Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
University Spin-offs
The Maldives National University > Sustainability 2025 > SDG 9 > University Spin-offs

 

Univiya Holdings

Univiya Holdings, the corporate entity of The Maldives National University, was established on 9 February 2023, with MNU as the majority shareholder. Its mandate is to facilitate and develop business ventures aligned with the University’s objectives and areas of expertise. One of the entities established under Univiya Holdings is the MNU Univiya Bookshop.

 

MNU Univiya Bookshop: Strengthening Educational Infrastructure to Support Quality Learning

Univiya Bookshop is the dedicated university bookshop operated under Univya Holdings.  Univiya Bookshop commenced operations on 23 August 2023, providing students with convenient access to academic books, learning materials, and essential educational services. The establishment of the bookshop reflects MNU’s efforts to create a supportive academic environment where students can readily access resources necessary for their studies.

Through Univiya Bookshop MNU contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by facilitating access to academic materials and supporting effective learning, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through the development of educational support facilities, and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through efforts to improve the accessibility of learning resources. The initiative reflects MNU’s continued commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment and ensuring that students have access to the resources and facilities needed to pursue their academic goals.

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MNU InnovateHub: Fostering Innovation and Building a Sustainable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem 

The Maldives National University (MNU) demonstrates its commitment to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic development through MNU InnovateHub, established on 4 July 2024 as the first university-led business incubator in the Maldives. The initiative provides a platform for students to transform innovative ideas into viable commercial ventures by combining academic knowledge with practical entrepreneurial experience. MNU InnovateHub aims to cultivate an innovation ecosystem within the university by providing mentorship, seed capital, collaborative spaces, and access to professional and industry networks. Through these opportunities, MNU seeks to encourage entrepreneurial thinking, strengthen students’ practical skills, and support the development of sustainable businesses that contribute to national development.

A key component of MNU InnovateHub is its structured business incubation programme, which supports students through idea development, proposal preparation, pitching, prototype development, market research, and business acceleration. The initiative provides three tiers of seed capital funding, offering up to MVR 50,000 for small-scale ventures, MVR 225,000 for medium-scale ventures, and MVR 500,000 for larger innovative projects. The first call for applications opened on 21 April 2025, providing MNU students with opportunities to access financial assistance and guidance from industry experts and mentors. A second call for applications followed on 19 May 2026, continuing the University’s efforts to expand opportunities for student entrepreneurship. The incubation programme provides seed capital support for a maximum of ten selected projects per cohort, with up to five projects eligible to progress towards accelerator participation and growth capital support.

Innovation and entrepreneurship are important components of MNU’s efforts to equip students with the skills and opportunities needed to contribute to a changing economy. By supporting students in developing commercially viable ideas and connecting them with mentors, potential investors, and industry expertise, MNU InnovateHub seeks to strengthen the link between higher education and economic development. The initiative contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting entrepreneurial learning and practical skills development, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by supporting business creation and entrepreneurship, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by encouraging innovation and startup development, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange. Through MNU InnovateHub, the University reinforces its commitment to empowering students, fostering innovation, and supporting sustainable economic development in the Maldives.

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