Iraq has taken a significant step forward in its national digital transformation agenda with the inauguration of two new colleges dedicated to artificial intelligence. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, aims to cultivate specialized talent and strengthen the foundations of the country’s burgeoning knowledge economy.
A Strategic Push Into AI Education
The move was announced by the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Naeem Al-Aboudi, who emphasized the strategic importance of building advanced technological capabilities. The launch of these two institutions brings the total number of AI-focused colleges across Iraq’s public and private universities to ten, signaling a concerted effort to position the nation as a future hub for AI innovation and expertise in the MENA region. This expansion is a core component of Iraq’s strategy to diversify its economy and prepare its workforce for the demands of the global tech landscape.
New Hubs for AI Innovation
The first of the new institutions, the College of Artificial Intelligence Engineering, was opened at the University of Technology in Baghdad. It will offer specialized departments in intelligent control engineering, intelligent robotics, smart computing and cybersecurity, and cognitive systems. Concurrently, Dr. Al-Aboudi inaugurated the Technical Engineering College of Artificial Intelligence at the Middle Technical University. This college is designed to be a comprehensive research and teaching platform, equipped with advanced laboratories and incubators for student projects.
Bridging Academia and Industry
Both colleges are tasked with a clear mission: to bridge the gap between academic outcomes and the evolving needs of the labor market. By fostering an environment of innovation and providing practical, hands-on experience, these institutions aim to produce graduates who can immediately contribute to economic growth. The focus on incubators and industry-relevant research is intended to create a direct pipeline of talent and technology, supporting the development of a sustainable and innovation-driven economy in Iraq.
About The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is the Iraqi government body responsible for overseeing higher education and scientific research activities in the country. It manages public universities, sets educational policies, and works to advance scientific discovery and technological development to support Iraq’s national strategic goals.
Source: Iraq Business News
