In a significant move to bolster the UAE’s healthcare innovation landscape, Aster DM Healthcare, a leading integrated healthcare provider in the GCC, has signed a master research collaboration agreement with the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK). The partnership, witnessed by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President and Chairperson of SPARK, aims to spearhead cutting-edge research and development in the medical field.
The agreement was formalized on the sidelines of the Sharjah Next: Healthcare forum, an event designed to bring together global experts and industry leaders to shape the future of medical innovation.
A Strategic Alliance for Medical R&D
This collaboration establishes a framework for joint research projects focusing on critical areas such as medical technology development, bio-innovation, the application of artificial intelligence in diagnostics, and advanced data-driven healthcare solutions. The partnership is set to create a dynamic innovation ecosystem that connects academic and research institutions with industry and clinical practice, accelerating the process of turning research discoveries into tangible real-world applications.
Under the agreement, SPARK and Aster will work together to pioneer new technologies and models of care, reinforcing the UAE’s growing reputation as a global hub for medical excellence and research-led innovation.
Bridging Clinical Expertise with an Innovation Ecosystem
The partnership leverages the unique strengths of both organizations, combining Aster’s extensive clinical expertise with SPARK’s robust R&D infrastructure and ecosystem.
Ms. Alisha Moopen, Managing Director & Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare and Board Member of SPARK, commented on the collaboration, “The partnership reinforces Aster’s commitment to driving healthcare innovation through collaborative research and knowledge sharing. By combining Aster’s clinical expertise with SPARK’s robust innovation ecosystem, we aim to pioneer technologies and models of care that improve patient outcomes and advance the UAE’s position as a global hub for medical excellence and research-led innovation.”
Dr. Asma Mahmoud Fikri, Director of Government and Corporate Partnerships at SPARK, added, “This partnership marks a new chapter in linking world-class healthcare providers with our innovation ecosystem. Aster DM Healthcare’s experience in clinical excellence and regional healthcare delivery will bring valuable real-world perspective to our joint R&D efforts and help translate promising research into tangible patient outcomes.”
Framework for Future Growth
The Master Research Collaboration Agreement outlines a clear structure for cooperation, covering key areas such as intellectual property management, data protection, confidentiality, and the publication of research outcomes. While Aster DM Healthcare will hold the rights to develop and commercialize innovations from the collaborative research, both organizations are committed to upholding the UAE’s rigorous data protection and ethical research standards.
Furthermore, the alliance will create opportunities for joint academic initiatives, innovation acceleration programs, and talent development, nurturing the next generation of researchers and clinicians in the UAE.
About SPARK
The Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) is a premier innovation ecosystem established to foster collaboration between industry, government, and academic organizations. It aims to promote R&D and support enterprise activities, contributing to the region’s economic development and positioning Sharjah as a leading hub for innovation.
About Aster DM Healthcare
Aster DM Healthcare is one of the largest private healthcare service providers operating in the GCC and India. With an inherent emphasis on clinical excellence, the organization is one of the few entities in the world with a strong presence across primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary healthcare through its hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.
Source: Zawya
