LCE Signs MoU with MDX Innovation Hub, Middlesex University Dubai, to Foster Cross-Border Entrepreneurship

The LUMS Centre for Entrepreneurship (LCE) is proud to announce the signing of an MoU with the MDX Innovation Hub at Middlesex University Dubai. This partnership marks a significant milestone in fostering regional collaboration and expanding the international footprint of start-ups in Pakistan and the Middle East.

As interest in the Middle Eastern market continues to grow among mature Pakistani start-ups—particularly those in the tech sector—this partnership comes at a strategic time. Many start-ups have already made inroads into the region, highlighting the growing potential for cross-border entrepreneurship.

With this MoU, both institutions aim to strengthen connections between academia and the start-up landscape, enabling long-term growth through shared learning and actionable opportunities.

“The signing of this MoU between Middlesex University Dubai’s Innovation Hub and LUMS Centre for Entrepreneurship marks a significant step forward in fostering cross-border collaboration between academic institutions in the UAE and Pakistan,” said Professor Fehmida Hussain, Head and Founder of the MDX Innovation Hub.

“By joining forces, we are creating a platform that leverages the unique strengths, resources, and entrepreneurial ecosystems of both countries. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to nurturing innovation, empowering future leaders, and building a more connected and resilient startup landscape across the region.”

The MoU outlines a broad framework of cooperation, including:

• Joint research and entrepreneurial projects focused on cross-border challenges and opportunities.
• Knowledge exchange through co-hosted workshops, guest lectures, and co-branded content that amplify regional insights.
• Start-up-focused events and competitions held in Lahore and Dubai to build innovation networks across borders.
• Short-term exchange programmes for start-ups, offering founders immersive experiences in local markets to gain direct insight and build partnerships.
• Collaborative contributions to LCE’s Knowledge Hub through articles, podcasts, and case studies that capture learnings and trends from both ecosystems.

These efforts aim not only to support mid-to-late stage startups exploring international growth, but also to enable students, faculty, and industry leaders to participate in shaping a future-ready entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Jazib Zahir, Director of LUMS Centre for Entrepreneurship, added, “LUMS Centre for Entrepreneurship is pleased to initiate collaborations with Middlesex University Dubai. We’ve found synergies in our priorities around curriculum design, knowledge sharing across geographies, and the pursuit of ventures—particularly in technical spaces. We look at this agreement as a way to give our stakeholders, particularly incubated ventures, access to additional resources and exposure.”

The MoU further reaffirms LCE’s commitment to enabling meaningful cross-border opportunities for startups while aligning with MDX Dubai’s mission to build impactful and inclusive innovation ecosystems.

Together, we look forward to shaping the next chapter of entrepreneurship between Pakistan and the UAE.