Bodour Al Qasimi witnesses SPARK–Boehringer partnership signing

Key signatories and witnesses

The MoU was signed by His Excellency Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SPARK, and Mr. 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 SPARK, and Mr. Ousama Alhaj, General Manager and Head of Human Pharma for Near East & UAE at Boehringer Ingelheim.

Access to global open innovation platform

The partnership allows researchers, startups, and academic institutions within Sharjah’s University City to access Boehringer Ingelheim’s OpnME digital platform, a global open-innovation ecosystem connecting scientists and institutions to advanced R&D opportunities.

Researchers in Sharjah will benefit from exclusive scientific tools, datasets, and collaboration opportunities with Boehringer Ingelheim’s international teams. The platform will support co-development in critical therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular health, oncology, metabolic disorders, and neuroscience.

Strengthening Sharjah’s healthcare and research ecosystem

The agreement was signed during the Sharjah Next: Healthcare Forum, the emirate’s premier platform for healthcare innovation and research. The partnership highlights Sharjah’s growing influence as a hub for life sciences and biotechnology, linking academia and industry to accelerate scientific discovery and commercialisation.

Statements from leadership

Dr Asma Mahmoud Fikri, Director of Government and Corporate Partnerships at SRTIP, said: “This collaboration 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, Head of Public and Government Affairs for Near East and UAE at Boehringer Ingelheim, added:

“Our collaboration with 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.”

Advancing Regional Healthcare Innovation

This strategic partnership reinforces SPARK’s mission to position Sharjah as a leading regional player in global healthcare R&D and innovation.