The Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM), a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Chamber, successfully launched the Abu Dhabi Management Incubator (ADMI), a strategic initiative aimed at empowering aspiring entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, and enhancing business excellence. The launch event, held as part of ADSM’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Week, brought together industry leaders, government officials, and academic experts to explore the role of incubators in shaping the future of entrepreneurship.
Strategic Partnership with Ethara “1TW” Innovation Hub (E1H)
Dr. Marc Poulin, Acting President of ADSM, opened the event by highlighting the institution’s commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and aligning with the UAE’s Vision 2030. A key moment in the event was the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing between ADSM and Ethara “1TW” Innovation Hub (E1H), Abu Dhabi’s first dedicated sports and entertainment innovation hub.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Marc Poulin on behalf of ADSM and Mr. Jamie Cunningham, Executive Director of 1TW (One to Watch), representing Ethara. This partnership will provide emerging entrepreneurs with industry expertise, networking opportunities, and access to cutting-edge innovation platforms, fostering sustainable business growth in the region.
Abu Dhabi Management Incubator: A Platform for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Following the MOU signing, Dr. Marc Poulin and Dr. Naveed Yasin, Director of the Abu Dhabi Management Incubator (ADMI), presented the incubator’s mission and strategic objectives. They emphasized its alignment with Abu Dhabi Chamber’s 2025–2027 roadmap, which focuses on five key pillars: policy advocacy, ecosystem building, market intelligence, innovation, and market expansion.
The incubator aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, providing entrepreneurs with mentorship, global networking opportunities, and hands-on business experience. Through collaboration with industry experts, ADMI will ensure that startups receive practical support, market access, and tailored development programs that go beyond theoretical guidance.
Panel Discussion: The Role of Incubators in Shaping the Future of Entrepreneurship
The event featured an engaging panel discussion on the role of incubators in shaping the future of entrepreneurship, moderated by Dr. Constance Van Horne, Director of International Affairs and Executive Development at ADSM. She led an insightful conversation on the importance of building a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, strengthening strategic partnerships between incubators, academia, and the business sector, and how incubators can accelerate startup success by providing essential resources and mentorship.
Mansoor Al Sayegh, President of the Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council, opened the discussion by emphasizing the role of incubators as platforms for opportunity creation. He highlighted their importance in providing a comprehensive environment that supports young entrepreneurs, mitigates risks, and facilitates access to procurement and strategic partnerships. He stressed that such initiatives play a key role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship by offering practical support to startups and connecting them with vital industries, ensuring their sustainability and growth.
Jamie Cunningham, Executive Director of One to Watch, reinforced the importance of adaptability in entrepreneurship, stating that pivoting and flexibility are key to success. He pointed to Abu Dhabi’s growing investment in sports and entertainment and explained how incubators like ADMI can help entrepreneurs capitalize on these opportunities by bridging the gap between ideation and execution through industry partnerships.
Kaizer Tirmizi, Co-founder of Meraki Design Thinking Studios in Oman, emphasized the power of connectivity in fostering entrepreneurial success. He stated that beyond funding, startups need access to networks that facilitate collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and international expansion. He highlighted that incubators provide the necessary framework to build scalable and sustainable businesses.
Dr. Naveed Yasin, Director of ADMI, concluded the discussion by outlining the incubator’s commitment to delivering real-world impact. He emphasized that beyond guidance, the incubator will act as a long-term partner in entrepreneurs’ journeys, ensuring measurable results and sustainable business growth. He reinforced ADMI’s mission with the words: “Inspire today to see results tomorrow.”
Key Takeaways and Future Outlook
The event concluded with remarks emphasizing ADMI’s role as a catalyst for business acceleration in Abu Dhabi. Dr. Naveed Yasin highlighted the need for sustained mentorship and strategic partnerships, stating that “strong ideas, combined with the right support, create lasting impact.”
With a commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and industry collaboration, the Abu Dhabi Management Incubator is set to play a pivotal role in empowering the next generation of business leaders.
