Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) has announced a strategic partnership with Nokia Solutions and Networks AE, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to accelerate innovation, enhance knowledge exchange, and build capacity within the region’s burgeoning tech ecosystem.
The landmark agreement was formalized during SPARK’s annual Ramadan Majlis, attended by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SPARK. The MoU was officially signed by Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SPARK, and Rima Manna, Vice President of Network Infrastructure Sales, Middle East and Country Director for the UAE at Nokia.
A Strategic Alliance For Growth
This collaboration aims to create tangible pathways for innovators by connecting them with global expertise and industry leaders. The partnership will focus on high-impact initiatives including advanced training programs, specialized master classes, and the development of a “Tech Matchmaker” concept to link solution providers with key stakeholders and accelerate the journey from idea to market-ready solution.
Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SPARK, commented on the significance of the partnership, stating, “This partnership with Nokia marks a major step towards advancing SPARK’s mission to support innovation-led development by leveraging global expertise, fostering knowledge exchange, and building programs that empower talent. The MoU reflects our shared ambition to create practical pathways that enable innovators and institutions to develop solutions with measurable impact locally, regionally and globally.”
Four Pillars of Collaboration
The agreement between SPARK and Nokia is structured around four primary pillars:
- Knowledge Exchange and Innovation Collaboration: Fostering a dynamic environment for sharing expertise and co-creating new technologies.
- Enhanced Network Engagement: Deepening connections within regional and global innovation networks.
- Co-development of Master Classes: Creating specialized capacity-building initiatives tailored to ecosystem needs.
- Development of Innovation Support Platforms: Building structured frameworks to support scalable innovation.
Dr. Asma Mahmoud Fikri, Director of Government and Corporate Partnerships at SPARK, added, “Through this partnership, we are creating a strong platform for the co-design of capacity-building initiatives, aligned with emerging trends and real ecosystem needs. Using master classes and the Tech Matchmaker concept, we aim to bring together innovators, industry, and stakeholders within a structured framework that accelerates collaboration, strengthens capabilities, and supports scalable innovation outcomes.”
Empowering The Innovation Ecosystem
The joint venture aligns with SPARK’s overarching vision to strengthen the integration between government, industry, and academia. By forging alliances with global tech giants like Nokia, SPARK is solidifying its role in positioning Sharjah and the wider UAE as a leading international hub for advanced technology and innovation.
Rima Manna of Nokia highlighted the company’s commitment to the region. “Nokia is committed to supporting innovation ecosystems that advance knowledge, build capabilities, and enable meaningful cross-sector collaboration. Our partnership with SPARK creates an important opportunity to co-develop programs that connect innovators with industry and help transform promising ideas into scalable solutions delivering sustainable long-term value.”
About Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK)
Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) is a free zone ecosystem that aims to foster a culture of research and development while supporting enterprise activities. It actively works to link the efforts of academic institutions, government bodies, and the private sector to promote innovation and position the UAE as a global leader in technology and research.
Source: Zawya
