Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW), held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has announced the launch of a Startup Zone and Smart Health Hackathon. These initiatives aim to provide researchers and health startups with vital resources, visibility, and networking opportunities to showcase their innovations

The Startup Zone will serve as a platform for health startups to collaborate, innovate, and inspire during the event. It will feature dedicated pods where startups can display their innovative ideas. Additionally, there will be stages for live pitches to potential investors. This zone aims to foster collaboration to advance prevention, improve patient outcomes, increase accessibility, and enhance healthcare delivery.

The Smart Health Hackathon is designed for emerging entrepreneurs and innovators to develop cutting-edge solutions addressing urgent health and well-being challenges in real-time. Categories for submission include Smart Living and Gym of Tomorrow, and the event welcomes applications from entrepreneurs, university teams, inventors, and health-tech professionals. Applications are open until 10 March 2025, and they can be submitted via the ADGHW official website.

Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life-science Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, highlighted the transformative nature of these initiatives. She stated, “The future of health is rooted in innovation, driven by technological advancements and evolving knowledge.” The Department of Health is currently supporting over 75 startups in the Emirate, providing access to a network of health experts and global partners.

Under the leadership of the UAE, innovation is promoted as a vital driver of national progress. The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi continues to champion advancements in the healthcare sector, aligning its activities with broader strategies to foster a culture of innovation and support emerging technologies.

Abu Dhabi Global Health Week will take place from 15-17 April at ADNEC Abu Dhabi, under the theme “Towards Longevity, Redefining Health and Well-Being.” The event aims to bring together industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and healthcare professionals to facilitate knowledge exchange and build strategic partnerships that drive progress in global health.

ADGHW is a government-led initiative focused on advancing the global healthcare agenda and fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainability within the healthcare sector. For more information on ADGHW, visit the official website.