First AUS Engineering Open Innovation Day connects students with industry and startups

Students at American University of Sharjah (AUS) left behind the usual rhythm of lectures and labs and stepped into a space buzzing with ideas, creativity and collaboration at the university’s first-ever Engineering Open Innovation Day on April 15. Organized by the College of Engineering (CEN) in collaboration with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), the event connected more than 80 students with alumni who have founded businesses, industry professionals and entrepreneurs for a full day of pitching ideas, showcasing prototypes, exploring startups and engaging in expert-led conversations.

One of the highlights was the Nokia Innovation Competition, where students addressed real-world engineering problems proposed by Nokia experts. Competing teams presented their solutions to a panel of evaluators, with the top two winners receiving monetary prizes and internship opportunities with Nokia.

First place was awarded to Maryam Amir Ali for her exceptional project, “AuraNet – Network Capacity Analyzer,” recognized for its innovation and excellence in addressing complex network optimization challenges.

Second place went to Siva Durga Adduri for the project “AI-Powered Software Release Compatibility Checker with LLMs and Knowledge Graphs,” which impressed judges with its forward-thinking use of AI to streamline software deployment.

“Participating in the Nokia Innovation competition gave me the opportunity to explore a diverse range of market-focused topics, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world applications. The project resonated with my interests in AI, automation and software systems, and it pushed me to think critically, experiment with cutting-edge tools and design a solution fit for market deployment. It was an enriching experience that brought my classroom knowledge to life,” said Durga. 

Beyond the competition, the event featured a startup exhibition showcasing ventures founded by AUS engineering students and alumni, many of which were developed with support from Sheraa. The exhibition offered students the chance to connect with peers who had transformed academic projects into fully operational businesses.

In a featured Founder Talk, AUS civil engineering alumnus Hakeem Al-Hashash, Founder and Managing Director of HQCC Building Contracting LLC and HAK Events Management, spoke about his journey from engineering to entrepreneurship. Moderated by computer engineering student Oussama Jamal, the session explored the role of innovation, resilience and business acumen in managing ventures across different industries.

The afternoon concluded with a panel discussion featuring AUS alumni working in biotechnology, AI, logistics and strategic planning. Panelists shared insights from their careers, reflecting on how innovation continues to shape their industries and offering practical advice for students preparing to enter the workforce.

For Dr. Mehdi Ghommem, Associate Dean for Research, Innovation and Outreach and lead organizer of the event, the collaboration with Sheraa was a key factor in making the day a success.

“This event would not have been possible without Sheraa. Their belief in our students, their deep understanding of entrepreneurship and their hands-on involvement helped turn this idea into a living, breathing experience. They didn’t just support the event—they co-created it with us. By bridging our students with alumni founders, ecosystem players, and startup mentors, Sheraa helped build a day that truly captured what engineering education should look like in the real world,” he said.

“At Sheraa, we believe innovation happens when students are given the space to explore, create, and connect. This collaboration with AUS is about encouraging students to think beyond the classroom and begin their journey into entrepreneurship with confidence and purpose,” said Mohammed AlMosa, Strategy Manager at Sheraa.

As CEN continues to strengthen its focus on experiential learning and innovation, Engineering Open Innovation Day is expected to grow into a recurring platform that connects students with the knowledge, networks and opportunities they need to thrive as the next generation of engineers and entrepreneurs.

To learn more about the AUS College of Engineering and what sets it apart, visit www.aus.edu.