Luma Ventures and the Kurdistan Innovation Institute have formalised a strategic cooperation agreement to develop commercial infrastructure for technology, innovation, and investment in the Kurdistan Region. The memorandum of understanding was signed during the AIM Congress 2026 in Dubai. Both organisations confirmed that the initiative will establish structured channels for regional commercial growth.
Managing Director Soheib Masoud signed the agreement on behalf of Luma Ventures, while Chief Executive Officer Dr Azad Najar represented the institute. In addition, the governmental investment promotion agency Invest Kurdistan facilitated the formal proceedings between the two entities in Dubai.
Framework for a Venture Platform
The agreement establishes a framework for a venture-led platform designed to identify practical commercial opportunities across the regional market. Specifically, the initiative works to assemble international technology providers, local operating partners, specialist advisors, and institutional investors into a coordinated operational network.
By aligning these parties, the initiative creates structured pathways for external capital and operational knowledge to enter regional projects. Furthermore, the platform intends to coordinate technical resources directly with local commercial entities that require external collaboration.
Priority Sectors and Digital Focus
Digital transformation serves as the primary operational focus for the collaborative platform during its initial rollout. Within this digital scope, the participating organisations identified three distinct segments for immediate project evaluation and targeted investment.
The priority segments include financial technology, artificial intelligence, and education technology. Consequently, the programme will assess enterprise proposals and institutional projects that fit within these operational categories before expanding into adjacent industries.
Role of the Kurdistan Innovation Institute
The Kurdistan Innovation Institute works to connect regional research, local enterprise, and domestic talent directly with international technology suppliers. Through this cooperation, local innovators gain access to global investment networks and broader international commercial markets.
Meanwhile, Luma Ventures brings investment management capabilities and venture structuring experience to support these domestic initiatives. As a result, the partnership links local academic output and regional enterprise with experienced commercial operators.
Strategic Objectives and Regional Outlook
Through this agreement, the Kurdistan Innovation Institute and its partners seek to establish sustainable commercial foundations for the local technology sector. The venture-led model prioritises practical commercial viability to attract private capital into regional enterprises.
Invest Kurdistan supported the agreement as part of ongoing regional efforts to encourage international partnerships. Therefore, the formalisation of this platform at AIM Congress 2026 marks an initial step toward building long-term commercial links between the Kurdistan Region and international markets.
