logo
Saudi Arabia launches first biotech accelerator program at BIO 2025 in Boston

Saudi Arabia launches first biotech accelerator program at BIO 2025 in Boston

Zawya23-06-2025

BOSTON – Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health has unveiled its first national biotech accelerator program at the BIO International Convention 2025 in Boston, marking a major step in the Kingdom's efforts to drive innovation and foster global collaboration in the life sciences sector.
Developed in partnership with US-based BioLabs, the program aims to support emerging Saudi biotech startups by providing access to advanced laboratories, expert mentorship, and international research networks. The initiative is the first BioLabs collaboration in the Middle East and will run over a seven-month period, offering structured tracks to help startups scale and commercialize cutting-edge solutions.
The program aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the National Biotechnology Strategy, which seek to position the Kingdom as a regional leader in biotech innovation, enhance health outcomes, and diversify the economy through knowledge-based sectors.
By launching the accelerator at one of the world's most influential biotech gatherings, Saudi Arabia is signaling its commitment to becoming a hub for biotechnology research, talent development, and investment.
The initiative also supports the broader Health Sector Transformation Program, which is focused on modernizing healthcare services and promoting the development of high-impact technologies across the Kingdom.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UAE: Meet the coach who turned Bollywood's biggest name to breath-led yoga practice
UAE: Meet the coach who turned Bollywood's biggest name to breath-led yoga practice

Khaleej Times

time43 minutes ago

  • Khaleej Times

UAE: Meet the coach who turned Bollywood's biggest name to breath-led yoga practice

In an age where yoga and wellness regimens dominate trends but often lose the depth and discipline rooted in their ancient origins, celebrity yoga instructor Anshuka Parwani is on a mission to restore its authenticity. Best known as the woman behind Bollywood's fittest stars and the founder of Anshuka Yoga, Parwani also hopes to, one day, bridge this crucial gap in Dubai. 'I love everything about wellness, and the wellness community in Dubai is growing rapidly,' says Parwani, who was in the city earlier this year to secure her Golden Visa — a milestone she sees as a reflection of her deepening connection with the region. 'I was nominated by the UAE's ambassador to India, and I'd love to explore opportunities here in the future,' says Parwani. 'I see a real gap when it comes to bringing Anshuka Yoga to Dubai. There's no one offering strategic or targeted yoga the way we do.' But to understand why Parwani has become such a powerful force in yoga, one needs to take stock of where she began. Before she was guiding Deepika Padukone through character embodiment in Gehraiyaan or helping Kareena Kapoor Khan through two pregnancies, Parwani was a commercial pilot. A trajectory suddenly rerouted with a near-fatal motorbike accident, which left her immobile for eight months. 'I had a cranial fracture and 28 fractures in my legs. I couldn't move my legs for six days,' she recalls. 'Yoga came to me post-physiotherapy, as a form of therapy. I started doing breath work and pranayama, and honestly, it worked like magic.' That journey, from being bedridden to rediscovering her body through breath, became the cornerstone of Anshuka Yoga, her signature school of wellness based in Mumbai. However, what sets Parwani apart is her deep-rooted knowledge in traditional yogic practices and how she adapts them for modern routines. 'It's easier to come back from physical trauma, but coming back from mental trauma is harder. It's intangible. That's why yoga, and especially breath work, is so transformative. Your breath changes everything.' Bollywood & beyond Whether she's working with a first-time student or a household name, her approach is the same: meet them where they are. 'Every student is different. We first assess where they are physically, mentally, emotionally. We look at their time, sleep, fitness levels, injuries. Then, we customise the plan. It could be a mix of yoga, pranayama, functional training. It's not one size fits all.' This personalisation is one reason why her clientele reads like the cast list of a film première. From Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, to Alia Bhatt, and Ananya Pandey, Anshuka has guided them all — not just through fitness, but through pregnancy, emotional resets, role preparation, and postnatal recovery. 'It started with Kareena, then Sonam, Deepika, Alia… I've seen each of them through their journeys, even into motherhood. But the beautiful part is, they were already students,' says Parwani. 'With Kareena, I was there through both her pregnancies. We worked closely during the prenatal and postnatal phases. People assume pregnancy yoga is gentle — it's not. Our modified Surya Namaskars can be more challenging than the traditional ones. You're carrying extra weight, your centre of gravity shifts, and it becomes crucial to protect your posture, back, and core,' she explains. 'I always say: your doctor and your yoga teacher should be the first to know when you're pregnant. I've often been among the first five people told. That level of trust, it's everything.' Her collaboration with Padukone on the film Gehraiyaan also became a defining moment for Parwani. '[Deepika] was playing a yoga teacher, so I wasn't just training her physically. I was the director of yoga and creative director for the character. We started working online during Covid, and it was the first time I pivoted to virtual teaching. The connection we built was deep, even remotely. Her character needed to embody the philosophy, so we worked on breath, posture, even energy.' Power of your breath But breath is the starting point for all transformation, she insists. 'I work with actors and athletes, and everything starts with breath. Whether you're anxious or happy, your breath changes. I once had someone with anxiety and low oxygen levels, and with breathwork, their levels returned to normal. That's how powerful it is,' she adds. 'Even now, as I speak to you, if I regulate my breath, I'm regulating my whole system. My parasympathetic nervous system is engaged, which is the rest and relax mode. It keeps my cortisol in check, and my hormones are regulated,' says Parwani. And the best part? The benefits are immediate. 'People come back and say, 'Add more breath-work'. Some ask for home practices. That's when I know it's working.' The impact of breath-work also goes beyond stress management. 'We've had women struggling to conceive who started practising with us. Touchwood, every one of them has had a healthy child. Husbands come up to thank us. Yoga resets your parasympathetic nervous system. It regulates cortisol, cholesterol, even hormonal health.' It's this tailored, holistic approach that keeps even the busiest celebrities returning. 'They have access to every fitness regime in the world. But they come back because yoga isn't just a workout. It flows into everything… from HIIT, gym, Pilates. Yoga is mind, body, soul.' For instance, with actors like Ananya Panday, the transformation has been both physical and emotional, says Parwani. 'She didn't love the practice at first, but she was open. We started with movement and fitness, and over time it became about emotional and mental wellbeing. Now she meditates daily, practises pranayama. It's a holistic approach.' Despite being rooted in ancient wisdom, Parwani is not rigid about the evolution of yoga in western society. 'Traditionally, women had children younger. Now, people are having babies after 40. So the practice must evolve. I'm not a traditionalist. We use creative methods to engage people, whether it's music, kriyas, or blending techniques, but we never dilute the essence.' But beneath all the custom plans, movement guidances and sold-out workshops, Parwani's underlying message remains the same: Yoga meets you where you are. 'Some days the practice is powerful, dynamic. Some days it's stillness. That's the beauty of it,' she says. 'Yoga is not a fad. It's thousands of years old. What works is consistency, patience and a deep connection with your body. Not quick fixes.'

