News DeskSharjah, UAE – Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) has signed a landmark master research collaboration agreement with Aster DM Healthcare, one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in the GCC, to advance healthcare research and innovation in the UAE.
The agreement was inked on the sidelines of the two-day Sharjah Next: Healthcare Forum, which brought together global experts, academia, and industry leaders to explore the future of medical research, biotechnology, and healthcare innovation.
The signing ceremony was attended by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President and Chairperson of SPARK. The agreement was signed by Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SPARK, and Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, in the presence of Dr. Malathi Arshanapalai, Chief Medical and Quality Officer at Aster DM Healthcare.
The collaboration aims to drive joint research in areas such as medical technology development, bio-innovation, artificial intelligence in diagnostics, and advanced data-driven healthcare solutions. It also seeks to foster an innovation ecosystem linking academic institutions, research organisations, industry players, and clinical practice, accelerating the translation of research into real-world impact.
Speaking at the event, Alisha Moopen said: “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.”
The Master Research Collaboration Agreement outlines a framework for cooperation covering intellectual property management, data protection, confidentiality, and publication of research outcomes. Aster DM Healthcare will have the rights to develop and commercialize innovations arising from the collaborative research, while both organisations will adhere to UAE’s data protection and ethical research standards.
The partnership will also enable joint academic initiatives, innovation acceleration programmes, and talent development, supporting the next generation of researchers and clinicians in the UAE.
This collaboration between SPARK and Aster DM Healthcare underscores a shared vision of leveraging research, innovation, and technology to create a sustainable and future-ready healthcare system in the country.
