The Career Development Division at Al-Mustaqbal University marked a distinguished presence in the online workshop held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, entitled “From Idea to Fundraising – The Journey of an Entrepreneur and How to Support Them”, organized under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, as part of the capacity-building program for Science and Technology Parks management. The division was represented by Ms. Omaima Kazem – Head of Career Development Division, who actively engaged in exploring practical strategies to transform ideas into scalable entrepreneurial projects, benefiting from the expertise of Fermadom in supporting entrepreneurs. The workshop covered key topics including: The entrepreneur’s journey from idea conception to fundraising. The pivotal role of tech incubators in mentoring, training, and facilitating access to investors. Common mistakes to avoid, such as entering the market without proper research or seeking funding before developing a prototype. Requirements for attracting investment, including preparing a professional Pitch Deck and building a team with clear vision and execution capabilities. The workshop emphasized the importance of continuous learning and openness to international experiences, encouraging participants to study global best practices, examine successful case studies, and benefit from specialized digital training courses to enhance the skills of administrative staff and young entrepreneurs. This active participation reflects the Career Development Division’s commitment to equipping students and graduates with entrepreneurship and employability skills, helping them turn ideas into real projects that support the national economy and create job opportunities.

As part of his ongoing follow-up of the University’s various operations, the President of Al-Mustaqbal University, Prof. Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, chaired an extended meeting to review and evaluate the performance of the scientific departments at the University Presidency. The meeting was attended by the Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision, Prof. Dr. Mudhaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairy, the Educational Advisor, Prof. Dr. Mohsen Abd-Ali, in addition to directors of research centers, departments, and scientific divisions, along with a number of concerned staff members. At the outset of his remarks, the University President extended congratulations on the commencement of the 2025–2026 academic year, expressing his hope that it will be another year filled with achievements. He emphasized that the successes accomplished in previous years were the result of collective effort and team spirit—achievements that now place the University before a significant responsibility to sustain excellence. He stressed the importance of doubling efforts and reinforcing the values of loyalty and belonging to the academic institution. The meeting included a series of presentations reviewing accomplishments from the past period. Prof. Dr. Mudhaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairy highlighted the University President’s major international engagements, along with the announcement of the “Smart University” initiative—the first of its kind among Iraqi universities. He also presented updates on international partnerships and preparations for upcoming scientific conferences scheduled in the new academic year. Further presentations were delivered by the directors of scientific and cultural relations, career development, supervision and follow-up, as well as the Sustainability Division. These addressed research output, the University’s standing in international rankings, progress in entrepreneurship and employment programs, strategies for engaging with the labor market, sustainability initiatives, and preparations for Al-Mustaqbal Youth Sustainability Camp, set to be held in mid-October 2025 at Babel Resort Gardens. In response, the University President underscored the necessity of activating and leveraging partnerships with prestigious international universities—whether through colleges and peer scientific departments or via direct collaboration channels—as a key factor in strengthening the University’s academic reputation. He also emphasized the importance of expanding local partnerships with ministries and national institutions, and of enhancing the University’s role in providing practical solutions to real-world challenges across various sectors through rigorous scientific research.

In line with its commitment to fostering international academic partnerships and advancing the skills of its students, Al-Mustaqbal University hosted the renowned French expert, Mr. Stephan Diaz, for a specialized workshop entitled “Zero Pain Dentistry”, organized under the auspices of ABLAL International – Baghdad/Al-Mansour Branch. The workshop, held at the Student Activities Hall in the Medical Building, lasted over ninety minutes and witnessed a remarkable turnout from the faculty members and students of the College of Dentistry. It provided a valuable scientific contribution by shedding light on the latest global practices in pain-free dental treatment, thereby enriching participants’ knowledge and refining their practical competencies. During the visit, the university presented its honorary shield to Mr. Diaz in recognition of his contribution, and another shield was presented to Dr. Azhar, the representative of ABLAL International. The visit also included a tour of the College of Dentistry’s facilities and university clinics, where the guest expressed his admiration for the academic standards and state-of-the-art equipment, and took commemorative photographs within the campus. This event forms part of a series of initiatives led by the Career Development Division, aimed at attracting international expertise and transferring cutting-edge knowledge to students, thereby enhancing their professional readiness and reinforcing Al-Mustaqbal University’s academic reputation both regionally and internationally. At the conclusion of his visit, Mr. Diaz expressed his delight with the experience, emphasizing that Al-Mustaqbal University stands as one of his most distinguished academic engagements in the Middle East and affirming his intention to return for a dedicated visit in the near future.

Aligned with the strategic vision of Al-Mustaqbal University and under the directives of its President, Prof. Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, to empower students and graduates with the competence and confidence required to thrive in today’s competitive labor market, the university, in collaboration with the Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Excellence at the Prime Minister’s Office, inaugurated its fifteenth training program entitled “Business Plan Development”. The program was conducted from August 24 to 28, 2025, with the participation of 16 students and graduates representing diverse academic disciplines. This advanced program was designed to cultivate entrepreneurial capabilities and equip participants with the expertise to transform innovative ideas into viable, market-ready ventures. The curriculum encompassed the development of comprehensive business plans in accordance with leading international standards, critical evaluation of entrepreneurial concepts in terms of innovation, sustainability, and feasibility, and the formulation of precise financial assessments including cost structures, pricing strategies, and profit projections. In addition, participants were guided through advanced techniques for market and competitor analysis, identification of gaps and emerging opportunities, design of innovative marketing strategies, and deployment of effective promotional mechanisms—culminating in the establishment of strategic networks and partnerships that significantly enhance the likelihood of entrepreneurial success. The training was delivered by Ms. Omaima Al-Taie, Head of the Career Development Division at the university, who holds an advanced certification in entrepreneurship following her participation in a specialized executive program. Her expertise enabled the delivery of a high-impact and practice-oriented program tailored to the evolving needs of students and graduates. This initiative forms part of an ongoing series of transformative programs launched by Al-Mustaqbal University to instill a culture of innovation and empower youth as pivotal contributors to sustainable economic and social development.

Al-Mustaqbal University (UOMUS), in collaboration with the Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Excellence (Previously known as Riyada Initiative ), operating under the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, has launched an intensive five-day training programme in Business Plan Development, running from 13 to 17 July 2025. The programme is designed to prepare graduates and students to lead with purpose in the fields of innovation and enterprise. The course brings together 22 students and recent graduates from across disciplines. The programme was formally inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Mudhaffar Al-Zuhairy, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision, who emphasised the value of embedding entrepreneurial education within Iraq’s evolving higher education landscape. Training is led by Ms. Omaima Al Taee, Head of Career Development Division, and a certified entrepreneurship trainer. Her sessions guide participants through key elements of business development including market analysis, financial planning, and strategic execution. This initiative forms part of UOMUS’s broader vision to empower youth not only to enter the workforce but to shape it—producing graduates capable of building solutions, launching ventures, and driving sustainable economic growth.