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The visit led to new collaborations that will support students, faculty, startups, and industry partners in both regions, strengthening Sharjah’s role as a centre for innovation-focused education and sustainable development.
In Cambridge, delegates from AUS, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), and the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) met with Cambridge Enterprise, Cambridge Science Park, the Bradfield Centre, Babraham Research Campus, and Cambridge Judge Business School.
Discussions centred on research commercialisation, venture creation, and university–industry collaboration, with an emphasis on applying Cambridge’s innovation models to Sharjah’s expanding research landscape.
In London, AUS and Invest in Sharjah co-hosted “Sharjah Day” at the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, bringing together leaders from government, academia, and industry alongside UK investors focused on education, manufacturing, and technology. The event introduced “The Sharjah Model”, a report by Oxford Business Group outlining a framework for sustainable innovation-led growth.
New agreements were signed with Oxford Business Group and the Financial Times to support sectoral research and market-entry strategies for enterprises in both the UAE and the UK.
A key outcome of the visit was a partnership between AUS, Sheraa, and the Cambridge Forum to promote entrepreneurship and innovation. This was achieved through initiatives such as a Cambridge Pavilion at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival, cross-promotional programmes on sustainability and technology, and joint educational and innovation activities.
Dr Ehab Shanti, founder of the Cambridge Forum, said, “We are pleased to collaborate with AUS and Sheraa to connect Cambridge’s entrepreneurs and academics with global partners. We believe that advanced technology, including AI and Insurtech, must serve as a force for good, addressing global challenges through transboundary collaborations.”
Additionally, AUS signed a memorandum of understanding with the Global Education Lab (GEL) to promote experiential learning through co-created higher education simulations, global-exposure programmes, cultural exchanges, and executive education initiatives.
Suyash Bhatt, Founder of Global Education Lab, stated, “This collaboration bridges Cambridge’s academic excellence with the Middle East’s innovation ecosystem. Together with AUS, we aim to turn educational innovation into real-world impact by empowering globally minded leaders.”
Dr Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, highlighted the importance of the trip, stating, “These engagements demonstrate what is possible when universities serve as connectors between research, enterprise, and public purpose. The agreements signed in Cambridge and London are aimed at delivering entrepreneurship initiatives and shared programmes that turn research into real social and economic value.”
Launched in September 2025, AUS Community Connect is a global engagement platform designed to connect the university with leading international institutions. Through curated visits, knowledge exchange, and collaborative learning, the initiative transforms academic expertise into practical solutions that drive innovation, research translation, and community development.
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