IIT Madras Global launches Applied AI Innovation Centre in Dubai CommerCity

Key facts

• IIT Madras Global Research Foundation will establish its inaugural Applied Artificial Intelligence Innovation Centre at Dubai CommerCity.
• MCA Gulf is the partner for the centre.
• The centre will initially onboard six early-stage applied AI startups backed by IIT Madras Global.
• The combined valuation of the six startups is estimated near USD 118 million.
• Projections indicate nearly USD 281 million in revenue over five years.
• Details of the centre’s formation were announced during WORLDEF Dubai 2026.
• Prof. Raghunathan Rengaswamy, dean of Global Engagement at IIT Madras, stated the facility will scale academic research into industry adoption and advance responsible, people-oriented AI design.
• The centre will focus on local product development, solution deployment, intellectual property creation, and collaboration with government entities, industry stakeholders, and innovation ecosystem partners.
• Amna Lootah, Director-General of Dubai CommerCity and Dubai Airport Freezone, said the partnership reinforces Dubai’s role as a digital trade and advanced technologies hub.