The University of Aleppo has officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a National Center for Entrepreneurship and Artificial Intelligence. The agreement, signed by University President Dr. Muhammad Osama Raadoun, brings together the academic institution and private sector partners, including Saudi-based Beyond 360 and Tamkeen for Digital Solutions and Artificial Intelligence. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Engineer Hazem Lotfi, head of the Syrian Investment Authority’s Aleppo branch, marking a significant step toward integrating academic research with private sector investment.
Cultivating a Digital Economy through Strategic Partnerships
The primary objective of this new center is to foster a specialized environment that nurtures technical innovation and supports the growth of digital startups. By creating a dedicated space for incubation, the partnership aims to transform academic research into tangible economic projects. This initiative is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and the requirements of the modern labor market, ensuring that students and graduates can translate their ideas into scalable investment opportunities.
Enhancing National Competencies in Artificial Intelligence
A central pillar of the initiative is the focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation. The center will serve as a hub for applied scientific research, providing the necessary infrastructure for developers and entrepreneurs to experiment with emerging technologies. This move aligns with broader regional trends toward digital adoption, positioning the University of Aleppo as a key driver of knowledge-based economic development in Northern Syria.
Promoting Investment and Public-Private Collaboration
The involvement of the Syrian Investment Authority highlights the strategic importance of this center in attracting investment to the digital sector. By strengthening the partnership between the university and private firms like Beyond 360 and Tamkeen, the project seeks to build a sustainable ecosystem for technology. This collaboration is expected to stimulate the local economy in Aleppo by creating a pipeline of skilled professionals and innovative companies ready to compete in the regional tech landscape.
About University of Aleppo
The University of Aleppo is one of the oldest and largest higher education institutions in Syria. Established to serve as a beacon of science and culture, the university has evolved into a center for technical and academic excellence. Through its various faculties and research centers, it focuses on driving national development and fostering international collaborations to enhance the quality of education and research in the Middle East.
Source: LinkedIn
