University of Sharjah (UOS) and Binance Academy, the educational arm of Binance, announced a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering blockchain innovation and talent development. This partnership seeks to empower students and researchers with the necessary tools and knowledge to lead in the fast-evolving blockchain and Web3 ecosystems.
University’s Strategic collaboration to advance Blockchain education
The MoU was signed by Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies at the University of Sharjah, and Ms. Rachel Conlan, Chief Marketing Officer at Binance. The agreement outlines a series of initiatives that will include the development of specialized academic programs, joint research projects, capacity-building workshops, hackathons, and student internship placements. Additionally, it will support startup incubation and facilitate expert exchanges and mentorship programs to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
Prof. Bettayeb expressed his excitement about the partnership, noting that it aligns with the university’s commitment to equipping students with cutting-edge tools and real-world industry insights. Collaborating with Binance allows us to integrate global expertise into our innovation ecosystem and prepare our graduates to lead in the blockchain sector,” he said.
Binance’s contribution to the UAE’s digital transformation vision
Rachel Conlan, Binance’s CMO, highlighted the company’s role in the UAE’s vision for digital transformation. We are proud to partner with the University of Sharjah to strengthen the UAE’s position as a regional blockchain innovation hub. Binance’s vast global network, with over 280 million users worldwide, is poised to bring its expertise to the region, helping to shape the future of Web3.
Dr. Mohamed Al Hemairy, Head of the Technology Transfer Office at UOS, emphasized the strategic importance of blockchain and Web3 technologies. “This collaboration sets the stage for innovation-driven projects that will empower our students, researchers, and the wider community,” he said.
Positioning Sharjah as a regional leader in blockchain and technology
The partnership with Binance Academy is part of the University of Sharjah’s broader strategy to position Sharjah as a leading hub for advanced technologies, digital transformation, and sustainable innovation. With more than 20,000 students from over 100 nationalities, UOS is one of the largest academic institutions in the UAE, known for its commitment to research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
With the MoU now in effect, both entities are set to begin implementing joint activities in the upcoming academic year, reinforcing the importance of academia-industry collaboration in driving technological progress and economic growth.
Binance is the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider, trusted by over 280 million users globally. Known for its commitment to building an inclusive crypto ecosystem, Binance strives to increase financial freedom and access for people around the world by providing a comprehensive range of digital asset products and services.

