Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
Generic

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
ZAINAB AHMED