The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has earned the prestigious Startup Ecosystem Stars Award 2024. Presented by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in collaboration with the OECD and the European Commission, the award highlights DoH’s success in building a dynamic healthcare innovation ecosystem.

The award ceremony, held in Paris on December 4, celebrated organisations that connect startups, corporations, and governments to drive innovation. Since 2021, DoH has supported 80 healthcare startups, creating 926 specialised jobs and achieving a 35.8% annual growth in the life sciences sector.

DoH’s HealthX accelerator, developed with New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) and startAD, has been central to this success. The programme provides startups with access to top-notch facilities, mentorship, and pilot opportunities to turn ideas into impactful healthcare solutions.

Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Science Sector at DoH, told ARN News: “This award underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to transforming healthcare innovation and inspiring global excellence through strategic partnerships.”

In addition to its accelerator, DoH has awarded over AED 19 million in grants through its Healthcare Research and Innovation Fund, advancing cancer research, public health diagnostics, and chronic disease management. The department has also introduced fast-track licensing pathways to speed up the time-to-market for innovations.

DoH’s efforts extend to academia through the Academic Healthcare Innovation Challenge, which engages students and researchers from leading universities, including NYUAD and Khalifa University, to address critical healthcare challenges.

This award cements Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in healthcare innovation, demonstrating its commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive knowledge-based economy.