Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), a member of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), has announced a strategic partnership with TUM International GmbH (TUMint), a subsidiary of the Technical University of Munich, to advance applied research and technology transfer.
The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Badr Buhannad, Director General of DSO, and Friederike Hettinger, CEO of TUM International, during a DSO delegation visit to TUM’s high-tech campus in Germany. It supports DIEZ’s strategy to build a global centre for research and technology for economic zones, approved earlier this week by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DIEZ.
The collaboration aims to link Munich’s research expertise and technology transfer capabilities with businesses and innovators at DSO, including its flagship District IO project. The two sides will explore applied research, feasibility studies, technology showcases, capacity building and the commercialisation of innovations. DSO will also look at drawing on TUMint’s experience to set up a research and innovation centre at the zone, along with joint programmes, workshops and innovation challenges.
District IO represents an investment of AED 11 billion and is expected to attract more than 6,500 SMEs and startups across six sectors, including smart mobility, robotics, AI and quantum computing, and Web3.
Buhannad said the partnership reflects DSO’s commitment to becoming a leading innovation hub by connecting research capabilities with industry expertise. Hettinger said the MoU provides a framework for a long-term partnership that brings research, industry needs and international networks together.
Established in 2007, TUM International specialises in innovation ecosystems and technology transfer, and TUM ranks first in the European Union in the latest QS World University Rankings.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
