ZAINAB AHMED
Abu Dhabi
Summary
Innovation and Strategic Development Officer with experience in venture building, startup incubation, commercialization, strategic partnerships, and innovation ecosystem development. Experienced in supporting startups, research commercialization initiatives, and cross-sector collaborations with government, academia, and industry stakeholders across the UAE.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Innovation & Strategic Development Officer
Abu Dhabi University
Abu Dhabi
07.2025 - Current
- Directed innovation initiatives at ADU Innovate, fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration.
- Develop strategic partnerships with government entities, investors, industry leaders, and innovation hubs.
- Led venture-building and commercialization initiatives, enhancing market readiness of startups and innovation projects.
- Supported startup licensing, company formation, and IP strategy development, facilitating successful go-to-market planning.
- Design and deliver incubation programs, mentorship initiatives, and entrepreneurship development activities.
Innovation Development Representative
Abu Dhabi University
Abu Dhabi
10.2023 - 06.2025
- Facilitated venture development and stakeholder engagement to enhance incubation activities and drive commercialization efforts.
- Spearheaded ADU Innovate initiative to foster innovation and collaboration within the organisation.
Innovation Assistant
Abu Dhabi University
Abu Dhabi
10.2022 - 09.2023
- Coordinated innovation and entrepreneurship programs, enhancing stakeholder engagement and operational delivery.
- Assisted in developing and implementing ADU Innovate initiatives, fostering a culture of innovation.
Activity Coordinator
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Muhammad Al Nahyan Quran Memorization Centre
01.2018 - 01.2019
Appointment Coordinator & Customer Service
Irtiqaa Child Development
01.2015 - 01.2017
Education
Master of Business Administration - Strategic Management
Abu Dhabi University
01-2025
Bachelor of Business Administration - Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Abu Dhabi University
01-2022
Skills
- Venture Building
- Startup Incubation
- Commercialization
- Strategic Partnerships
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Business Development
- Innovation Management
- Project Management
- Research Commercialization
- Mentorship delivery
Accomplishments
- Supported incubation and commercialization of 14+ startups and innovation projects.
- Contributed to showcasing ADU innovations at Make it in the Emirates and national innovation events.
- Supported startup formation, licensing, and commercialization pathways for university-led ventures.
- Managed innovation programs, workshops, and ecosystem engagement initiatives.
Languages
Arabic (Fluent)
English (Fluent)
Somali (Fluent)
Timeline
Innovation & Strategic Development Officer
Abu Dhabi University
07.2025 - Current
Innovation Development Representative
Abu Dhabi University
10.2023 - 06.2025
Innovation Assistant
Abu Dhabi University
10.2022 - 09.2023
Activity Coordinator
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Muhammad Al Nahyan Quran Memorization Centre
01.2018 - 01.2019
Appointment Coordinator & Customer Service
Irtiqaa Child Development
01.2015 - 01.2017
Master of Business Administration - Strategic Management
Abu Dhabi University
Bachelor of Business Administration - Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Abu Dhabi University