A memorandum of understanding was signed to launch the center on the sidelines of the Worldlife Dubai 2026 exhibition, which was held at the beginning of this month Image source: Iboba
IIT Madras Global Research Foundation, the institute’s initiative to take IIT Madras global, will set up its first applied AI innovation center in Dubai CommerCity
In its first phase, the center will host a group of six applied AI startups with a total value of approximately $118 million, and aims to transform 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 facilitate market access and investment for startups in the GCC region.
A memorandum of understanding was signed to launch the center on the sidelines of the Worldlife Dubai 2026 exhibition, which was held earlier this month.
Amna Lootah, General Manager of Dubai CommerCity and Dubai Airport Free Zone, said: “This MoU with IIT Madras Global Research Foundation represents a strategic milestone in strengthening Dubai CommerCity’s role as a dedicated free zone for digital trade and advanced technologies. Establishing IITM Global’s first Applied AI Innovation Center within our ecosystem reinforces our commitment to enabling innovation-led growth.”
Raghunathan Renegaswamy, Dean (Global Engagement) at IIT Madras, said: “The launch of the Applied AI Innovation Center in Dubai represents a pivotal step in the globalization of IIT Madras’ research. It strengthens the technology ties between India and the UAE, and establishes this strategic corridor as a global benchmark for safety and governance-focused AI solutions.”
Posted on February 18, 2026
