AUS' College of Engineering Launches PDP to Transform Students into Startup Founders
In a move aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, the American University of Sharjah [AUS]’ College of Engineering [CEN] will offer the Technology and Engineering Product Design Program [PDP], designed to empower students to develop their innovative ideas into viable market solutions. The PDP serves as an incubator, guiding students through the entire process of idea conceptualisation, prototype development, financial planning and market strategy.
Under the leadership of Dr. Lutfi Albasha, the program encourages students to transition from participants in university group projects to founders of startup companies.
“This program is a game-changer,” Dr. Albasha emphasised, “We’re instilling in students a holistic perspective that goes beyond mere technical prowess. They’ll understand the market, competition, and the overall viability of their products.”
The collaboration doesn’t stop within the university walls. The program has partnered with prominent startup accelerators like the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park [SRTIP] and other UAE-based accelerators to provide students with a comprehensive entrepreneurial experience.
Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of CEN, spearheaded this initiative with the intention of enhancing students’ educational journey and amplifying the college’s community engagement. The program will work closely with AUS’s Technology Transfer Office to protect critical intellectual property developed through the program.
The PDP is open to engineering students of all academic levels, who can present novel ideas or solutions addressing specific market needs. Three inaugural projects have been selected for the program’s launch:
ShipX: Spearheaded by industrial engineer Alya AlMatrooshi, ShipX is an app catering to the logistics needs of small and medium-sized businesses. AlMatrooshi sees the program as an opportunity to develop skills in entrepreneurship, market research, and product development.
Robotic Waste Management: A team of computer science and engineering students, Mohammed Fawaz, Abdulrahman Shoaib, and Hafsah Tahir, are aiming to revolutionise waste management with a self-sustaining robotic solution. Their innovation aligns with sustainability goals and promises efficiency gains in recycling processes.
Academic Management Service: Mahmoud Darwish, Qusai Al Tah, and Jawwad Sheikh aims to create a centralised platform connecting students with diverse learning and experiential opportunities beyond traditional classrooms.
In support of the PDP’s mission, the Student Engineering Product Design and Innovation Society was founded in May 2023. This student-led initiative serves as a conduit between students and the PDP, providing further avenues for collaboration and innovation.
Mohammed Hassan, President of the Engineering Product Design and Innovation Society, emphasised that the program sparks a revolution within CEN by nurturing concepts into successful ventures. The society is developing an online platform to support students and faculty, offering resources, talks, and workshops to inspire innovation.
As one of the leaders in engineering education in the UAE and the region, CEN continues to set new standards by equipping students with real-world skills and the mindset required to drive innovation in today’s dynamic landscape.
