Sheikh Mohammed during the graduation of first batch of entrepreneurs of the HCT Startup Development Programme in Dubai on Saturday. WAM

Gulf Today Report

The Vice President of the UAE on Saturday attended the graduation ceremony of the first batch of a group of entrepreneurs of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) Startup Development Programme.

The initiative aims to transform higher education institutions into business incubators to empower students and engage them into economic and creative activities and contribute to graduate highly-qualified entrepreneurs to support national economy with creative ideas.

Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said after reviewing a number of startups during the ceremony: Equipping students with skills and tools for entrepreneurship constitutes a paramount importance for the UAE. The students are considered the real wealth and investment for a better future of the UAE. Youth investment is the essence of our renaissance ... a foundation of our future and an enabler to cope with developments around us.

The country is making persistent efforts to encourage and enhance entrepreneurship at all levels, especially in higher education institutions, which prepare students to enter the job market, Sheikh Mohammed added.

The Vice President viewed a number of startups of young graduates from the HCT spanning vital sectors from technology to health, education, agritech, 3D and automation.

The HCT Startup Development Programme established 108 startups and engaged 2,316 students since it was launched in 2019. Graduates occupy 50 per cent of the top management of these companies. "E-Fate," a student-operated company, is one of the successful stories of the programme, promoting sustainability and energy efficiency through the collection of electronic waste. E-Fate aims to play a substantial role in positioning the UAE as a leader in the field of recycling.