Fueling Precision Medicine and Data-Driven Healthcare in the UAE

Dubai, UAE, 31st January 2023: Amid the Dubai government’s push to enhance local healthcare research, Innovate Life Sciences Lab inaugurated a cutting-edge genomics testing lab. Located in Dubai Science Park, a member of TECOM Group PJSC, the facility will offer a wide range of genetic testing services and further advance Dubai’s vision for healthcare innovation. The lab has partnered with Wipro Limited, a leading technology services and consulting company, to develop affordable technologies that use artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyse genetic data.

The lab’s opening was announced at Arab Health 2023, where Dubai Science Park is exploring the future of health tech and AI until 2 February. Genomics, the study of genes,  is a fast-growing biology field with the potential to help personalise each patient’s medical journey using their genetic profile to detect, prevent or treat conditions, including cancers and rare diseases.

Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Senior Vice President – Dubai Science Park, part of TECOM Group, said: “Precision medicine is the future of healthcare. To achieve this, vigorous research and development are vital activities, and our leadership has already introduced an R&D programme to lead the way forward. Our community of pharmaceutical and life science brands are enhancing experimentation and innovation to make healthcare more effective and personalised. The services Innovate Life Sciences Lab brings to our business district will help our customers, as well as others in the region, make data-driven, patient-centric healthcare a universal reality.”

Syed S. Hussaini, Chairman of Innovate Life Sciences Lab, said: “We are proud to launch our first and most comprehensive lab in Dubai Science Park. Here, we have found the complete, science-driven ecosystem and incredible business support to get our lab successfully off the ground. Our purpose is to help advance the genetic testing landscape using NextGen Sequencing instruments backed up with technologically advanced computational analysis and expert insights. Our location connects us to an established healthcare community that is advancing the industry with valuable testing, data and insights and we look forward to levelling up those efforts with our ultra-modern laboratory.”  

Anis Chenchah, Chief Executive Officer – Asia Pacific Middle East Africa, Wipro Limited, said: “I am delighted to announce that Wipro has been chosen as the preferred partner to launch and operate this state-of-the-art Genomics lab. Ideally established in Dubai Science Park, with its scientific ecosystem & modern infrastructure, it will develop cutting-edge technology for Life Sciences solutions, fostering Wipro’s data science platforms.”

Harmeet Chauhan, Senior Vice President & Global Head, Engineering and R&D Services, Wipro Limited, said: “I am pleased to announce that Innovate Life Sciences chose us as ‘Science and Technology partner’ for design, implementation, and operations of their Genomics Lab. We will deploy new age technologies such as AI/ML, Advanced Analytics and Computational Biology platforms, which are real table stakes to digitally transform research in Lifesciences.”

The Key to Healthcare Innovation

According to the UAE Genetic Testing Market 2022 report, the country’s genetic testing market size is expected to cross AED 440 million by 2030.  In collaboration with Wipro, Innovate Life Sciences Lab will cater to this growing market by offering specialised genomic services to analyse and interpret data.

The lab has already acquired two genomics testing orders in the Asia Pacific worth more than AED 37 million. The lab will initially create more than 100 jobs with plans to expand the workforce by 200% by 2026.

The labs opening at Dubai Science Park comes after the Dubai leadership’s launch of the Research and Development (R&D) Program. Announced in September 2022, the strategy aims to support key economic sectors and create new opportunities for growth with a comprehensive framework for research, development and innovation. As part of Wipro’s broader HealthTech Innovation program, Wipro will bring its innovative technology and creative solutions to improve the way healthcare is being researched in the UAE.

Dubai Science Park has been providing a purpose-built platform for businesses across the life science, healthcare, and sustainability sectors since its launch in 2005. Along with three purpose-built R&D centres, the science-focused district offers an array of commercial leasing options and value-added solutions that have attracted international biopharmaceutical and medical technology firms that are contributing to R&D and innovation in the healthcare sector. The Innovate Life Sciences Lab will add to the ecosystem by offering data-driven R&D and consultation services.

Dubai Science Park is part of TECOM Group’s portfolio of business districts that include Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Design District (d3) and Dubai Industrial City.