UAE and India Boost Innovation at "Future of Learning" Summit

On 20 May 2025, the UAE and India will mark a significant milestone in their growing partnership by hosting a major event titled “Future of Learning: Innovation, Technology & Entrepreneurship”. This initiative aims to cement stronger bilateral cooperation through a shared commitment to education, technology, and startup development.

Dubai to Host Cross-Sectoral Gathering of Global Changemakers

Set against the backdrop of Dubai’s global status as a hub for innovation, the summit will bring together influential stakeholders — from government policymakers and educators to startup founders and investors. The objective is to build a collaborative ecosystem that fuses creativity, learning, and entrepreneurship.

High-Level Diplomatic Momentum Fuels Event’s Significance

The summit follows closely on the heels of a recent high-profile UAE delegation’s visit to India, where Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, engaged in strategic discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This event continues that momentum by translating diplomatic goodwill into actionable collaboration.

Shared Vision for Innovation-Driven Partnership

Sheikh Hamdan has emphasized the strength of UAE-India relations and their united focus on innovation and opportunity. The upcoming summit reflects this shared vision, reinforcing the role of education and entrepreneurship as key pillars of future cooperation.

Focus on Technology-Enabled Educational Transformation

Organized in association with Khaleej Times, the summit will explore how global education systems can be transformed through innovation, digital tools, and cross-border policy frameworks. Central to this vision is Talrop, a dynamic startup ecosystem builder committed to solving real-world problems through scalable educational solutions.

Talrop’s Vision: Bridging Talent and Opportunity

Talrop will present several groundbreaking initiatives, including Techies Park, Inventor Park, and Village Park, alongside its bold new model: “Build in UAE, Expand in India, Scale Globally.” These programs are designed to activate student talent, inspire innovation, and foster entrepreneurship across borders.

A Strategic Shift Toward Knowledge-Led Growth

Beyond traditional trade and energy collaborations, both nations are now investing heavily in knowledge-based sectors. The summit will serve as a springboard for joint efforts in higher education, research, edtech, and talent development — crucial elements for building globally competitive knowledge economies.

Bridging Academia, Industry, and Innovation

Thought leaders from both countries will engage in dialogue on developing collaborative curricula, boosting R&D partnerships, enhancing startup ecosystems, and leading the digital transformation of learning. These discussions will help shape a more integrated and future-ready education system.

Senior Leadership to Highlight Bilateral Commitment

High-ranking government officials, education ministers, and innovation leaders from both the UAE and India will attend the summit. Through keynotes, panel sessions, and interactive workshops, they will explore how to embed entrepreneurship within education from early stages onward.

Talrop to Launch New Initiatives and Strengthen Regional Collaboration

The event will also showcase Talrop’s startup-building methodology and preview the upcoming Steyp UAE platform. Attendees will learn about new partnership opportunities with academic institutions, investors, and regional stakeholders.

Empowering Youth as Future Innovators and Founders

Designed with students in mind, the summit will include ideathons, startup-building labs, and fireside chats that spotlight young talent. It will position the UAE-India collaboration as a global blueprint for innovation-led, education-driven progress.

Safeer Najumudeen Board Director & CEO, Talrop, said: “Very few companies in the world are solving real-world problems at scale. Yet the world faces countless challenges — from inequality to resource mismanagement. To address these, we need more Googles, Teslas, and Metas from every nation. Real solutions require inventions, products, and global distribution — and for that, strong ecosystems must emerge, not just in one place like Silicon Valley, but across all 193 nations. That’s why Talrop has been building a global tech ecosystem since 2015, with key initiatives now taking root across the UAE.”

Anas Abdul Gafoor Board Director & CFO, Talrop, said: “Innovation isn’t built overnight — it takes years of research, resilience, and long-term thinking. To solve the world’s greatest challenges, we must support startups grounded in purpose and R&D. These founders don’t just create products; they unlock potential. But they need time, belief, and a nurturing ecosystem. At Talrop, we champion startups focused on education, sustainability, and inclusive growth — those building not just for profit, but for real progress.”

Mishana Mohammed Director – International Operations & Startups, Talrop, said: “True impact comes from thinking beyond borders. At Talrop, we’re building ecosystems that empower youth, support problem-solving startups, and take those innovations global. The UAE is central to this mission — a hub of innovation and collaboration. Our model is simple: Build in the UAE, expand in India, and scale worldwide. By leveraging the UAE’s infrastructure and vision, and forging strong UAE-India ties, we’re creating future-ready economies driven by creativity, knowledge, and entrepreneurship.”