ABU DHABI, UAE – The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) launched the first edition of the Healthcare Research and Innovation Grant, a monetary fund that fosters research and innovation efforts among healthcare professionals in the emirate.
The grant seeks to fuel healthy competition across the healthcare ecosystem in the emirate as well as help start unique research projects and innovative products, technologies and services in Abu Dhabi’s healthcare facilities.
DoH launched the grant to encourage a culture of research and innovation among healthcare providers and innovators and increase clinical research and Intellectual Property (IP) generation in Abu Dhabi.
The grant will support researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs from Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector to solve critical challenges covering five topics – research in Cardio-metabolic and Vascular Disorders, Cancer, Alzheimer Disease, Rare Diseases, Emerging Infectious Disease and Antimicrobial Resistance, as well as innovations focusing on Smart Hospitals and Prevention and Management of Chronic Diseases.
The grant will support researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs along with healthcare facilities that seek to make an everlasting impact in Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector.
Applicants must partner with a healthcare facility in Abu Dhabi to finalize and submit their entry.
Headed by Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director, Research and Innovation Centre at DoH, Abu Dhabi Health Research & Technology Committee complemented by additional experts will evaluate and assess submissions.
Dr. Al Mannaei said, “Abu Dhabi’s wise leadership has long recognized the pivotal role of research and innovation across all sectors – more importantly in healthcare to drive better outcomes while improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the healthcare system.”
She said, “As part of DoH’s efforts to reiterate the capital’s position as a leading destination for life sciences and innovation, we are committed to enabling and empowering innovators and researchers within our community to take their passion projects to the next stage.”
She added, “With Abu Dhabi providing the right environment for individuals and companies to thrive, we are thrilled to put forward this grant that will expand clinical research capabilities in the emirate as well as conceptualize unique project in the capital.”
Al Mannaei said, “We look forward to receiving and reading through all entries as well as providing guidance to all applicants. This is an exciting milestone for the healthcare sector that will spread a fine share of healthy competition among science and technology enthusiasts.”
The Healthcare Research and Innovation Grant is led by DoH in collaboration with Abu Dhabi’s Healthcare Sector and further government and non-government partners in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
Applicants can submit their entries on www.doh.gov.ae for a period of six weeks.
The grant will provide awardees financial support for clinical research projects, as well as proof of concept projects for innovative new technologies and services.
DoH will also support the winners with guidance to ensure project continuity and sustainability.