Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat, has entered into a strategic partnership with SandboxAQ, a USA-based company specialising in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, to fast-track drug discovery and build biotech assets valued at up to USD 1 billion.

As part of the agreement, Bahrain will license SandboxAQ’s advanced quantitative models—developed using physics, chemistry, and biology—to identify new therapeutic targets and accelerate scientific research. The collaboration also includes the creation of a joint research committee to oversee a three-year programme focused on developing innovative drugs, including treatments for diseases that are regionally prevalent such as diabetes and genetic disorders.

Bahrain plans to leverage its strong digital health datasets and modern hospital infrastructure to support research and clinical trials, with initial studies expected to begin within the Kingdom and later expand internationally.

Jack Hidary, CEO of SandboxAQ, stated that the partnership enables Bahrain to take ownership of biotech intellectual property and shift the innovation landscape beyond traditional hubs, aligning new assets with both regional and global healthcare priorities.

The collaboration underscores Bahrain’s broader goal to diversify its economy and establish itself as a regional hub for biotechnology and life sciences, reflecting the Gulf region’s growing focus on innovation-driven industries.