Abu Dhabi Unites Key Innovation Hubs To Power AI Breakthroughs In Medicine

In a significant move to strengthen Abu Dhabi's life sciences sector, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) have joined forces with Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), M42, and Hub71 to launch the HELM (Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine) cluster.

This initiative aims to drive the next generation of AI-powered advancements in medicine, WAM reported. Abu Dhabi Global Health Week, themed "Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being," is a key government initiative led by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH).

It serves as a platform to foster innovation, partnerships, and progress across the emirate's healthcare ecosystem.

Spearheaded by ADIO, DoH, and the Department of Economic Development (ADDED), HELM focuses on accelerating the research, development, and commercialization of innovative medicines, biotechnologies, and therapies, particularly in areas like precision medicine and personalized treatments.

Launched during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week, the partnership will help build an AI-driven discovery ecosystem, speeding up the creation of new treatments. It also supports the development of scalable infrastructure to handle complex healthcare data, using the expertise of local companies in healthcare and data management.

"AI and data are today's enablers of smarter, predictive, preventive and more personalised care," said Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Under-Secretary of the DoH.

"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," she added.

The HELM initiative also focuses on attracting top start-ups and scale-ups to Abu Dhabi to drive AI-led medical innovation. Through Hub71, these companies will connect with investors and gain access to global markets like France, South Korea, and Singapore.

Start-ups aligned with MBZUAI's research goals will benefit from advanced facilities, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's status as a DeepTech innovation hub. The collaboration also emphasizes talent development through specialised training, internships, and workshops in AI-driven discovery.

With rising rates of chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes, the HELM cluster is set to play a key role in developing AI-powered solutions for early diagnosis, improved treatment, and better patient outcomes, cementing Abu Dhabi's position as a leader in global healthcare innovation.