Egypt explores specialized biotech and health tech investment fund with Gold Rock Venture

EGYPT—Egypt is considering establishing a specialised investment fund focused on biotechnology and medical technologies as part of efforts to attract investment, foster local innovation, and strengthen healthcare services.

Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar discussed the proposed fund and potential areas of cooperation with representatives of Gold Rock Venture during a meeting at the ministry’s headquarters in New Alamein.

Fund to target emerging healthcare technologies

According to Health Ministry spokesperson Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the proposed fund would invest in and develop partnerships involving medical devices, diagnostics, biotechnology, digital health and artificial intelligence (AI).

The initiative would prioritise technologies that can be deployed in healthcare settings and scaled to serve larger populations.

The discussions also focused on closing the gap between scientific research and commercial healthcare applications.

The proposed model would create an integrated pathway linking research and intellectual property development with product development, testing, manufacturing and market entry.

Universities and university hospitals could form an important part of this pathway. The ministry said these institutions could provide facilities and expertise for testing and validating emerging technologies while supporting their further development.

Supporting technology transfer and local manufacturing

The proposed partnership would also seek to attract international healthcare companies and advanced technologies to Egypt.

In addition, it would support technology transfer and encourage local manufacturing, while helping Egyptian companies and innovators expand into regional and international markets.

The ministry said international expertise and business networks could connect global healthcare companies with Egyptian businesses, research institutions and potential strategic partners.

This approach could also support Egypt’s role as a gateway to African and regional healthcare markets.

The meeting reviewed potential investment opportunities in diagnostics and medical devices, alongside applications of AI and digital technologies in healthcare.

Expanding access through digital technologies

The ministry highlighted the potential of AI and digital health solutions to improve healthcare delivery, particularly in areas where patients have limited access to specialised medical services.

Such technologies could help extend healthcare coverage, ease pressure on medical facilities and improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery.

Abdel Ghaffar stressed that investment should address specific needs and challenges within Egypt’s healthcare system.

He said priority should therefore be given to innovations that provide practical and scalable solutions to healthcare challenges.

The proposed partnership would establish closer links between scientific research, investment and healthcare priorities, while supporting the development and adoption of technologies designed to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services, according to the ministry.