MIH Leads the Charge in Dubai’s Innovation Landscape
During Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2025, the Middlesex Innovation Hub (MIH) on the Dubai Knowledge Park campus showcased a week‑long series of activities that brought students, faculty and industry partners together to explore new ideas and build entrepreneurial skills. The event ran from 18 to 28 November and was aligned with the UAE’s D33 agenda to accelerate innovation and strengthen the nation’s global competitiveness.
Key Highlights of the Week
Opening Session – Purpose and Commitment
Professor Fehmida Hussain, Deputy Director of Engagement & Student Experience at Middlesex University Dubai, opened the week with a message that set the tone: MIH is dedicated to empowering the next generation of innovators. Her remarks underscored the hub’s mission to provide students, entrepreneurs and industry partners with the skills, mindsets and opportunities needed to build the future in Dubai.
Interactive Workshops and Competitions
- Low‑Code, No‑Code Workshop – Students learned how to build functional apps using pre‑built components, guided by Nuno Vilaça. The session also introduced the UAE’s flagship Create Apps Championship.
- Mystery Box Challenge & Pitch a Problem – Rapid ideation exercises that tested students’ ability to generate solutions under pressure.
- Red/Green Flag & BrandSwap – Activities that encouraged participants to evaluate startup behaviour and explore imaginative rebranding strategies.
- Trivia & Reverse Brainstorming – Games that challenged participants to think from unconventional angles and deepen their understanding of MIH’s ecosystem.
Guest Speakers and Alumni Success Stories
The week featured talks from industry leaders such as Simon Reiniche, Programme Manager of CyberE71, and Nishant Singh from the Salzburg Fellowship. Alumni like Sulthana Safeer, winner of the 2025 Create Apps Championship and founder of Biebite, shared real‑world journeys from classroom ideas to successful ventures.
How Students and Entrepreneurs Can Leverage MIH Resources
- Engage Early with Competitions – Register for the Create Apps Championship or other startup contests to gain exposure and feedback from industry experts.
- Utilise Low‑Code Platforms – Start building prototypes quickly; this reduces development time and allows you to iterate based on user feedback.
- Network with Industry Partners – Attend MIH networking events to connect with potential mentors, investors and collaborators.
- Apply for Mentorship Programs – MIH offers structured mentorship that pairs students with experienced entrepreneurs to refine business models and go‑to‑market strategies.
For students looking to deepen their entrepreneurial skill set, the MIH’s suite of workshops and mentorship opportunities provides a clear pathway from idea to execution. For industry partners, MIH offers a talent pipeline and a collaborative environment to co‑create solutions that address regional challenges.
Take the Next Step in Your Innovation Journey
Whether you are a student eager to launch a startup, a recent graduate seeking mentorship, or an industry partner looking to collaborate, Middlesex University Dubai’s MIH is positioned to support your goals. Explore the hub’s resources, connect with mentors, and apply for upcoming competitions to accelerate your progress.
Submit your application today and join a community that turns ideas into impact.
Want to learn more about the programs that feed into MIH’s ecosystem? Explore our innovation hub and discover how our courses prepare you for a career in entrepreneurship.
Have questions about how to get involved? Schedule a free consultation with the MIH team.
Share your experience in the comments below and connect with fellow innovators on our blog.
