Abu Dhabi's top innovation centres partner to boost AI-powered life science discovery under new health, endurance, longevity, and medicine (HELM) cluster
Strategic partnership aimed at accelerating healthcare innovation, attracting top-tier talent and advancing medical research and commercialisation efforts
Abu Dhabi, UAE: In a major step toward realising Abu Dhabi's vision for a thriving life sciences landscape, The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) have partnered with Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and Hub71 under the emirate's newly launched Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) cluster to power the next wave of AI-driven breakthroughs in medicine.
Led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Department (ADDED), ADIO and DoH, the HELM cluster is set to accelerate the research, development, manufacturing and commercialisation of groundbreaking medicines, biotechnologies and therapies, with a focus on AI-powered innovation, precision medicine and personalised treatments.
Announced during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW), this partnership will advance the cluster's efforts to develop an AI-powered discovery ecosystem that aims to accelerate the development of new medicines. The initiative provides support to develop scalable infrastructure for managing and analysing complex healthcare data, including clinical, genomic and proteomic datasets, leveraging Abu Dhabi-based companies' expertise in healthcare services and data management.
Partners will also work together to fast-track intellectual property (IP) development while supporting the commercialisation of breakthrough healthcare solutions in the emirate. Companies seeking to co-develop AI-powered discovery solutions will benefit from ADIO's competitive business support to establish operations within Abu Dhabi's HELM cluster and scale globally.
H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, commented: 'AI and data are today's enablers of smarter, predictive, preventive and more personalised care. Through the HELM cluster, we are building a globally connected ecosystem that empowers researchers, innovators, and investors to unlock the full potential of data-driven discovery. From early diagnostics to personalised therapies, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a hub where cutting-edge science meets real-world impact.'
H.E. Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, said: 'By integrating AI-driven research and innovation within the HELM cluster, we are not only accelerating drug discovery and precision medicine, we are advancing Abu Dhabi's position as a leader in the digital healthcare transformation. The cluster is a launchpad for groundbreaking solutions that will shape the future of how diseases are detected, how treatment is delivered and how health is managed worldwide. This collaboration exemplifies Abu Dhabi's ability to bring together world-class institutions, advanced infrastructure and progressive policies to create an environment where life sciences companies can scale, innovate and drive lasting impact.'
The initiative also aims to attract leading start-ups and scale-ups to Abu Dhabi to drive AI-powered breakthroughs. Through Hub71, Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, start-ups and scale-ups will gain access to local and global investors and cross-border partnerships in markets such as France, South Korea and Singapore.
Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, said: 'The HELM cluster will serve as a launchpad for high-growth startups and leading innovators to develop and scale AI-driven life sciences solutions from Abu Dhabi to the world. At Hub71, we remain committed to fostering entrepreneurship and advancing breakthrough technologies that will shape the future of global healthcare and deliver lasting impact.'
Startups aligned with MBZUAI's research priorities will gain access to cutting-edge research facilities, further strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as a hub for DeepTech innovation. The collaboration will also play a pivotal role in talent development by introducing specialised training programmes, internships and workshops in AI-powered discovery.
Professor Sami Haddadin, MBZUAI 's Vice President of Research, added: 'This partnership will provide unparalleled access to advanced AI research facilities and cultivate the next wave of AI and biotech talent in Abu Dhabi. As a University with AI at its core, MBZUAI is uniquely positioned to accelerate breakthroughs that integrate AI with life sciences. By working closely with startups and industry leaders, we aim to equip researchers, students and entrepreneurs with the expertise and ecosystem needed to drive transformative innovations in precision medicine, genomics and drug development to further reinforce Abu Dhabi's emergence as a global hub for AI-driven healthcare solutions.'
With chronic diseases such as cardiovascular conditions and diabetes on the rise, the HELMcluster and its AI-powered discovery initiative are pivotal to the future of medicine. Through this initiative, the cluster is set to develop new treatment solutions by integrating AI-driven insights, enhancing early disease detection and improving patient outcomes while reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a global leader in healthcare innovation.
Held under the theme 'Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being', Abu Dhabi Global Health Week is a major government initiative from Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) to serve as a platform for innovation and collaboration within Abu Dhabi's healthcare sector.
About the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO):
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is the government vehicle responsible for accelerating Abu Dhabi's growth and enabling the emirate's economic transformation. Through comprehensive support services, ADIO enables both local and foreign investors to shape industries of the future set to transform liveability, technology, resources, and value-added services. Initiatives focused on regional tourism and retail development and public-private partnerships ensure that community well-being is at the centre of Abu Dhabi's economic transformation. With a robust network of investors, strong collaboration with key stakeholders, and a global presence, ADIO is committed to empowering those who invest with Abu Dhabi to make a lasting global impact.
About the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH):
The DoH is the regulatory body of the healthcare sector at the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and ensures excellence in healthcare by monitoring the health status of the population. DoH defines the strategy for the health system, monitors and analyses the health status of the population and performance of the system. In addition, DoH shapes the regulatory framework for the health system, inspects against regulations, enforces standards, and encourages adoption of world-class best practices and performance targets by all healthcare service providers in the Emirate. DoH also drives programmes to increase awareness and adoption of healthy living standards among the residents of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in addition to regulating scope of services, premiums and reimbursement rates of the health system.
About Hub71:
Hub71 is Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem that enables founders to build globally enduring homegrown tech companies in any sector by providing access to global markets, a capital ecosystem, a global network of partners, and a vibrant community filled with highly skilled talent governed by forward-thinking regulation.
Backed by the Government of Abu Dhabi and Mubadala Investment Company, Hub71 is growing its vibrant community of tech startups, investors, government, and corporate partners to ensure the availability of investment, commercial activities, and incentives from the public and private sectors. Through Hub71's entrepreneurial infrastructure, value-add programs, enabling services and support packages, founders can build, and scale widely adopted technologies with purpose and impact. Hub71 is on a mission to introduce new minds and technologies to Abu Dhabi, finding new ways to build globally enduring technology companies and sustain the nation's continuous economic development.
About Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI):
MBZUAI is a graduate research university focused on artificial intelligence, computer science, and digital technologies across industrial sectors. The university aims to empower students, businesses, and governments to advance artificial intelligence as a global force for positive progress. MBZUAI offers various graduate programs designed to pursue advanced, specialized knowledge and skills in artificial intelligence, including computer science, computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics. For more information, please visit www.mbzuai.ac.ae
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