SPARK and Aster DM Healthcare launch joint research to advance patient care

Dubai: Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) has signed a master research collaboration agreement with Aster DM Healthcare, one of the region’s largest integrated healthcare providers, to promote research and innovation in the healthcare sector. The agreement was announced during the Sharjah Next: Healthcare forum, a two-day event that gathered experts, academics, and industry leaders to discuss the future of medical research, biotechnology, and healthcare innovation.

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 Her Highness Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, President and Chairperson of SPARK, and Dr. Malathi Arshanapalai, Chief Medical and Quality Officer at Aster DM Healthcare.

The collaboration focuses on joint research in medical technology, bio-innovation, artificial intelligence in diagnostics, and data-driven healthcare solutions. It aims to connect academia, research institutions, and clinical practice to accelerate the practical application of research for improved patient care.

Moopen said, “This partnership strengthens Aster’s commitment to healthcare innovation. Combining our clinical expertise with SPARK’s innovation ecosystem will help develop new technologies and care models that enhance patient outcomes and position the UAE as a leading center for research-driven medical excellence.”

Dr. Asma Mahmoud Fikri, Director of Government and Corporate Partnerships at SPARK, added, “Collaborating with a leading healthcare provider like Aster DM Healthcare brings real-world insights to our research initiatives and ensures that innovative solutions can be translated into tangible benefits for patients.”

The agreement establishes a framework covering intellectual property, data protection, confidentiality, and research publications. Aster DM Healthcare will have the rights to commercialize innovations developed through the collaboration, with both parties ensuring compliance with UAE ethical and data protection standards.

The partnership will also support joint academic programs, innovation acceleration initiatives, and the development of future healthcare professionals, aiming to nurture the next generation of researchers and clinicians in the UAE.

Through this collaboration, SPARK and Aster DM Healthcare are working to leverage research, technology, and innovation to create a more sustainable and forward-looking healthcare system in the country.