HIGHER COLLEGES OF TECHNOLOGY we need an ‘ InnCuvation ’ space – a place where innovation , incubation and venture is under one roof . InnCuvation space activities include workshops , boot camps , proceeding to accelerators , and connecingt with an angel investor to scale their project and build their prototype . Then , as ‘ company alumni ' of the programme they can retain their connection with HCT for a further two years . Because we know that nine out of ten startups will fail , these filtration processes give them support to ensure their businesses can be sustained .”
This is what he means when he says that HCT is no longer just in the business of graduating students , but graduating
“ We are fortunate in the leadership of this country who are willing to invest whatever it takes to support the youth of the UAE ”
ABDULLATIF ALSHAMSI PRESIDENT & CEO , HIGHER COLLEGES OF TECHNOLOGY
companies as well . It ' s a thoroughly thought out , ten-step process . Funding has to be in place , and HCT has its own ' pre-seed funding ' resources to cover the initial setting up costs , then connect them with clients to create a revenue stream , then help them to access funding sources within the UAE , of which there are many .
InnCuVation is taking place already , and the rate will only accelerate . The plan is being executed . Within the next ten years Prof . Al Shamsi is aiming to graduate 500 new companies and already this year celebrated the first batch of HCT companies , companies that all focus on high tech industries , leveraging robotics , AI and IoT solutions and involving a variety of app developers . “ What do we mean by technical leadership ? Well , we have embedded professional certification in disciplines like IT , accountancy and finance , engineering , project management or health and safety within every programme we deliver today , awarded by internationally recognised professional bodies . And we ' re already seeing the outcomes – in the last year alone
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