Dubai Future Foundation reveals top 10 emerging technologies of 2025
Dubai Future Foundation reveals top 10 emerging technologies of 2025

Arabian Business

timean hour ago

  • Arabian Business

Dubai Future Foundation reveals top 10 emerging technologies of 2025

The Dubai Future Foundation and World Economic Forum have identified 10 emerging technologies with the potential to change the world. From green energy and health to AI and nuclear power, the forward-looking report identifies the impactful emerging technologies. Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director of Dubai Future Foundation, said that accelerating technological change is opening vast opportunities for economic growth and social impact worldwide. Dubai Future Foundation Top 10 emerging technologies His comments came during the launch of the Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2025 report, released by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in collaboration with Dubai Future Foundation (DFF). The landmark study aims to equip governments, companies, and entrepreneurs with foresight into the most impactful scientific and technological advancements expected to scale in the coming years. Al Gergawi said: 'Readiness for future technologies – and the capacity to apply their diverse use cases – has become a key benchmark for governments and the private sector in designing and building the future. 'We will continue to support active global partnerships and advancing research to anticipate emerging trends and technological opportunities.' This marks the first time the report has incorporated a foresight angle, developed jointly with Dubai Future Foundation. It is also the first time a regional entity has formally contributed to the global WEF publication, which was originally launched in 2011. More than 300 experts from the Global Future Council network were involved in developing the content, with DFF focusing on projecting long-term implications of each technology, and how they can be applied to solve real-world challenges at scale. Top 10 emerging technologies of 2025 Selected for their novelty, societal impact, and scalability, the featured technologies reflect a strong focus on health, sustainability, AI, and energy: Green nitrogen fixation: Producing ammonia using renewable electricity and electrochemical methods GLP-1 receptor agonists: Drugs targeting obesity and diabetes now being studied for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Osmotic power systems: Renewable energy from the interaction between saltwater and freshwater Collaborative sensing: Networks of smart sensors across cities, vehicles, and infrastructure Nanozymes: Synthetic enzymes that are cheaper, more durable, and more stable than natural enzymes Autonomous biochemical sensing: Devices that continuously monitor health or environmental data without human input Advanced nuclear technologies: Safer, compact nuclear energy systems such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) Generative watermarking: Embedding invisible markers in AI-generated content to verify authenticity Engineered living therapeutics: Modified microbes that produce treatments inside the human body Structural battery composites: Load-bearing materials in vehicles and aircraft that also function as batteries The report highlights how each innovation could reshape global systems—from clean energy to biomedical treatment and digital content governance. Al Gergawi added: 'The Top 10 Emerging Technologies report aims to equip governments, businesses, and entrepreneurs with foresight on the most impactful scientific and technological breakthroughs expected to scale in the coming years.'

Middle East pharma market on track for $36bln by 2028
Middle East pharma market on track for $36bln by 2028

Zawya

time2 hours ago

  • Zawya

Middle East pharma market on track for $36bln by 2028

JLL's EMEA Life Sciences Industry Perspective and Cluster Report reveals AI and venture capital are fuelling a surge in demand for next-generation labs The Middle East's pharmaceutical market is projected to reach US$36 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 7.7% from 2023 GCC governments are prioritizing digital transformation and investing in local generic drug manufacturing and biosimilar development to boost sector growth Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Fuelled by significant government investments in R&D and manufacturing infrastructure, and a strategic push towards greater local innovation and production, the Middle East's life sciences industry is poised for substantial growth, according to JLL's latest EMEA Life Sciences Industry Perspective and Cluster Report. The region's pharmaceutical market is projected to reach US$36 billion by 2028, and this robust expansion, set for a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.7% from 2023, is further amplified by digital transformation initiatives and comprehensive industrialisation strategies across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). As the life sciences market develops globally, countries in the GCC are accelerating their capabilities in the sector to boost innovation, reduce import reliance, and diversify their economies. The JLL report, which explores the key drivers shaping EMEA's life sciences industry and its impact on real estate markets, has included a high-level overview of the Middle East for the first time. The report reveals that the GCC's pivot towards becoming a global hub for life sciences innovation, research, and production is boosting demand for specialised real estate, including adequate office spaces for R&D and digital health, and manufacturing locations that require warehouse and distribution assets. Mireille Azzam, Head of Strategic Consulting, JLL Middle East and Africa (MEA) said:'Innovation is critical for success in the life sciences industry, and the GCC is building self-reliance by incubating innovative ventures and creating a collaborative environment to scale research and expand its pool of skilled workforce. From flexible lab designs and resilient building systems, the increased focus on creating spaces primed for scientific breakthroughs and growth is directly translating into a dynamic real estate market. The growing demand for purpose-built facilities will support groundbreaking research, advanced manufacturing, and drive digital transformation, laying a strong foundation for the future growth of the region's evolving life sciences ecosystem.' Amidst increasing global competition and tariff uncertainty, JLL's latest report highlights several overarching trends shaping the life sciences real estate landscape across EMEA. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and venture capital are driving demand for next-generation labs, and the report highlights AI's dual impact in accelerating scientific discovery and revolutionising real estate management through increased efficiency from research to distribution. New supply delivered by investors is progressively addressing historical lab space shortages, shifting away from public or owner-occupier driven models, with top-tier assets in prime locations expected to prevail. The JLL report highlights that the sector's commitment to sustainability is driving demand for greener lab buildings. These dynamics underscore how life sciences clusters, from Europe to the Middle East and Africa, possess distinctive strengths, with locations like the Golden Triangle, Johannesburg, and Riyadh leading in biopharma research, while others excel in digital health or manufacturing. The GCC's increasing commitment to life sciences JLL's analysis of the major life sciences city-clusters in the GCC reveals significant transformations across the three prominent subsectors of Biopharma R&D, Digital Health and Tech R&D, and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing. Driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and a focus on personalised medicine and genomics research, JLL notes a profound shift in the Biopharma and drug discovery sector. As targeted therapies gain prominence, government investments in local generic drug manufacturing and biosimilar development are accelerating, with innovative research in cell and gene therapy also primed for significant growth. Dubai Science Park in the UAE and Qatar Science and Technology Park have emerged as regional hubs for biopharma R&D, while Saudi Arabia's position in the regional drug discovery landscape is strengthened through strategic partnerships and ongoing investments in pharmaceutical research and manufacturing. To improve accessibility, efficiency, and patient outcomes in the healthcare sector, GCC governments have prioritised digital transformation, driving growth in telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and AI-powered diagnostics. The emergence of health-tech startups and a growing emphasis on preventive healthcare are also contributing to sector growth. Regional hubs such as the UAE's Dubai Healthcare City and Healthpoint in Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia's NEOM project are driving the surge in digital health adoption and investment, and fostering innovation and attracting talent. Through investments in industrial parks and by providing incentives for manufacturers, GCC governments are diversifying the region's Pharmaceutical Manufacturing sector. Alongside the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies to boost efficiencies, growth in this sector is driven by affordable energy, strategic geographic locations, and increasing local content requirements. The UAE's Jebel Ali Free Zone and Dubai Industrial City, alongside Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Economic City and Sudair Industrial City, stand out as key manufacturing hubs. These locations offer advanced infrastructure and logistical advantages, successfully attracting both domestic and international pharmaceutical companies. The region's commitment to life sciences is further bolstered by its strong academic credentials, as institutions such as King Saud University in KSA, Qatar University, and the United Arab Emirates University earn top spots in global life sciences university rankings. About JLL For over 200 years, JLL (NYSE: JLL), a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company, has helped clients buy, build, occupy, manage and invest in a variety of commercial, industrial, hotel, residential and retail properties. A Fortune 500® company with annual revenue of $23.4 billion and operations in over 80 countries around the world, our more than 112,000 employees bring the power of a global platform combined with local expertise. SEE A BRIGHTER WAYSM. About JLL MEA Across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) JLL is a leading player in the real estate and hospitality services markets. The firm has worked in 35 countries across the region and employs over 2000 internationally qualified professionals across its offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Cairo, Casablanca, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Nairobi.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store