Mubadala Investment Company and Khalifa University of Science and Technology have launched the Life Sciences Innovation Program (LSIP) to advance early-stage research and strengthen the UAE’s healthcare innovation ecosystem.
Announced at the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit 2026, the programme will focus on therapeutics, medical devices and emerging healthcare technologies. Mubadala Bio and Khalifa University Enterprises Company will jointly manage the initiative, with Khalifa University serving as the delivery partner.
H.E. Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University of Science and Technology, said: “The future of healthcare innovation depends on our ability to connect scientific discovery with the expertise, infrastructure and investment needed to turn research into practical solutions. This partnership brings Khalifa University’s research capabilities and talent together with Mubadala Bio’s industry expertise to strengthen the UAE’s life sciences ecosystem. Through joint research, the development of advanced technologies and closer collaboration between academia and industry, we aim to build national capabilities and create new pathways for discoveries to deliver economic and societal value.”
The programme will fund research projects across cardiometabolic conditions, central nervous system disorders, oncology, musculoskeletal health, and men’s and women’s health, prioritising areas where existing treatment options are limited.
Mubadala Bio also 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 could support research into advanced medicines, including sterile injectables, peptides and RNA therapies.
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H.E. Amal Al Jaberi, Chief Executive Officer, Khalifa University Enterprises Company (KUEC), said: “KUEC connects industry needs with academic-led applied research, creating pathways for discoveries to become commercially viable technologies. Through this partnership, we will support the translation of Khalifa University’s research into healthcare solutions and new business opportunities. By enabling commercialization and building sovereign intellectual property and a strong local knowledge base, we aim to lay the foundations for new industrial sectors and strengthen the UAE’s capacity to develop, own and scale innovation.”
Dr. Bakheet Al Katheeri, Chief Executive Officer of Mubadala’s UAE Investments Platform and Chairman of Mubadala Bio, said: “Localizing pharmaceutical manufacturing reduces reliance on external supply. Building a life sciences sector takes significant effort at every stage, from the research lab to the production line. Through Mubadala Bio, we have built a strong manufacturing base in the UAE. With Khalifa University, we are now extending that effort into scientific research. This partnership supports the nation’s vision to develop a resilient, knowledge-based economy.”
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The initiative comes as the UAE seeks to reduce reliance on imported medicines and strengthen resilience against global supply chain disruptions. By expanding domestic research capabilities alongside pharmaceutical manufacturing, the partnership aims to support a more self-reliant life sciences sector.
It will also create opportunities for students and emerging researchers to gain industry experience, supporting scientific workforce development and Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a regional life sciences hub.
