The Ministry of Higher Education adopts the "Iraq Innovates" initiative submitted by the Iraqi Association to support applied research.

Professor Dr. Haider Abd Dahad, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research for Scientific Research Affairs, received the President of the Iraqi Association, Dr. Ali Nasser Al-Khuwaildi, in an official visit during which mechanisms for advancing the scientific and practical reality of students in Iraqi universities and institutes were discussed.
The meeting witnessed the Iraqi Association presenting its national initiative to the ministry, where Dr. Al-Khuwaildi reviewed the details of the "Applied Research Project" directed at students of all departments of Information Technology and Communications, which comes as an essential part of the "Scientific Technological Gardens" program. This project aims to transform academic ideas into real-world projects that serve state institutions and meet community needs under the slogan (Iraq Innovates – Innovation Iraq). The initiative was welcomed, adopted, and directly sponsored by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
During his presentation of the initiative, Dr. Al-Khuwaildi explained that its upcoming conference will witness a tangible and distinguished presence of private sector companies, aiming to achieve the following:
Linking students' outputs and their applied scientific research with labor market requirements.
Providing sponsorship and adoption opportunities for outstanding student projects.
Reducing the gap between academic outputs and actual employment needs.
For his part, Professor Dr. Haider Abd Dahad praised the initiative and the efforts made by the Iraqi Association, expressing his full support and the ministry's adoption and sponsorship of this ambitious project. His Excellency emphasized that this initiative primarily serves the interest of the Iraqi student, ensuring their entry into the labor market equipped with the necessary technical tools and practical experience to keep pace with global developments.
"Empowering the student through applied scientific research is the fundamental pillar for building a robust knowledge and digital economy in Iraq."
The Iraqi Association, in direct coordination with the ministry, wishes to inform students and researchers wishing to participate that all details and application mechanisms for the initiative will be announced in the coming few days via official platforms.