We're proud to share that SparkHub has formalised a strategic partnership with The Maldives National University (MNU) — a milestone marked by a Partnership Formalising Ceremony and an important step forward for innovation, entrepreneurship, and student capacity-building in the Maldives.

This collaboration brings MNU and SparkHub together under a shared vision: to empower students, nurture innovative thinking, and support the development of entrepreneurship-led solutions that tackle real-world challenges. It reflects a mutual commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive innovation ecosystem — within the University and well beyond it.

The MOU was signed by Hussain Jinan, CEO and Co-founder and Yaamin Mohamed, CDO and Co-founder took part in the official announcement event held in MNU.

About MNU InnovateHub, powered by Dhiraagu

At the centre of this partnership is MNU InnovateHub, powered by Dhiraagu — the first university incubator in the Maldives. InnovateHub gives students a structured platform to develop ideas that are innovative, practical, and scalable, with a journey that spans ideation, validation, mentorship, capacity building, and early-stage venture development. The programme is aligned with MNU's Strategic Goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As a programme partner, SparkHub supports InnovateHub through mentorship, capacity-building workshops, and expert sessions — bringing students practical insights drawn from real industry and entrepreneurial experience. The aim is simple but ambitious: to help students transform ideas into sustainable ventures by pairing strong academic foundations with applied innovation expertise.

For us, this is a shared investment in the people who'll shape the Maldives' economic future — equipping them with the skills, confidence, and exposure they need to thrive in a fast-changing landscape.

Putting the Partnership to Work: BaikulhuBai & Pitching 101

The partnership is already in motion. We recently ran a BaikulhuBai ideation session with the applicants of the MNU InnovateHub Incubation Programme, followed by a hands-on Pitching 101 workshop.

The goal was to equip every participant with the clarity, confidence, and storytelling power they'll need for Pitch Day — where only 10 ideas will be selected for the inaugural cohort of MNU InnovateHub, powered by Dhiraagu.

It was energising to work alongside such a motivated group of applicants, and we can't wait to see how their ideas evolve as they refine them and prepare to take the stage.

Looking Ahead

Partnerships like this one are a testament to the power of university–innovation ecosystem collaboration — empowering youth, strengthening entrepreneurial capacity, and contributing to sustainable national development in the Maldives.

Wishing all the applicants the very best as they get ready for Pitch Day. We're excited for what's ahead — together.

SparkHub is proud to serve as a programme partner for MNU InnovateHub, powered by Dhiraagu. Read more about the partnership on the MNU website.