Mubadala, Khalifa University launch life sciences research programme in UAE

Mubadala Investment Company and Khalifa University of Science and Technology have launched a research partnership to advance life sciences research and healthcare innovation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Life Sciences Innovation Programme (LSIP), announced at the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit on Oct 23, will support early-stage research into therapeutics, medical devices and other healthcare technologies.

The initiative aims to strengthen links between university research and industry, helping move scientific discoveries towards potential healthcare applications.

The programme will be jointly run by Mubadala Bio, Mubadala’s wholly owned life sciences company, and Khalifa University Enterprises Company (KUEC), the university’s business and investment arm. Khalifa University will serve as the delivery partner.

Research to target areas with limited treatment options

Under the programme, Mubadala and KUEC will jointly fund research projects across several therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic conditions, central nervous system disorders, oncology, musculoskeletal health, and men’s and women’s health.

Priority will be given to conditions for which existing treatment options are limited. The partners will combine Khalifa University’s research infrastructure, scientific expertise and talent with Mubadala Bio’s industrial capabilities and KUEC’s experience in commercialising research.

Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, president of Khalifa University, said the partnership would connect the university’s research capabilities with industry expertise to strengthen the UAE’s life sciences ecosystem.

He said the collaboration would support joint research, the development of advanced technologies and closer cooperation between academia and industry, with the aim of building national capabilities and creating economic and societal value.

Mubadala Bio plans research laboratory on campus

Alongside the programme, Mubadala Bio plans to establish a commercial research and development laboratory at Khalifa University’s main campus, within its College of Medicine and Health Sciences.

The proposed facility is expected to focus on complex, high-value medicines, potentially including sterile injectables, peptides and RNA therapies. It is also intended to support Mubadala Bio’s pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in the UAE, along with its academic and industry partners.

The laboratory is expected to provide university researchers and students with opportunities to participate in research and development involving advanced medicines and healthcare technologies, bringing academic work closer to industrial applications.

Amal Al Jaberi, chief executive officer of KUEC, said the company would help translate university research into healthcare solutions and new business opportunities. She also highlighted the role of locally developed intellectual property and a stronger knowledge base in supporting new industries.

Building domestic research capabilities

The partnership forms part of the UAE’s efforts to strengthen its domestic life sciences sector and reduce reliance on external pharmaceutical supply chains.

Dr Bakheet Al Katheeri, chief executive officer of Mubadala’s UAE Investments Platform and chairman of Mubadala Bio, said the collaboration would extend the company’s investment in local pharmaceutical manufacturing into scientific research.

The initiative will also build on Mubadala Bio’s efforts to develop specialist skills within its manufacturing operations and host interns from Khalifa University and other institutions at its facilities.

By connecting academic researchers with industry, the programme aims to develop scientific talent and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s capacity in life sciences research and development.

The agreement was signed at the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit by Al Katheeri, Al Hajri and Al Jaberi.