IIT Madras launches AI innovation hub at Dubai CommerCity

IIT Madras has formalized plans to set up its first Applied Artificial Intelligence Innovation Centre at Dubai CommerCity, aiming to scale applied AI ventures and contribute to technology driven economic growth in the region.

The facility will be established by the IIT Madras Global Research Foundation and will initially incubate six applied AI startups.

Together, these companies carry a combined valuation of about US$118 million and are projected to generate nearly US$281 million in revenue over the next five years. Several of them are positioned for international expansion.

The initiative is being facilitated by MCA Gulf, IITM Global’s strategic partner in Dubai. The center is designed to serve as a long term platform to develop, deploy, and scale applied AI solutions, positioning Dubai as a launch base for innovation across regional and global markets.

The memorandum of understanding was signed during WORLDEF Dubai 2026, a major digital commerce forum held from Feb 12 to 14.

The agreement aligns with the broader objectives of the India UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and ongoing efforts to strengthen the bilateral technology corridor.

Her Excellency 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.”

“The establishment of IITM Global's first Applied Artificial Intelligence Innovation Centre within our ecosystem reinforces our commitment to enabling innovation-led growth and creating an AI-led vital market with high economic value,” Lootah said.

“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,” Lootah added.

Prof Raghunathan Rengaswamy, Dean Global Engagement at 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,” Rengaswamy added.

Thirumalai Madhavnarayan, CEO of 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 will lead implementation and provide advisory and enablement support. The center will focus on converting advanced AI research into commercially viable products, promoting local intellectual property creation, supporting collaboration with government and industry, and expanding market access for startups across the GCC.

Officials said the project is expected to generate skilled employment and contribute to sectors including smart cities, energy, logistics, and construction, while reinforcing Dubai’s role in digital trade and advanced technologies.