News
Feb 19, 2026
News
Government
Middle East & Africa
NewDecoded
3 min read
Image by University of Sharjah
The University of Sharjah (UoS) and the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech) have signed a landmark agreement to establish the Global Center for Future Technologies. Headquartered at the UoS campus, this international platform will advance scientific research and innovation across five critical domains. These areas include artificial intelligence, healthcare, renewable energy, and food and water security.
UoS Chancellor Prof. Esameldin Agamy and Skoltech President Prof. Alexander Kuleshov signed the deal to unite institutions in tackling tomorrow’s challenges. The initiative elevates Sharjah’s status as a regional leader in research while aligning with the UAE’s push for a sustainable knowledge economy. Prof. Agamy hailed the deal as a catalyst for pioneering solutions that serve humanity against future threats.
Following the launch, the center will implement four strategic pillars to drive its mission. The first focuses on collaborative research projects and providing policy consultations for government entities. Educational initiatives will follow, featuring summer and winter research camps designed to offer industry-tailored upskilling for students and professionals alike.
Innovation serves as a core priority, with the center driving startup incubation, joint ventures, and technology transfer. This ensures that scientific breakthroughs do not remain in the lab but are commercialized to solve real-world problems. By nurturing an environment of creativity, the center offers vast opportunities for researchers to engage in advanced fellowships and initiatives.
Global outreach will be maintained through international conferences and forums to disseminate knowledge and spark new joint ventures. The center aims to be an agile platform, leaving room for additional fields to be added as global priorities shift. This flexibility ensures the partnership remains at the forefront of the technological landscape.
The final goal of this launch is to create a model for international scientific collaboration that addresses global challenges. Prof. Agamy described the center as a bridge connecting research and academic institutions across the world. This long-term vision focuses on producing a generation of innovators capable of leading technological transformation for sustainable development.
This partnership signals a strategic shift in global scientific cooperation, positioning the UAE as a neutral hub for high-stakes technology transfer. By aligning with Skoltech, Russia’s premier STEM institute, the University of Sharjah gains access to deep-tech expertise in AI and precision medicine while bypassing traditional Western academic routes. This move reflects a broader trend where Gulf nations serve as primary commercialization engines for the Global South, converting research into intellectual property through dedicated startup incubation as seen in recent renewable energy agreements.