WAM Dubai, April 29th, 2012 (WAM) -- Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), today announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Dubai, the local chapter of US-based non-profit organization.

The agreement has led to the launch of the TiE Students' Chapter, an initiative that aims to encourage entrepreneurship among the next generation of students. As part of the outreach, TiE aims to provide university students with access to mentors, speakers and business professionals with a view to promoting innovation and instilling business sense among the youth.

Dr. Ayoub Kazim, Managing Director, TECOM Investments' Education Cluster, said: "The competitive business landscape today warrants the need to educate the youth, enhance their skills and inspire them to develop strong business ideas that will propel them in the right direction for the future. DIAC's partnership with TiE Dubai reiterates our commitment to contributing to the region's economy through guiding and shaping the workforce of tomorrow." The partnership with TiE Dubai comes in line with TECOM Investments' continued efforts to encourage entrepreneurship and builds upon its earlier initiatives such as TECOM SME Builder and the Dubai Knowledge Village Training Open Week that benefit the business community.

Prashant K. Gulati, Trustee, Global Board of TiE and former President, Tie Dubai, said: "TiE has remained at the forefront of fostering entrepreneurship across the world, and Dubai is at the centre of its Middle East activities. The establishment of the TiE Students' Chapter in Dubai will enhance our engagement with budding young entrepreneurs early on in their professional life.

Deepak Padmanabhan, President, TiE Dubai, said: "TiE Dubai is happy to be the first to establish this unique entrepreneurial support initiative focused on students and young entrepreneurs. Open to all students, regardless of the institution they are affiliated to, this initiative will provide them with mentoring, education and networking opportunities that hone the skills needed to effectively achieve professional growth. We are happy to be a part of the UAE and support its entrepreneurial ecosystem since 2002." WAM/AM