ICPM 14th Edition Debuts At SPARK Sharjah With Focus On Healthcare Innovation

The 14th International Conference and Exhibition on Pharmacy and Medicine (ICPM) has opened at Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, bringing together specialists to examine how innovation and technology are shaping healthcare, under the theme "Building a Culture of Innovation and Technology in the Healthcare Sector." The event runs for three days and focuses on practical applications in the pharmacy and medical fields.

Organisers report participation from more than 150 local, regional, and international companies and institutions. These cover healthcare services, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and medical technologies. Senior officials, experts, and academics from the UAE, wider region, and other countries are attending, reflecting the broad interest in the conference’s scientific and commercial agenda.

The conference features an extensive scientific programme spread over three days. Sessions include specialised lectures, applied workshops, and panel discussions. Experts are addressing recent trends in pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical technologies, digital transformation in healthcare, and the growing use of artificial intelligence tools in clinical and industrial settings.

Alongside the technical sessions, the opening day schedule includes several high-level B2B meetings between participating companies. There are also scientific lectures, specialised workshops, corporate presentations, and multiple competitions. These involve university students, scientific posters, and pharmaceutical knowledge contests, in addition to recognising individuals who have contributed significantly to pharmacy and medicine.

The programme also covers formal partnership activities. Organisers plan the signing of memoranda of understanding, cooperation agreements, and commercial deals. These arrangements are designed to encourage sustained collaboration between stakeholders and help stimulate local economic activity linked to the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.

Commenting on the event’s progress, Hussain Al Mahmoudi stated, "The International Conference and Exhibition on Pharmacy and Medicine continues to witness qualitative and accelerated growth year after year, whether in terms of organisation, calibre of participating entities, or the depth of its scientific and practical discussions.

The participation of more than 150 specialised companies, alongside academic institutions and international experts, underscores the importance of ICPM as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, partnership building, and driving innovation in pharmaceutical industries and medical technologies."

Al Mahmoudi added, "SPARK places strong emphasis on the healthcare sector due to its direct impact on quality of life and sustainable development. Hosting this event aligns with SPARK’s commitment to providing an integrated ecosystem that enables companies and researchers to transform innovation into tangible economic and societal value." These remarks link the conference’s goals with the park’s wider research strategy.

Key facts about the International Conference and Exhibition on Pharmacy and Medicine are outlined below.

The opening ceremony brought together leading figures from the healthcare community. Among them were Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SPARK, and Dr Adnan Al Matrooshi, President of the ICPM Conference and Exhibition. After the formal proceedings, guests toured the exhibition halls, visiting company stands displaying recent products, medical technologies, and healthcare solutions.

The first day’s programme also featured a field tour led by the Conference Director across exhibitor platforms. Companies and students joined an introductory visit to SPARK’s facilities. They were briefed on the park’s advanced laboratories, research infrastructure, and how these resources support pharmaceutical development, testing, and wider medical innovation projects.

ICPM is described by organisers as one of the region’s leading specialised healthcare events, with a strong concentration on pharmaceutical manufacturing and related technologies. The conference seeks to support innovation, encourage knowledge exchange, and develop strategic partnerships that help deliver advanced, sustainable healthcare solutions. This objective underpins the mix of scientific content and commercial activity across the three days.

Attendance is expected to include large numbers of visitors, sector professionals, and decision-makers from the UAE and other countries. Organisers say this turnout should strengthen ICPM’s position as a recognised platform for knowledge sharing, partnership development, and investment support in healthcare, a sector that continues to evolve quickly at regional and global levels.

With inputs from WAM