Asia–Middle East corridor gains momentum in healthtech collaboration

Investors at MedTech World Middle East outlined a growing opportunity for deeper collaboration between Asia and the GCC, arguing that cross-border partnerships in healthtech must move beyond capital flows toward region-specific innovation, operational excellence and faster deployment.

The panel, titled “Asia–Middle East Collaboration in HealthTech & Digital Health,” was moderated by Dr Miguel Fenech, Business Development Manager at MedTech World. Speakers included Dr Joseph Mocanu, Managing Partner at Verge HealthTech Fund; Dr Amit Varma, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Quadria Capital; and Aina Gaur, Associate Partner at Sagana GmbH.

Complementary strengths across regions

Panellists agreed that Asia and the GCC bring distinct but complementary capabilities to healthcare innovation.

Dr Varma described healthcare challenges as universal — infrastructure gaps, workforce shortages and affordability constraints — but noted that solutions differ by region. In Asia, innovation is often driven by necessity and cost discipline. In the GCC, rapid modernisation and regulatory development are reshaping delivery models.

“In Asia, we innovate because we must,” Varma said. “In the GCC, there is a strong push toward global standards and system-wide modernisation. There is significant room for mutual learning.”

Gaur added that Southeast Asia’s experience navigating fragmented markets contrasts with the GCC’s focus on accelerating system-wide transformation. She cautioned against viewing the Gulf purely as a pilot market, arguing that companies entering the region must arrive with proven clinical outcomes and operational maturity.

From frugal innovation to scalable models

Concrete examples illustrated how cross-border expansion can succeed.

Varma pointed to NephroPlus, a dialysis platform operating across India and Southeast Asia, which has reduced treatment costs through operational innovation and scale. Quadria Capital recently opened a Dubai office to support expansion into Saudi Arabia and the UAE, reflecting confidence in adapting Asian cost-efficient models to Gulf markets.

Gaur highlighted Butterfly Learnings, an autism therapy provider that scaled to 77 centres in India before entering the GCC. The company adapted its approach to local cultural sensitivities and multi-generational family structures, emphasising clinical validation and measured market entry.

“The solution must fit the social context,” Gaur said. “Technology alone is not enough.”

Region-specific healthcare and emerging disease burdens

Dr Mocanu emphasised that while some technologies address universal clinical needs, health systems differ in structure, disease burden and risk appetite. Non-communicable diseases now account for the majority of global mortality, creating shared challenges across Asia and the Middle East.

However, he warned that startups often underestimate the complexity of entering new markets. “Know your target market,” Mocanu said, cautioning against assuming that access to capital automatically translates into commercial viability.

Varma added that healthcare interventions are becoming increasingly region-specific, shaped by genetics, environmental factors and local reimbursement models. “Tech must enable region-specific interventions, not impose global templates,” he said.

Capital, family offices, and professionalisation

The discussion also examined evolving investment dynamics. Gaur noted that family offices are playing a growing role in healthtech funding, particularly when guided by clear thematic mandates and local co-investment structures.

Varma underscored the increasing sophistication of GCC-based family offices, encouraging founders to recognise their importance alongside sovereign investors.

At the same time, panellists agreed that the funding environment has shifted. Profitability and operational execution are becoming more critical as investors demand demonstrable impact rather than projections alone.

Looking ahead: instant deployment and preventive care

When asked what successful collaboration might look like within a decade, Mocanu offered a concise vision: “Instant deployment.”

Varma envisaged deeper cross-border learning — combining Asia’s cost-efficient innovation with the GCC’s regulatory rigour and quality standards.

Gaur suggested the Gulf could emerge as a leader in preventive healthcare and longevity, citing its concentrated provider networks and controlled ecosystem as potential advantages.

The panel closed with a clear message for founders: understand local healthcare structures, insurance systems and patient segments before expanding. Most importantly, innovators must articulate why their solution matters to the target market.

“Don’t push an idea because you think it’s great,” Varma concluded. “Push it because someone needs it.”