The Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) has announced a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global biopharmaceutical leader Boehringer Ingelheim to enhance collaboration in healthcare research and innovation across Sharjah and the wider UAE.
A Strategic Push for Open Innovation
The MoU was signed by His Excellency Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTIP, and Ghaleb Al Ahdab, Head of Public and Government Affairs for Near East & UAE at Boehringer Ingelheim. The signing was witnessed by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, President and Chairperson of SRTIP, and Ousama Alhaj, General Manager and Head of Human Pharma for Near East & UAE at Boehringer Ingelheim.
The agreement, formalized during the Sharjah Next: Healthcare Forum, signifies Sharjah’s growing influence as a hub for life sciences and biotechnology, aiming to connect academia and industry to fast-track scientific discovery and commercialization.
Unlocking Global R&D With OpnME
The partnership will provide researchers, startups, and academic institutions within Sharjah’s University City access to Boehringer Ingelheim’s OpnME digital platform. This global open-innovation ecosystem connects scientists and institutions to cutting-edge R&D opportunities worldwide.
Through this initiative, researchers in Sharjah will gain access to exclusive scientific tools, datasets, and collaboration opportunities with Boehringer Ingelheim’s international research teams. The platform is set to support co-development in critical therapeutic areas such as cardiovascular health, oncology, metabolic disorders, and neuroscience, fostering an environment where ideas can move seamlessly from discovery to real-world application.
Bolstering Sharjah’s Life Sciences Hub
This collaboration aligns with SRTIP’s mission to position Sharjah as a key regional player in global healthcare R&D and innovation.
Dr. Asma Mahmoud Fikri, Director of Government and Corporate Partnerships at SRTIP, commented, “This collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim reflects our shared commitment to enabling impactful research and building sustainable partnerships that connect Sharjah’s academic ecosystem with global scientific leaders. The OpnME platform will empower our researchers to contribute meaningfully to breakthroughs that improve human health.”
Ghaleb Al Ahdab of Boehringer Ingelheim added, “Our collaboration with The Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) marks a meaningful step in strengthening the UAE’s scientific landscape. Through the OpnMe platform, Boehringer Ingelheim is helping to unlock new opportunities for researchers by offering access to high-value compounds, expert networks, and joint research initiatives. Together, we are cultivating a dynamic environment for innovation—one that supports scientific progress and contributes to better health outcomes across Sharjah and the broader region.”
About Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP)
Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) is a free zone that promotes R&D and supports enterprise activities by fostering a triple helix collaboration between industry, government, and academia. It aims to develop and manage an innovation ecosystem that positions Sharjah as a regional leader in research and technology, encouraging investment and connecting academic institutions with the industrial sector.
Source: Zawya
