Dubai, June 11, 2025— XPANCEO, a leading deep tech company pioneering the next generation of computing via the development of smart contact lenses, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Dubai.
This strategic partnership underscores a shared commitment to driving innovation at the nexus of academia and industry. Ranked among the UAE’s top six academic and corporate organizations by the Nature Index, XPANCEO is on track to unveil the world’s first fully integrated smart contact lens by 2026.
Its partner, the University of Dubai — established by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in 1997 — is one of the region’s most forward-thinking academic institutions. It is internationally accredited by AACSB and ABET, and is a key player in the UAE’s thriving innovation ecosystem.
Key areas of collaboration include joint R&D projects and co-authored publications that target high-impact scientific and technological advances. The partnership also includes internship and mentorship programs designed to integrate students into active research settings and provide co-supervision for senior research projects.
Both parties will share access to laboratory facilities to support collaborative innovation. They will also organize and participate in conferences, workshops, and expert lectures to facilitate knowledge exchange. Additionally, the partnership will focus on joint involvement in innovation challenges and international hackathons.
This partnership reinforces XPANCEO’s ongoing commitment to building an ecosystem of visionary thinkers and innovators, while supporting the UAE’s broader ambition to become a global innovation hub.
“At XPANCEO, we don’t just build breakthrough technologies — we help shape the minds that will define the future. That’s why we put a strong focus on cultivating new talent across our core research areas. Our collaboration with the University of Dubai gives students direct access to live challenges in optics, nanomaterials, and bio-integration. They bring curiosity, fresh perspective, and the drive to push science beyond today’s limits. We bring deep expertise, infrastructure, and a set of ambitious tasks. This partnership is a hands-on step toward growing local talent and developing the kind of innovation ecosystem that the future demands.” Valentyn Volkov, Co-Founder, Scientific Partner at XPANCEO
“As a leading academic institution committed to research-driven innovation, we see this partnership as an opportunity to contribute to the advancement and responsible application of next-generation wearable technologies. This initiative aligns closely with our strategic goals to bridge the gap between academia and industry, foster emerging tech ecosystems in the UAE, and prepare our students to become pioneers of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.” Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai
XPANCEO is a proud member of the AR Alliance — The AR Alliance enables collaboration among all member companies worldwide to speed innovation of breakthrough technologies and processes for building AR wearables and devices that create a meaningful and positive experience for users. By working together, members have a united voice in influencing and shaping AR regulatory requirements and the industry’s development of standards. The AR Alliance plays a pivotal role in the creation and growth of a thriving AR marketplace. XPANCEO’s membership underscores the mission that led it to join the Alliance: to contribute to the development of shared standards, support a diverse and inclusive hardware ecosystem, and help shape a user-centered future for augmented reality.
