Khalifa University, Arizona State University launch dual degree

Khalifa University of Science and Technology and the Arizona State University (ASU) have launched a dual Master of Science programme, the first of its kind in the UAE, with a core curriculum focused on embedding entrepreneurship and innovation in higher education.

Under the agreement, students will receive a dual degree. The first is a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from ASU, delivered by faculty from the W. P. Carey School of Business and the Herberger Institute of Design and Arts. The second is a Master of Science in Engineering Systems and Management with a specialisation in Technology Management, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship from Khalifa University.

The Khalifa University-ASU partnership will be supported by the university’s business and investment arm Khalifa University Enterprises Company (KUEC), and the deep-tech incubator Khalifa Innovation Center (KIC). Focusing on the commercialisation of scientific research, these two entities will support students who wish to launch startups after completing the dual degree programme.

Dr Bayan Sharif, Provost at Khalifa University, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Arizona State University on this unique dual Master of Science programme that will provide Khalifa University students with a studio-based academic and experiential immersive international experience that will culminate in a pitching competition to investors. This initiative demonstrates our consistent commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation among our students, in line with our mandate to contribute to the UAE and the region, and to realise the vision of our leadership in creating a knowledge-based economy. The dual programme will equip and empower students with the necessary skills and experiences they need not only to succeed in academics and research, but also to convert their innovations into global businesses that can contribute to the economic development of the UAE.”

Hitendra Chaturvedi, co-director of the MS in Entrepreneurship and Innovation programme at the W. P. Carey School of Business, said: “ASU has been ranked No 1 in Innovation 10 years in a row, and natural segue to innovation is entrepreneurship. The future demands world leaders with an entrepreneurial mindset who can excel in ambiguity and uncertainty. We are excited to partner with KU to teach the entrepreneurial mindset to such entrepreneurs, and intrapreneurs.”

"The dual degree program will facilitate valuable networking opportunities between Khalifa University faculty, students, and staff from KIC and KUEC with their counterparts in the ASU MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovation program. This exchange will foster knowledge transfer, particularly in areas such as investor pitching, cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, and developing the skills necessary for both startup ventures and corporate innovation.

Students will spend part of their study at ASU then return to Khalifa University, and the faculty from both institutions will mentor the students on the dual degree program during the execution of their projects.