The Centre, in its first phase, will host a portfolio of six applied AI start-ups with a combined valuation of approximately $118 million and will aim to convert advanced AI capabilities into scalable, market-ready applications.
The project is expected to stimulate commercial activity and develop intellectual property locally. It will also help in facilitating market access and investment for start-ups in the GCC region.
An MoU for the launch of the centre was signed on the sidelines of WORLDEF Dubai 2026 held earlier this month.
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.”
“The launch of the Applied AI Innovation Centre in Dubai marks a pivotal step in globalising IIT Madras’ research. It strengthens the India-UAE technological bond, establishing this strategic corridor as a global benchmark for AI solutions anchored in safety and governance,” Raghunathan Rengaswamy, Dean (Global Engagement), IIT Madras, said.
Content Courtesy – Business Line
