Aster DM Healthcare, a leading integrated healthcare provider in the GCC, has entered into a significant research collaboration agreement with the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), a prominent innovation hub that fosters collaboration between industry, government, and academic institutions. This partnership is designed to propel forward-thinking research and innovation in the healthcare sector.
The agreement was formalized during the Sharjah Next: Healthcare forum, a two-day event that gathered international experts, academia, and industry leaders to discuss the future of medical research, biotechnology, and healthcare innovation.
Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SPARK, and Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, signed the agreement, with Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, President and Chairperson of SPARK, and Dr. Malathi Arshanapalai, Chief Medical and Quality Officer at Aster DM Healthcare, in attendance.
This collaboration represents a key milestone in promoting joint research initiatives aimed at healthcare technology, clinical innovation, and sustainable solutions to shape the future of the regional healthcare landscape.
Under this agreement, SPARK and Aster will collaborate on research projects in fields like medical technology, bio-innovation, AI in diagnostics, and advanced data-driven healthcare solutions. The partnership also seeks to create an innovative ecosystem connecting academic and research organizations, industry, and clinical practice, facilitating the practical application of research.
Moopen stated: “This partnership strengthens Aster’s dedication to healthcare innovation through collaborative research and knowledge exchange. By merging Aster’s clinical expertise with SPARK’s innovative ecosystem, we aim to pioneer technologies and care models that enhance patient outcomes and establish the UAE as a global leader in medical excellence and research-driven innovation.”
Dr. Asma Mahmoud Fikri, Director of Government and Corporate Partnerships at SPARK, remarked: “This partnership opens a new chapter in linking top-tier healthcare providers with our innovation ecosystem. Aster DM Healthcare’s clinical excellence and regional healthcare delivery insights will offer valuable perspectives to our joint R&D efforts, translating promising research into tangible patient benefits.”
The Master Research Collaboration Agreement lays out a framework for cooperation, addressing areas like intellectual property management, data protection, confidentiality, and research publication. Aster DM Healthcare will have rights to develop and commercialize innovations from the research, while both entities will adhere to UAE’s data protection and ethical research standards.
The partnership also offers opportunities for joint academic projects, innovation acceleration programs, and talent development, nurturing the next generation of researchers and clinicians in the UAE.
