University of Dubai Launches AED 100 Million «Dubai Tech X Fund» in Partnership with «Significa Ventures» to Boost Deep Tech and AI Startups

Mustafa Eid, Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 19 October 2025:

The University of Dubai has officially announced the launch of the “Dubai Tech X Fund”, a strategic AED 100 million initiative developed in partnership with Significa Ventures. The fund aims to strengthen the Deep Tech and Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup ecosystem and empower a new generation of innovators across the region.

Advancing Knowledge Economy

H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, Chairman of the University of Dubai Board of Trustees, emphasized that the launch of the Dubai Tech X Fund represents a new milestone in the university’s mission to advance innovation and support the knowledge-based economy.

“We believe that the partnership between education and investment is the ideal pathway to building a sustainable technological future, fully aligned with Dubai and the UAE’s vision to be a global hub for advanced technology,” he said.

Turning Research into Impact

Echoing this vision, H.E. Dr. Eesa Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, stated that the fund reflects the university’s deep commitment to transforming research into impactful startups and commercial applications.

“Our goal is to make the Dubai Tech X Fund a collaborative platform uniting students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors to shape the next generation of innovation,” he added.

Strategic Partnership

The fund is the result of a strategic partnership between the University of Dubai and Significa Ventures, one of the region’s pioneering firms specializing in Corporate Venture Capital (CVC). This collaboration aims to create an integrated platform linking academic research, practical innovation, and venture capital to accelerate the growth of tech-driven startups.

Ayman Ismail Abouhend, Chief Investment Officer at Significa Ventures, expressed his pride in the partnership: “At Significa Ventures, we are honored to partner with the University of Dubai in launching the Dubai Tech X Fund — a landmark step that strengthens the UAE’s position as a global center for Deep Tech and innovation. This fund serves as a strategic platform where academia meets capital, enabling faster growth for emerging technology ventures and nurturing a sustainable ecosystem that empowers regional talent and entrepreneurs.”

He added: “Our mission is to transform knowledge into investable value by connecting university-driven innovation with regional and global markets. We believe that collaboration between academia and venture capital is the true key to building the future — and Dubai Tech X Fund will stand as a practical example of this vision.”

Driving the Future of Deep Tech and AI

The Dubai Tech X Fund will focus on investing in startups that develop innovative solutions for strategic sectors such as energy, healthcare, education, and smart cities, with Deep Tech and AI serving as the main engines of future growth.

Beyond funding, the initiative will play a central role in reinforcing Dubai’s and the UAE’s position as global hubs for technology entrepreneurship and innovation, fostering a sustainable ecosystem that merges academic insight with investment expertise and entrepreneurial ambition.

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