The University of Kurdistan Hewlêr (UKH) marked a historic milestone with the official introduction of the Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Center (AIIC), an event held under the supervision of the Erbil Governorate and attended by the President of UKH, Prof. Keith Sharp. The symposium brought together academic leaders, industry experts, researchers, and students to celebrate the launch of a center dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence, fostering innovation, and bridging the gap between academia and industry in the Kurdistan Region.
Official invitation to the AIIC launch symposium
Dignitaries and Opening Remarks
The day began with an opening address by Prof. Keith Sharp, highlighting the university’s commitment to positioning itself as a leader in cutting-edge AI research and application. Prof. Tarik A. Rashid, Associate Dean of the School of Science and Engineering, presented The Road Map of AIIC, outlining the center’s vision to contribute meaningfully to the global AI landscape while tackling local and regional challenges.
Both emphasized AIIC’s mission to promote interdisciplinary AI research, support and develop the Kurdish language in technology, and create strong links between research and industry. Their remarks underlined the importance of government and private sector support in transforming the center’s vision into tangible impact.
Keynote Topics and Expert Insights
The symposium featured a series of engaging presentations covering diverse areas of AI and innovation:
Future of Game Development in Kurdistan
Delivered by Mr. Danar Dlear Kayfi, a game developer and educator, this talk explored the booming global and Middle East gaming markets, the unique opportunities for Kurdistan, and the academic role needed to nurture local talent.
Data Analysis & Optimization
Presented by Dr. Polla A. Fattah, the session showcased how data-driven approaches are transforming sectors from medicine and economics to environmental science and engineering. The presentation highlighted groundbreaking projects including AI-based disease diagnosis, COVID-19 patient clustering analysis, and optimization applications in logistics and civil engineering.
Media Coverage and Public Engagement
The event drew significant media attention, with local news outlets and academic channels covering the launch. The presence of the Erbil Governorate’s representatives underscored the political and social importance of AIIC in shaping the region’s technological future. The audience included government officials, industry leaders, students, and faculty, sparking lively discussions about AI’s role in economic growth, education, and cultural preservation.
Why This Day Matters
The AIIC launch was more than just an academic ceremony—it was a statement of intent. By creating a dedicated hub for AI research and innovation, UKH is taking a leadership role in preparing Kurdistan for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The center will not only drive technological development but also serve as a bridge between local challenges and global solutions, ensuring that AI benefits are felt across every sector of society.
Looking Forward
With the AIIC now officially established, the center is positioned to become a cornerstone of technological advancement in the Kurdistan Region. The collaborative spirit demonstrated during the symposium, combined with strong institutional support, creates an ideal foundation for groundbreaking research and innovation.
For more information about the Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Center, visit the official AIIC website.
In reflection, the symposium was a defining moment for UKH and the Kurdistan Region—a day when vision, expertise, and collaboration converged under the spotlight of media attention. With the AIIC now officially on the map, the stage is set for a future where Kurdistan is not just adopting technology, but actively shaping it.
This milestone represents the beginning of a new chapter in Kurdistan’s technological journey, where academic excellence meets practical innovation to address real-world challenges.