Innovation Hub, the startup and innovation centre operating under Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), is expanding its international ecosystem through a partnership with Foundation Hub in Sulaymaniyah.
The agreement will create a direct link between Dubai and Kurdistan’s emerging startup community, with an initial focus on practical programmes, founder support and business expansion. Fintech and artificial intelligence startups will receive priority, although the initiative will consider innovation across sectors.
The programme will begin with two specialised workshops in Kurdistan to assess and select promising startups. Chosen companies will receive structured mentorship from sector experts and business leaders, along with access to Innovation Hub’s network of venture capital funds and investment institutions, according to the announcement.
Selected founders will also have opportunities to present through DIFC platforms, including the Dubai FinTech Summit, the Dubai AI Festival and Innovation Hub’s Investor Day. Visits to Dubai will give them access to corporate partners and potential opportunities to expand their operations.
The partnership was signed by Foundation Hub CEO Sven Ghafour and Innovation Hub CEO Muhammad Al Blooshi, in the presence of Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani and DIFC Authority CEO Arif Amiri.
The longer-term ambition is to build a two-way innovation corridor between Dubai and Sulaymaniyah, while connecting Kurdistan-based companies with investors and partners in the UAE.
Source: Al Khaleej
