IASP members at the forefront of Italy and UAE international collaboration in innovation

In a significant step towards fostering international collaboration in innovation, Italy and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have formalised a strategic partnership aimed at attracting tech startups, SMEs, and small corporates to Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP).

Through a series of MoUs, SRTI Park will collaborate with fellow IASP member Kilometro Rosso, Italiacamp, and Andersen Italia, to bring around 100 Italian companies to the Middle East by 2028. The American University of Sharjah and the University of Sharjah will play a pivotal role in fostering joint R&D initiatives, further strengthening academic and industry links between the two countries, contributing to facilitate knowledge exchange and open new market opportunities for innovative Italian initiatives.

The signing ceremony, held in the presence of the heads of state of both nations, underscores the growing importance of global cooperation in research and technological advancement.

A strategic vision for international innovation

The agreements aim to provide Italian startups and SMEs with a launchpad into the UAE’s rapidly growing innovation ecosystem.

Hussain Al Mahmoudi, SRTIP’s CEO and IASP WANA Division President, highlighted the initiative’s strategic significance, stating: “Italy boasts a vibrant startup ecosystem backed by strong venture capitalists, engaged in fields that form the core of our activities at this science park. We are delighted to throw open our doors to Italy’s amazing tech companies to launch operations in SRTIP, which will give them access to the growing Middle East market. Our ecosystem offers attractive facilities and incentives for innovation-driven ventures.”

The collaboration will focus on key sectors such as medical devices, AI-assisted diagnostics, robotics, autonomous driving, space technology, water treatment and desalination, advanced materials, architecture and interior design.

Kilometro Rosso will lead research collaboration across 10 projects, nurturing around 20 startups in advanced prototyping, mechatronics, robotics, new materials, and health sciences. Salvatore Majorana, Director of Kilometro Rosso and IASP International Vice President, emphasised the fundamental role of international partnerships and the benefits of the initiative for the Italian innovation ecosystem, remarking: “Developing collaboration across borders is the very essence of Science Parks and we are very proud to reinforce our exchanges with SRTI Park through this agreement. Many of the technologies and startups we support will be able to benefit from an extended platform to test their products and explore new markets in the UAE. I’m grateful to IASP, which gave us the opportunity to meet and strengthen our relationship with SRTIP. We look forward to a successful experience”.

Italiacamp, an organization dedicated to promoting projects with a high social and economic impact and support the internationalisation of Italian companies in key markets, will use its Dubai Hub for Made in Italy to attract over 50 mature tech startups and SMEs to Sharjah; while Andersen Italia, part of the Andersen Global network of tax, legal and corporate finance firms, has committed to bringing 30 SMEs to Sharjah by 2027.

Strengthening bilateral economic relations

The agreements align with the broader economic trends between Italy and the UAE. Bilateral trade between the two nations reached €4.8 billion in the first half of 2024, reflecting a 26% increase from the previous year. Italy, home to over 14,000 active startups and an increasingly vibrant tech ecosystem, has been a growing hub for innovation, with its startups raising €2.1 billion in 2023 alone.

This landmark initiative between Italy and SRTIP highlights the growing role of international collaboration in shaping the future of technology and research. By bridging ecosystems and fostering cross-border innovation, these agreements set the stage for long-term growth, reinforcing the global community of science parks and areas of innovation.