UOD, May 11, 2026 | University Press Office (UNPO) –
In a dynamic celebration of student innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development, the University of Duhok (UOD) hosted a major exhibition and competition showcasing pioneering student-led projects developed through the “Hivi Innovative Hub” at the College of Science.

The event reflects UOD’s strategic commitment to advancing innovation ecosystems, youth empowerment, and industry-oriented education, while strengthening partnerships with international organizations to support the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Nazar Ameen Mohammed, Director of International Relations at the University of Duhok; Dr. Mohammed Aziz Ibrahem, Dean of the College of Science and Project Amnager; Dr. Iman Hussein Fadhilaldeen, Project Coordinator, Ravak Muslih Hussein, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Laetitia Bazzi, Deputy Representative for Programmes at UNICEF Iraq; Mr. Bakhtyar Hussein,

Adolescent Development and Participation Officer at

UNICEF, Peta Barns, Chief of UNICEF’s Erbil Field Office; and Asmaa Kareem Mustafa, Media and Communication Officer, alongside faculty members, researchers, and a large number of students.

Transforming Student Ideas into Real-World Solutions

As part of UOD’s vision to foster a knowledge-based and innovation-driven academic environment, eight student teams presented entrepreneurial and scientific projects addressing real-world challenges in fields such as:

• Clean and renewable energy
• Environmental sustainability
• Smart technologies
• Community-focused innovation
• Youth entrepreneurship

Following a competitive evaluation process, four student groups were selected to receive financial support from UNICEF to further develop their projects and transition them from conceptual ideas into operational and scalable initiatives.

This initiative demonstrates the growing role of the University of Duhok in linking academic learning with innovation, employability, and sustainable economic development.

Innovation for Sustainability: Hybrid Energy Bicycle Draws Attention

One of the standout projects presented during the event was the “Hybrid Energy Bicycle,” an environmentally conscious innovation designed by a team of UOD students.

The project features a smart hybrid system capable of automatically recharging the bicycle’s battery during movement, offering a practical model for:

• Reducing environmental pollution
• Promoting clean and renewable energy solutions
• Encouraging sustainable urban mobility

The project aligns with global sustainability priorities and the University’s broader objectives in supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to clean energy, innovation, and sustainable cities and communities.

The Hivi Innovative Hub: A Platform for Future Entrepreneurs

The Hivi Innovative Hub has rapidly evolved into a strategic platform within the University of Duhok for nurturing student creativity and entrepreneurial thinking.

The Hub enables students to:

• Develop practical and market-oriented solutions
• Present projects to international organizations and development partners
• Build leadership, teamwork, and innovation skills
• Connect academic research with community needs and labor market demands

Strengthening International Partnerships and Youth Development

The collaboration between the University of Duhok and UNICEF highlights the importance of international partnerships in advancing youth-focused educational programs and innovation-driven development.

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University Press Office | May 11, 2026

Prepared by: Nibar Haji Hussein
Photography by: Ali Habib Habib

The News Keywords

• University of Duhok innovation hub
• UNICEF youth innovation Iraq
• Student entrepreneurship at UOD
• Sustainable technology projects Kurdistan Region
• Hivi Innovative Hub University of Duhok