The Maldives National University (MNU) today officially formalised a strategic partnership with Dhiraagu through a Partnership Formalising Ceremony, marking a significant milestone in advancing innovation, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment in the Maldives.

This collaboration brings together The Maldives National University and the country’s leading digital service provider under a shared vision to nurture innovative ideas, strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and support the development of sustainable, future-ready solutions driven by Maldivian youth.

Through this esteemed partnership, the current cohort of the University’s incubator programme will be officially branded as “MNU InnovateHub – Powered by Dhiraagu.” The partnership reflects a strong mutual commitment to building an enabling environment where students can transform innovative ideas into impactful ventures that contribute to national development.

MNU InnovateHub is the first university incubator in the Maldives, established to support students in developing innovative, practical, and scalable solutions. The programme focuses on capacity building, mentorship, ideation, validation, and early-stage venture development, and is aligned with MNU’s Strategic Goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As part of this collaboration, Dhiraagu will provide both financial and in-kind support to the MNU InnovateHub programme. In addition, Dhiraagu will contribute technical expertise, mentorship, judging support for pitch events, and strategic guidance throughout the incubation journey. This engagement will offer students invaluable industry insights, real-world perspectives, and exposure to professional networks within the innovation and digital ecosystem.

The partnership represents a shared investment in the future of Maldivian innovation, reinforcing MNU’s role in nurturing talent, fostering entrepreneurship, and contributing to sustainable economic, social and environmental development. This support for youth-led innovation and entrepreneurship aligns strongly with both institutions’ commitment to national development, digital transformation, and empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators in the Maldives.

This collaboration stands as a testament to the power of university–industry partnerships in driving innovation, empowering students, and shaping a vibrant and sustainable entrepreneurial landscape for the nation.