globalising IIT Madras’ research. Coinciding with the India AI Impact Summit, this initiative bridges academic breakthroughs with industrial scale to drive ‘Human-Centric AI.’ It strengthens the India-UAE technological bond, establishing this strategic corridor as a global benchmark for AI solutions anchored in safety and governance.”
Thirumalai Madhavnarayan, CEO, IITM Global, said, “This MoU operationalises the India-UAE technology corridor, establishing a high-velocity ecosystem in Dubai that accelerates market access for startups and translates responsible AI research into economic value across the GCC.”
IITM Global has been conceived as a strategic, scalable and sustainable full-stack global expansion of IIT Madras that enables innovators, researchers, startups and industry partners to access international markets, capital and collaborative research opportunities.
By incorporating local context into international initiatives, IITM Global drives innovation, entrepreneurship and impactful collaboration with industry and R&D partners. (BVI)
