Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has signed an agreement with Shanghai Stemstar Education Technology Co., Ltd., to strengthen research and development (R&D) capabilities, foster innovation in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), and equip students with the skills needed to tackle global challenges in sustainability and technology.
The agreement was signed by Prof Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of ADU and Deepak Tyagi, Director of Shanghai Stemstar. The signing ceremony was attended by Dr Hamad Odhabi, ADU’s Vice Chancellor for AI and Operational Excellence, Prof Barry O’Mahony, Provost of ADU and Salem Al Dhaheri, ADU’s Executive of Director of Community Relations.
As part of this partnership, ADU and Shanghai Stemstar will establish a state-of-the-art R&D Centre at the university, which will serve as a hub for advancing research in Artificial Intelligence (AI), STEM, and sustainability. The collaboration will also offer AI training for high school students, tailored professional development programmes for Shanghai Stemstar employees, joint academic initiatives, and support of ADU’s key conferences, such as the International Conference on Advance Sustainable Future (ICASF).
Prof Ghassan Aouad said: “Our strategic partnership with Shanghai Stemstar provides a dynamic platform to enhance STEM education and innovation. Together, we are creating transformative opportunities for students and faculty to engage in cutting-edge research, gain real-world experience, and drive meaningful changes in their respective fields. At ADU, we remain dedicated to shaping visionary leaders, advancing sustainable solutions, and strengthening the UAE’s science and technology (S&T) sector.”
ADU and Shanghai Stemstar will also offer training and research programmes, knowledge exchange initiatives, networking opportunities, and student-focused camps in high-demand fields such as AI, STEM and sustainability.
Deepak Tyagi, Director of Shanghai Stemstar, said: “Collaborating with Abu Dhabi University enables us to combine academic rigour with practical innovation. Together, we aim to inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators who will shape a brighter future.”
Dr Hamad Odhabi, ADU’s Vice Chancellor for AI and Operational Excellence, said: “We are witnessing a transformative revolution driven by AI, reshaping industries and redefining the future of education. This partnership is crucial for empowering our students with the latest AI advancements and tools, equipping them to lead innovation and confidently address real-world challenges.”
The partnership aligns with ADU’s ongoing efforts to expand its academic offerings in response to evolving industry demands. The university recently launched 13 programmes in several fields, including four bachelor’s degrees in international relations, psychology, AI engineering, and renewable and sustainable energy engineering. This is in addition to the introduction of seven master’s degrees in AI, cybersecurity, financial technology, digital communication, strategic digital transformation, cyberlaw and AI, and public health as well as a PhD in law and PhD in education.
