Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Dubai, has entered into a three-year partnership with UAE-based space education company SpacePoint to develop a proposed Satellite Development Lab on campus, strengthening hands-on learning, technical training and research opportunities in satellite engineering.
The collaboration aims to provide students with practical exposure to satellite systems, electronics, communications, software development, integration and testing, helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world engineering applications.
As part of the partnership, MAHE Dubai and SpacePoint will explore the integration of SpacePoint's SatKit educational platform, enabling students to gain experience in satellite development through practical training, specialised workshops, academic projects and technical programmes.
The proposed Satellite Development Lab is expected to become operational within six months, with a long-term goal of training 200 engineering students annually. The initiative will begin with a Quick Flight workshop for approximately 30 students, introducing them to practical satellite engineering concepts.
Beyond technical training, the partnership will support faculty development, applied research, curriculum enhancement and industry engagement. It also creates opportunities for technical mentorship and potential internships and employment pathways for qualified students.
Speaking about the collaboration, Dr. S. Sudhindra, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Dubai, highlighted the importance of equipping graduates with the technical capabilities required to contribute to the UAE's expanding space economy. He emphasised that the proposed lab would strengthen practical engineering education and support increasingly complex student-led technical projects.
Dr. Rajiv Selvam, Associate Dean, School of Engineering & IT, MAHE Dubai, highlighted the initiative's potential to integrate satellite development into engineering education while creating opportunities for students to participate in applied research and engage with the wider UAE space ecosystem.
SpacePoint, a UAE-based SpaceTech and EdTech company, specialises in making satellite engineering accessible through practical learning experiences. Its SatKit platform introduces students to satellite subsystems, engineering processes and testing methodologies through physical hardware, simulations and technical mentorship.
The partnership also offers opportunities for students to gain exposure to the UAE's broader space industry through SpacePoint's collaboration with the National Space Academy, under the UAE Space Agency.
As the UAE continues to invest in advanced technologies and space exploration, the collaboration reflects MAHE Dubai's commitment to industry-integrated education, innovation and future-ready engineering skills.