SPARK, Nokia Sign MoU to Advance Innovation and Talent Development

Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nokia Solutions and Networks AE to expand collaboration in knowledge exchange, accelerate innovation, and develop capacity-building programs aimed at strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem.

The agreement was signed during SPARK’s annual Ramadan Majlis in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SPARK.

The MoU was signed by Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SPARK, and Rima Manna, Vice President of Network Infrastructure Sales, Middle East and Country Director for the UAE at Nokia.

The partnership will focus on four areas: knowledge exchange and innovation collaboration; engagement within regional and global networks; co-development of master classes and training programs; and the creation of innovation support platforms, including the Tech Matchmaker concept designed to connect solution providers with industry and stakeholders.

Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SPARK, said, “This partnership with Nokia marks a major step towards advancing SPARK’s mission to support innovation-led development by leveraging global expertise, fostering knowledge exchange, and building programs that empower talent. The MoU reflects our shared ambition to create practical pathways that enable innovators and institutions to develop solutions with measurable impact locally, regionally and globally.”

Dr. Asma Mahmoud Fikri, Director of Government and Corporate Partnerships at SPARK, said, “Through this partnership, we are creating a strong platform for the co-design of capacity-building initiatives, aligned with emerging trends and real ecosystem needs. Using master classes and the Tech Matchmaker concept, we aim to bring together innovators, industry, and stakeholders within a structured framework that accelerates collaboration, strengthens capabilities, and supports scalable innovation outcomes.”

Rima Manna, Vice President of Network Infrastructure Sales, Middle East and Country Director for the UAE at Nokia, said, “Nokia is committed to supporting innovation ecosystems that advance knowledge, build capabilities, and enable meaningful cross-sector collaboration. Our partnership with SPARK creates an important opportunity to co-develop programs that connect innovators with industry and help transform promising ideas into scalable solutions delivering sustainable long-term value.”

The agreement supports SPARK’s strategy to strengthen collaboration between industry, academia, and government entities, positioning Sharjah and the UAE as hubs for advanced technology and innovation.