Founded in 1988, the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) is the UAE’s largest applied higher educational institution, and the nation’s first approved university economic free zone, empowering it to graduate companies in alignment with the directives of the UAE’s wise leadership..
The Higher Colleges of Technology offers a wide variety of programmes, covering its core academic Divisions, which are designed to meet the growing needs of the UAE. Prospective students can find detailed information in this section.
e-participation is the participation and contribution by stakeholders and the public in the decision-making process of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT)
The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) Fact Book is published electronically on an annual basis by the HCT’s Organizational Excellence Department. The Fact Book provides current and historical information regarding academic programmes, enrollments, graduates and staff.
HCT’s ARIE Department assists faculty members and interested parties in applying for research funding, as well as approving proposals, administering sponsored projects, and ensuring compliance with awarding/grant requirements. In particular,…
HCT’s ARIE Department assists faculty members and interested parties in applying for research funding, as well as approving proposals, administering sponsored projects, and ensuring compliance with awarding/grant requirements. In particular, HCT fosters public and private sector collaborative research relationships, aligned with the UAE National Innovation Strategy. HCT engages in applied research activities wherever possible in order to create value for government institutions, and the private sector, in a pragmatic and tangible way; focusing on innovation-driven quick wins to tackle emerging needs of society and industry sectors in the UAE.
HCT leverages an international network of applied research partners which enables our faculty and students to rapidly and effectively deliver results.
InnCuVation Spaces
The HCT InnCuVation Spaces (in Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah campuses), inaugurated in March 2019, are high-tech innovation and entrepreneurial incubators supporting students and faculty in undertaking innovative and…
The HCT InnCuVation Spaces (in Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah campuses), inaugurated in March 2019, are high-tech innovation and entrepreneurial incubators supporting students and faculty in undertaking innovative and entrepreneurial ventures. The name “InnCuVation Space” itself expresses the breadth of activities that take place in such centers: innovation, incubation, and venturing.
These three Spaces are high-tech innovation and entrepreneurial incubators, supporting students and faculty in undertaking innovative and entrepreneurial ventures.
The Spaces provide a range of essential support to startups, including:
Design & Media: production of any creative / technical designs, including technical drawings, graphic and cinematic designs, and augmented or virtual reality applications;
Programming & Computing: creation of iOS and Android applications and websites;
Intelligence Augmentation: system integration, creation of automation systems, and development of advanced robotics applications (terrestrial or aerial);
Fabrication: creation of proofs of concept and prototypes, through 3D printing, laser engraving and cutting, waterjet cutting, sewing, and CNC machining;
Co-working Space: space allowing teams of early-stage startups to work together and at the same time be in close proximity to other startup teams to exchange ideas and experiences;
Office & Lab/Workshop Space: dedicated office space or lab/workshop space for more mature startups.
The teams of the InnCuVation Spaces provide support to startup teams across the entire range of services described above such as the creation of a 3D printable drawing of a prototype, to the arrangement of dedicated working space, the development of a website, as well as support in obtaining a trade license.
HCT’s ARIE Department promotes and encourages creativity, innovation and industry-driven applied research, in particular the development of intellectual property and the transfer of knowledge to the society. HCT preserves the Intellectual Property developed by students, faculty and staff, and ensures that the commercial results, financial or other benefits are distributed in a fair and equitable manner, which incentivizes and recognizes the contributions of the inventors, HCT and the other stakeholders.
Startup Bootcamps and Accelerators
HCT’s ARIE Departmentoffers approximately 10 bootcamps and two cycles of a startup accelerator program on an annual basis, which provides to startups an opportunity to further develop business ideas by pressure testing the initial solutions, while continually iterating and enhancing the business concepts. In the HCT Startup Bootcamps, the startups are exposed to the know-how and best practices of implementing their ideas in the short-term, while focusing on the optimal methods to scale their businesses in the future. These programs also provide participants with the skills, and essential financial knowledge, to build a convincing investor pitch. Finally, the HCT Accelerator helps the most promising startups to grow and establish solid foundations to succeed and prosper.
The Departmentalso provides, either directly, or through local authorities, the relevant trade licenses needed by new startups to commence commercial activities.
