SPARK underlines innovation growth, expansion strategies

The Board of Directors of the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) outlined several new strategies to advance its innovation vision and attract more global players during its sixth meeting of 2026, held at Air Arabia’s newly developed aircraft maintenance facilities at Sharjah International Airport and hosted by Air Arabia, a member of SPARK’s Board of Directors.

The meeting was chaired by Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SPARK, and attended by members of the Board of Directors.

The meeting reviewed the latest developments across the Park’s ecosystem, operational progress, and strategic plans focused on strengthening Sharjah’s position as a regional and global hub for innovation, advanced technology, and research-driven economic growth.

During the meeting, board members discussed several strategic agenda items focused on expanding SPARK’s international ecosystem by attracting innovative and technology companies from around the world, while continuing to enhance services and support mechanisms offered to investors, entrepreneurs, startups, and research institutions operating within the Park.

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi emphasised the importance of sustaining collaboration between government entities, academic institutions, and the private sector to accelerate innovation and create impactful economic opportunities. She noted that SPARK continues to play a vital role in shaping Sharjah’s future innovation economy through practical initiatives, international partnerships, and an integrated ecosystem that empowers innovators and emerging industries.

Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SPARK, presented updates on ongoing projects and highlighted the organisation’s key priorities for the coming phase, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence, sustainability, advanced manufacturing, healthcare innovation, and digital transformation.

The Board also reviewed progress across SPARK’s four major focus areas, including sustainability and environmental technologies, healthcare and life sciences, mobility and logistics, and advanced manufacturing and digitization. Discussions further addressed opportunities to strengthen commercialization pathways for innovation, accelerate research-to-market initiatives, and foster greater collaboration between startups and industry leaders.

As part of the agenda, members examined updates related to the Park’s innovation infrastructure and ecosystem development initiatives, including efforts to expand prototyping capabilities, support industrial innovation, and enhance Sharjah’s competitiveness as a destination for future-focused investment and entrepreneurship. The Board also highlighted sustainability as a key strategic focus for SPARK throughout 2026, with a range of initiatives, activities, and events planned around advancing sustainable innovation and promoting solutions that support long-term environmental and economic impact.

The meeting additionally highlighted SPARK’s growing international engagement through strategic partnerships, global innovation events, and collaborative programs that position Sharjah as a gateway connecting regional and international innovation ecosystems.

Earlier, SPARK has recorded more than 7,500 licensing transactions across January and February, including new company formations and renewals, highlighting growing demand from innovation-driven enterprises and reinforcing SPARK’s position as a leading hub for technology and research-based companies.

Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SPARK, said, “These indicators reflect the strength and resilience of Sharjah’s innovation ecosystem, as we continue to drive growth, empower businesses, and expand our global partnerships. Our focus remains on translating innovation into tangible economic value that supports sustainable development.”

He added, “At SPARK, we are committed to building an integrated ecosystem that supports entrepreneurs and innovators by providing advanced infrastructure, prototyping capabilities, and growth opportunities—further strengthening Sharjah and the UAE’s position as leading hubs for innovation and advanced technologies.”

This strong start to 2026 builds on SPARK’s notable achievements in 2025, including the establishment of partnerships with more than 30 local and international entities, such as the Emirates Health Services, the European Union ecosystem, and the International Association of Science Parks.

A key milestone was the launch of BASE39, a new zone which supports emerging creative talent within the creative industries by enabling the development and scaling of design-driven and artistic ventures.

As part of its global expansion strategy, SPARK is actively collaborating with representative offices in key international markets, including China and India, as well as other strategic locations. These efforts aim to deepen international partnerships and attract high-potential technology companies seeking to expand into the UAE and the broader Middle East.

SPARK, in collaboration with Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), launched a dedicated startup package during the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2026 (SEF-26), successfully enabling the establishment of 130 startups and supporting early-stage ventures.

WAM