Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainable Development (CEISD)
About Us
Vision
To drive impactful research addressing sustainable development challenges, CEISD aims to create a platform that transforms innovative ideas into tangible solutions that positively impact industries, communities and the environment in Sharjah, the UAE and beyond. Committed to advancing the UAE’s broader vision, CEISD promotes a culture of learning, intellectual curiosity, research and innovation.
Mission
To disseminate research on sustainable development and innovation, and strengthen entrepreneurial drivers of economic growth through fostering collaborations with external professional and academic partners.
Objectives
- Conduct impactful research addressing innovation and sustainable development challenges and publish findings in top-tier, high-impact journals
- Engage and encourage collaboration between AUS faculty and students to produce and share solutions that address challenges sourced from industry partners and the community
- Establish a leading database, the first of its kind, cataloging innovative projects within the MENA region
- Identify and explore entrepreneurial research projects that are relevant to the university, local community and beyond, through partnerships with community stakeholders
- Contribute to the growth of the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem by serving as a key innovation hub
Research
Theme 1: Entrepreneurship, Strategy and Policy for Sustainable Growth
Explores the psychological, strategic and social factors shaping entrepreneurship, including personal attitudes, external influences and institutional contexts. It also examines how entrepreneurial growth, innovation and business creation impact employment, competitive advantage and social mobility, while also addressing the role of economic policies, property rights and inclusivity in fostering entrepreneurship.
Theme 2: Circular Economy Innovation and Entrepreneurial Growth
Examines how entrepreneurship in the circular economy drives sustainable development through resource efficiency, innovation and inclusive growth. It further explores the economic and social benefits of circular business models, the role of policy and partnerships, and how entrepreneurs scale sustainable ventures across sectors like food, fashion and tourism.
Theme 3: Social Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Community-Driven Change
Delves into how art, design and creative technology foster social inclusion, sustainability and self-sufficiency. Also examines social entrepreneurship, sustainable business practices and the unique role of family businesses in the UAE, focusing on succession planning, governance and long-term impact.
Theme 4: Technology, Innovation and Sustainability
Explores how technology drives sustainable development across sectors like agritech, edtech, fintech and healthtech. It also examines innovations such as AI, blockchain and 3D printing, focusing on their role in resource management, cybersecurity, business strategy and inclusive economic growth.
People
- CEISD Director
Dr. Jay Squalli, Professor, Department of Economics, School of Business Administration.
- Theme Leads
- Entrepreneurship, Strategy and Policy for Sustainable Growth
Dr. Iness Aguir, Associate Professor, Department of Finance, School of Business Administration - Circular Economy Innovation and Entrepreneurial Growth
Dr. Sajid Khan, Professor, Department of Marketing and Information Systems, School of Business Administration - Social Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Community-Driven Change
Dr. Soheil Dahdal, Associate Professor, Department of Media Communication, College of Arts and Sciences - Technology, Innovation and Sustainability
Dr. Norita Ahmad, Professor, Department of Marketing and Information Systems, School of Business Administration
- Entrepreneurship, Strategy and Policy for Sustainable Growth
- Visiting Scholars
Dr. Soumya Gupta, Cornell University (Former Visiting Research Scholar at CEISD)
Dr. Gupta is a research economist affiliated with the Tata-Cornell Institute for Agriculture and Nutrition at Cornell University. She was previously a visiting research scholar at CEISD, where she collaborated with Dr. Squalli on research projects.
Programs
- Dragon’s Den
An annual innovation and entrepreneurship challenge where students pitch their innovative projects to a panel of industry experts, investors, faculty, mentors and strategists. This event offers students the opportunity to receive feedback and potentially secure support for their ventures.
Dragon’s Den 1 (Spring 2024)
- Golden Prize: REVIVECRAFT
- Silver Prize: CLOSET CONNECT
- Bronze Prize: AUSRIDE
Dragon’s Den 2 (Spring 2025)
- Golden Prize: SHADESPACE
- Silver Prize: PRAYPOD
- Bronze Prize: FITFIX
- CEISD Venture Gateway
CEISD Venture Gateway is a pre-incubation program designed to identify high-potential student-led ventures before they enter the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through a structured screening process and expert guidance, CEISD ensures that selected undergraduate and graduate student startups are well-prepared for acceleration.
Pathway to Success:
- Screening (CEISD): Evaluating venture potential and providing initial guidance
- Acceleration Stage (Sheraa): Supporting early-stage development with team building, product-market fit validation, and resource planning, along with access to educational programs like the Startup DOJO and investor pitch days
- Scale-up Stage (SRTIP): Providing advanced business development support, including prototyping, company formation, commercial traction and market expansion strategies
CEISD Venture Gateway acts as the bridge between student-driven innovation and successful entrepreneurship, ensuring startups are equipped for long-term impact.
Contact
Dr. Jay Squalli
Director of the CEISD
Tel | +971 6 515 2318
Email | ceisd@aus.edu
