Abu Dhabi:Hub71, Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, is marking the first anniversary of Hub71+ Life Sciences, highlighting the emirate as an emerging destination for health and life sciences startups. Established in collaboration with the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH), the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), and the Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine (HELM) cluster, the initiative aims to strengthen connections between scientific research, clinical development, and commercial applications, contributing to Abu Dhabi's economic growth.
According to Wam, in its inaugural year, Hub71+ Life Sciences has built a portfolio of 58 startups, collectively raising US$463 million (AED1.7 billion) and generating US$138 million (AED506.8 million) in revenue. The ecosystem has also expanded its network to include 15 strategic partners, with recent collaborations involving Johnson and Johnson and Mediclinic Middle East, enhancing access to clinical expertise and opportunities for startups to develop and commercialize technologies.
Life sciences are prioritized in Abu Dhabi's economic diversification plans, with investments targeting healthcare research, biotechnology, and medical technologies. Initiatives like the HELM cluster, projected to contribute AED94 billion to the emirate's GDP by 2045, reflect this ambition. As capabilities expand, connecting healthcare providers and research institutions with emerging technologies remains essential for advancing clinical research and commercial outcomes.
Basma AlBadi AlDhaheri, Head of Growth and Value Creation at Hub71, emphasized the significance of Abu Dhabi's healthcare infrastructure in offering startups opportunities to develop and scale innovative solutions. Hub71+ Life Sciences focuses on deepening strategic partnerships to accelerate the adoption of solutions addressing real healthcare needs, positioning Abu Dhabi as a leading hub for life sciences innovation.
The addition of partners like Johnson and Johnson and Mediclinic Middle East further enhances Hub71+ Life Sciences' industry expertise and clinical capabilities. Existing partnerships, such as Unilabs Middle East's collaboration with Takalam and GlycanAge, demonstrate ongoing opportunities for startups to integrate and expand their technologies within established healthcare networks.
Collaboration with Abu Dhabi's clinical and research institutions, including Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and an investment network involving Global Ventures, Nuwa Capital, and Globivest, continue to support the growth of healthcare startups. These efforts highlight the ecosystem's role in fostering innovation from research to clinical application.
Hub71+ Life Sciences will continue attracting startups, partners, and investment to Abu Dhabi, supporting the clinical development and commercialization of emerging technologies, and contributing to the emirate's ambition to be a global leader in life sciences innovation.
Source Wam