DOH Abu Dhabi receives Startup Ecosystem Stars Award 2024

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has received the Startup Ecosystem Stars Award 2024, a global accolade run by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Mind the Bridge in collaboration with the OECD and the European Commission.

Presented in Paris at the second edition of the Startup Ecosystem Stars Awards on 4 December 2024, the honour celebrates organisations that foster dynamic ecosystems by bridging startups, corporations, and governments.

Organised by the ICC in partnership with Mind the Bridge, in collaboration with OECD, and the European Commission, the awards recognise exemplary innovation ecosystems worldwide.

DoH has established a comprehensive healthcare innovation ecosystem that has achieved significant milestones. Since 2021, the department has supported 80 healthcare startups, accelerating transformative solutions across the healthcare spectrum. These efforts have created 926 specialised jobs, fostering economic growth and strengthening the life sciences sector, which has achieved an impressive annual growth of 35.8 per cent.

Central to DoH’s success in driving healthcare innovation is its flagship HealthX accelerator, developed in partnership with New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) and startAD.

The programme provides startups with access to world-class facilities, expert mentorship, and pilot opportunities, enabling the seamless transition of innovative concepts to impactful healthcare solutions within Abu Dhabi’s ecosystem.

Dr Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Science Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), said: “Innovation is the cornerstone of Abu Dhabi’s vision to establish one of the most intelligent healthcare systems in the world. This prestigious recognition from the International Chamber of Commerce highlights our commitment to transform healthcare through innovation and strategic partnerships. Platforms like HealthX and our academic programme are not just initiatives, they are catalysts for transforming Abu Dhabi into a global example of healthcare excellence and life sciences innovation. Our partnerships with over 20 leading global industry and academic institutions and this award reinforce our vision to redefine what’s possible in healthcare and inspire the world with our achievements.”

DoH aims to revolutionise the healthcare landscape through pioneering regulatory frameworks and fast-track licensing pathways, reducing time-to-market for innovations from months to weeks. DoH has awarded 11 recipients with over AED19 million in grants through the Healthcare Research and Innovation Fund, in partnership with the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an.  This investment will drive advancements in cancer research, develop technology-driven solutions, enhance public health diagnostics, and improve chronic disease management.

John W.H. Denton AO, Secretary General of ICC, said: “Innovation is a key driver of economic growth, and these awards exemplify the power of collaboration between corporates and startups. Fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems is essential, and we are honoured to recognise Abu Dhabi for its transformative contributions to global healthcare innovation.”

The Academic Healthcare Innovation Challenge exemplifies DoH’s commitment to integrating academia into the innovation landscape. This initiative empowers students and researchers to tackle pressing healthcare challenges, creating a pipeline of innovative solutions. Partnering with NYUAD, Abu Dhabi University, Khalifa University, and Higher Colleges of Technology, the challenge fosters a culture of collaboration and discovery.

Receiving the ICC’s Startup Ecosystem Stars Award places Abu Dhabi among global innovation leaders. This recognition highlights DoH’s dedication to building a sustainable and inclusive healthcare ecosystem that addresses global challenges while advancing the emirate’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy.