Manama – Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, the Kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, has partnered with SandboxAQ, a global leader in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. The strategic collaboration aims to accelerate the development of a cutting-edge biotech ecosystem in Bahrain.
Under the agreement, Bahrain will license SandboxAQ’s software and expertise in quantitative AI. This technology will help identify new targets and develop innovative therapeutics. As a result, the partnership is expected to create over $1 billion in value through new biotech assets.
Furthermore, the collaboration will position Bahrain as a regional hub for biotech innovation. A joint research committee will oversee a three-year program focused on developing valuable new drugs. The initiative seeks to enhance the Kingdom’s health sector while driving economic growth.
Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, CEO of Mumtalakat, said the partnership marks a major step toward diversifying Bahrain’s economy. He explained that combining the Kingdom’s resources with SandboxAQ’s expertise in AI and quantitative drug discovery models will establish a new era of health sector innovation.
In addition, Jack Hidary, CEO of SandboxAQ, emphasized the partnership’s potential to generate intellectual property and attract global investment. He added that leveraging AI will accelerate drug discovery and strengthen Bahrain’s biotech capabilities.
The collaboration aligns with Mumtalakat’s strategy to optimise, enhance, and diversify its portfolio. It also supports sustainable long-term financial returns and positions Bahrain as a key player in regional biotech development.
Looking ahead, the partnership plans to expand its research capabilities by engaging with local universities and scientific institutions. This will create opportunities for Bahraini talent to gain expertise in cutting-edge biotech and AI applications.
Moreover, both Mumtalakat and SandboxAQ aim to foster international collaborations. They will explore partnerships with global pharmaceutical companies and investors to bring new therapies to market faster, enhancing Bahrain’s reputation as a hub for innovation and high-value biotech projects.
