Hult’s Dubai Campus Launches ‘Venture Studio’ to Fuel Next-Gen Entrepreneurs

DUBAI, UAE – November 19, 2025

Hult International Business School is taking a bold step in entrepreneurship education with the launch of its Bachelor of Entrepreneurship program at its Dubai campus. The program uniquely combines traditional coursework with a fully-integrated ‘Venture Studio’ – a model designed to propel students beyond theory and into the realities of building a functioning startup while still in school.

Beyond the Classroom: The Rise of Experiential Learning

The shift towards experiential learning in higher education is gaining momentum, with universities increasingly recognizing the need to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. Hult’s new program is at the forefront of this movement, embedding a 'Venture Studio' directly into the curriculum. This isn’t simply an extracurricular activity or an optional internship; it's a core component of the degree, demanding students actively build and launch a venture.

“We’re seeing a fundamental change in how students want to learn,” said one academic administrator involved in the program’s design. “They’re not satisfied with just learning about entrepreneurship; they want to do it. This Venture Studio provides the infrastructure and support they need to turn ideas into reality.”

This emphasis on 'learning by doing' aligns with a broader trend in business education. Universities like Babson College and Stanford University have long championed experiential learning, but Hult’s approach stands out due to the depth of integration and the formal academic credit awarded for successful venture creation.

Dubai: A Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The choice of Dubai as the location for this innovative program is no accident. The city has rapidly established itself as a leading hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Government initiatives, a supportive regulatory environment, and a thriving venture capital ecosystem have created a fertile ground for startups.

“Dubai is committed to becoming a global innovation hub,” stated a representative from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce. “We’re actively investing in infrastructure, talent development, and regulatory frameworks to attract entrepreneurs and foster a vibrant startup ecosystem.”

With over 5,600 startups registered in the UAE and a rapidly growing venture capital market, Dubai provides an ideal environment for Hult’s students to test their ideas, access funding, and network with potential investors and mentors. Hult’s strategic location within Dubai Internet City (DIC) – a dedicated technology business district – further enhances this access.

DIC provides Hult students with access to world-class infrastructure, a thriving community of tech professionals, and opportunities to connect with global industry leaders. The presence of major tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Dell within DIC provides students with invaluable networking and mentorship opportunities.

A New Model for Entrepreneurship Education

The Hult Venture Studio isn’t just about launching startups; it’s about fostering a mindset of innovation, resilience, and problem-solving. The program is designed to challenge students to think critically, embrace risk, and learn from failure.

“We want to equip students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world,” explained a faculty member involved in the program. “This isn’t just about building a successful business; it’s about developing a lifelong entrepreneurial mindset.”

The Venture Studio model provides students with access to dedicated workspace, mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, and seed funding to launch their ventures. Students work in teams, developing and refining their business plans, conducting market research, and building prototypes. The program culminates in a pitch competition, where students present their ventures to a panel of investors and industry experts.

This hands-on, immersive experience is a significant departure from traditional business education, where students often rely on case studies and simulations. The Hult Venture Studio demands students actively create and launch a real-world venture, forcing them to confront the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship head-on. Hult’s approach differs from other schools as the studio isn’t just a competition or accelerator; it's built into the core curriculum and provides academic credit for the venture creation process. This emphasis on venture creation builds upon Hult’s long history of fostering entrepreneurial talent, including its longstanding Hult Prize competition and Founder’s Lab.

“The opportunity to work on a real-world venture while earning my degree is incredibly exciting,” said a prospective student attending an Hult open day. “I’m confident this program will provide me with the skills and experience I need to launch my own business.”

The program’s launch comes as universities increasingly seek to demonstrate a return on investment for students. By integrating a ‘Venture Studio’ into its curriculum, Hult hopes to offer a compelling value proposition, providing students with a tangible portfolio of work and a strong foundation for a successful entrepreneurial career.