The DIFC Innovation Hub has entered into a strategic partnership with Slemani-based The Foundation Hub to establish a bridge between the startup environments of Dubai and the Kurdistan Region. Signed by Safeen Ghafour, CEO of The Foundation Hub, and Mohammad Alblooshi, CEO of the DIFC Innovation Hub, the agreement was finalized in the presence of Qubad Talabani, Kurdistan Regional Government's Deputy Prime Minister, and Arif Amiri, CEO of the DIFC Authority.
This collaboration aims to provide founders in Kurdistan with essential mentorship, funding, and international market entry points via Dubai, while paving the way for UAE and DIFC businesses to explore emerging opportunities in Kurdistan. Initially focusing on artificial intelligence and financial technology, the partnership remains receptive to strong innovations in other sectors.
To kick off the program, two initial workshops will take place in Kurdistan to pinpoint high-potential startups. Chosen entrepreneurs will benefit from guidance by corporate leaders and industry experts, access to institutional investors and venture capital, and a presence at major events such as the Dubai FinTech Summit, the Dubai AI Festival, and the DIFC Innovation Hub Investor Day.
The long-term vision of the agreement is to build a reciprocal Dubai-Slemani Innovation Corridor, allowing UAE enterprise partners, scale-ups, and investors to actively engage with Kurdistan's expanding technology sector.