The Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) has strengthened its international presence by participating in the inaugural China–Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Forum on Scientific, Technological and Innovation Cooperation in Qingdao, China.
The forum provided a platform for SPARK to showcase Sharjah’s innovation ecosystem and explore opportunities to expand global partnerships in science, technology, and research.
The forum brought together government officials, representatives of the SCO Secretariat, universities, research institutions, technology companies, investors, and entrepreneurs from SCO member states and partner countries.
In recognition of SPARK’s growing international reputation, the Park’s delegation was invited to serve on the International Jury Panel of the 5th SCO Member States Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. The jury evaluated 20 finalist projects representing some of the most promising innovations, startups, and emerging technologies from across SCO member states. Projects were assessed based on internationally recognized criteria, including innovation, technological excellence, commercial viability, and economic and social impact.
During the Forum, the SPARK delegation showcased its integrated innovation ecosystem and its successful Triple Helix Model, which brings together academia, government, industry, and investors to accelerate technology transfer and transform research outcomes into sustainable economic opportunities.
The delegation also highlighted SPARK’s world-class research facilities, advanced laboratories, innovation centers, startup acceleration programs, and extensive international partnerships that have positioned the Park among the leading innovation ecosystems in the Middle East.
Hussain Al Mahmoudi CEO – SPARK
“Our participation reflects the strong strategic relationship between the UAE and the People’s Republic of China, as well as the growing collaboration between Sharjah and Chinese institutions in science, technology, and innovation. We firmly believe that international collaboration is the key driver of future innovation. We continue to build sustainable bridges between innovation ecosystems across the region and Asia, while attracting leading companies, talent, and strategic investments to Sharjah, further strengthening its position as a regional hub for innovation and the knowledge economy in line with the UAE’s vision for global partnerships based on technology, innovation, and sustainable development.”
As per the statement, SPARK also launched a special initiative dedicated to Chinese companies, entrepreneurs, and investors, enabling them to establish their businesses within SPARK’s Free Zone and operate remotely without the need to travel to the UAE. Through a fully integrated digital platform, companies can complete business registration and licensing procedures and benefit from SPARK’s comprehensive incentives and investment support services, with the flexibility to establish a physical presence at the Park as their operations expand.
The initiative forms part of SPARK’s strategy to attract global technology companies, facilitate their entry into the UAE and Middle East markets, and further position Sharjah as a regional gateway for innovation and advanced technologies, while supporting investment-driven, knowledge-based economic growth, as per the statement.
