UAE’s Khalifa University launches investment arm with Dhs100m endowment

UAE’s Khalifa University launches investment arm with Dhs100m endowment

Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa University of Science and Technology has launched the Khalifa University Enterprises Company (KUEC) which will act as the business and investment arm of the university. The new company is funded by an endowment of Dhs100m. It is expected encourage innovation and stimulate the creation of technology startups, while motivating students and alumni to explore entrepreneurship based upon university research outputs. KUEC will include ‘Innovation Acceleration and Startups’ and KU Ventures, which will support establishing and operating non-IP technology companies. KUEC also includes the Endowment Fund that will allocate funding for investments and operations. Established and structured in consultation with three partners, Khalifa University Enterprises Company will leverage the support of the leading asset manager BlackRock and global financial services firm JPMorgan. On the innovation side, Techstars will play a pivotal role in the growth and scaling of UAE startups. BlackRock will invest the endowment assets on behalf of Khalifa University Enterprises Company in a diversified global portfolio, while JP Morgan will provide custodial services to KUEC, supporting the asset management part of the endowment. Techstars will focus on reviewing Khalifa University’s patents, conducting research to identify commercial suitability and viability, as well as in market assessments and