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Two teams of students from Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai have taken top spots at the recent Emirates Robotics competition.Held on 8 April 2025, organised and hosted by the American University of Sharjah in collaboration with the Dubai Future Foundation, MDX Dubai’s robotics talent stood out in the ‘Recycling Manipulator Challenge’.This challenge called on teams to build robotic manipulators capable of sorting various types of waste materials, a vital step toward sustainable recycling and environmental impact reduction.Competing against over 100 top teams from universities across the UAE, MDX Dubai won the challenge for the third year running. Team ArmPicks, led by BEng Computer Systems Engineering student Muhammad Siraj Bilal, clinched both the first-place award and the best poster award, taking home an AED 15,000 prize.Muhammad said: “This is our first time winning the Emirates Robotics Competition, and it truly means the world to us. Especially for me, this victory is personal. After facing a tough setback in last year’s challenge, I promised myself I’d come back stronger - and today, I’m grateful that every late night, every failed trial, and every learning moment paid off.“From building and training AI models, to calibrating the manipulator using complex mathematical concepts, to integrating it all into a functioning system, it’s been a journey of intense learning and even more intense teamwork.” Team Overcharged and Undervolted, led by BSc Information Technology student Aman Mishra, earned the second place award in the ‘Mobile Robot Challenge’ and the best innovation award, claiming an AED 10,000 prize.Aman said: “While securing second place was initially disappointing, it also indicates there's room for growth and improvement. I'm committed to continuing the development of this robot, determined to achieve even greater performance in future challenges.“This experience has reinforced my passion for robotics and innovation, driving me to continue pursuing advancements in technology and AI for a brighter, sustainable future.”All the teams were mentored by Dr Judhi Prasetyo, Senior CEI Lecturer and Founder of RoboTechX at MDX Dubai, and were fully funded by the university. The victories add to MDX Dubai’s growing stature and legacy in the Robotics field, which is taught at MSc level and also embedded into the undergraduate curriculum.

An eco-conscious innovation has taken the top prize at the MDXcelerator 2025 thrilling grand finale.The competition culminated on 16 April at Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai following months of preparation, 12 dynamic sessions and 32 entrants. Ten finalist teams came together at Dubai Knowledge Park to pitch their ideas in front of a panel of esteemed judges. The judging panel consisted of Dr Judhi Prasetyo, Head and Founder of RoboTechX lab, Senior Lecturer, MDX Dubai; Ahmed Elrayes, Membership and Community Manager, in5; Dimo Valev, Graphic Design Lecturer, MDX Dubai; and Dr Engie Bashir, Senior Lecturer CEI, MDX Dubai.   The judges listened to the team’s pitches, asked questions and provided live time feedback to the groups, before crowning the winning team ‘Hextech’ and presenting them with a cheque for AED 3,000. They also presented the teams finishing second and third with cheques for AED 2,000 and AED 1,000 respectively.   ‘Hextech’ consisted of BSc Information Technology students Akshvin Uthesh, Mohammad Sohail, Anousha Tariq, Saanviya Sunil, Syed Nasiruddin and Himanshu Masand. Their initiative ‘Green Miles’ is designed to help eco-conscious individuals and sustainability-driven companies track mobility, reduce carbon footprints, and meet Corporate Social Responsibility goals through gamifying sustainable actions and rewarding eco-friendly behaviour. MDXcelerator is hosted by the Middlesex Innovation Hub (MIH) in collaboration with the Careers and Employability Services Department, providing a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to bring their business ideas to life through tailored mentoring, expert-led workshops, and access to valuable resources. It is a unique business start-up support programme offering students and recent graduates the opportunity to develop a business idea via a blend of one-to-one mentoring, dedicated start-up workshops, online resources, and monetary rewards. Professor Fehmida Hussain, Deputy Director MDX Dubai and Head and Founder of the MIH, said: “My congratulations go out to the winning teams. Their entrepreneurial and innovative mindsets set them apart and I am looking forward to seeing the prize money being put into their ideas and seeing them come to life.  “I would like to thank the faculty members and external experts who generously contributed their time and expertise throughout the programme. Their mentorship and guidance have played a vital role in shaping these students' journeys. In addition thank you to Amanda Fernandes for co-ordinating the event with support and guidance from MIH co-chairs Dr Engie Bashir and Dr Jeongsoo Han.  “Innovation is embedded in the culture at MDX Dubai, and it is important we celebrate and showcase it at every opportunity.”  The MIH community is available for all MDX Dubai students to join and is not just about creating a business, but about curating a lifelong mindset, involving creativity, problem solving, and solution-driven thinking.  

Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai has been awarded the prestigious title of 'University of the Year' at the Dubai Lynx Festival of Creativity. Two MDX Dubai students also secured top places at the awards ceremony which took place on 9 April 2025 at Emirates Golf Club. The Dubai Lynx Awards are the premier accolades recognising creative excellence in marketing and communications across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Judged by global industry leaders, the awards honour innovation and impact across all creative fields including advertising, marketing, and communications .The Dubai Lynx ‘University of the Year’ award honours the most creative university in the MENA region based on the collective performance of its students, and recognises universities that effectively nurture creativity, strategic thinking and execution.MDX Dubai BA Hons Graphic Design student Anatasia Gavrilova won 1st place in the Student Creative Competition with her project ‘Leftover Makeover’, while Fasiha Jawad was awarded third place for her piece ‘Receipt for Change’. Deeya Sajnani was also shortlisted for her piece ‘Knights Against Food Waste’.  This competition offered students an exciting communications challenge in which they tested their design skills, responding to a live brief from a leading Non-Governmental Organisation. The University thanks Dubai Lynx, and Events Talent and Creative Manager Bony Roy, for continuing to highlight outstanding contributions in the region, bringing together creators from across MENA and supporting MDX Dubai. The ‘University of the Year’ award follows a successful year for the university with notable accomplishments in the media department including the launch of the AI Prompt Competition, judged by industry leaders such as M&C Saatchi, and the introduction of a cutting-edge AI & Digital Marketing module that reflects the university’s commitment to future-focused learning.  MDX Dubai also hosted the speaker series ‘Human Intelligence and Creative Currents’ and participated in events such as the Creative Careers Day at Al Jameel Arts Centre. The university's influence extended further through prestigious industry affiliations, including IAA Board membership, and consistently standing out in regional and global competitions, securing the below accolades:Advertising, PR and Branding students Nami Arujo, Zuha Ansar and Sahana Rais were named winners of the Public Relations and Communications Association Outstanding Student Campaign 2024Nami was also part of the team who won the Dubai Lynx ‘Creative Student Hack’ in January 2025 Zuha was a finalist (top 30 students globally) in the European Public Relations Education and Research Association, in collaboration with the International Communications Consultancy Organisation, inter-university World Cup  Nami, Lougain Ismail, Aeben Matthew and Rahim Mirzazada were shortlisted in the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) Student Award Campaign 2025 Stephen King, Senior Media Lecturer, MDX Dubai, was shortlisted for Communicator of the Year at the MEPRA Awards for his efforts preparing students for the future of workApply today and become a part of the ‘University of the Year’ and our award-winning media department.