Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP)
2016
300+
STI
Physical Address
Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
About Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP)
A dynamic ecosystem fostering innovation, research, and technology development across various sectors, driving economic growth and sustainability
About Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP)
Established in 2016 by royal decree of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) represents a visionary initiative to develop a thriving ecosystem for advanced research, technological innovation, and knowledge-based economic development in the emirate of Sharjah. The free zone was conceived with a progressive vision to create an enabling environment where researchers, scientists, innovators, tech entrepreneurs, and R&D-focused organizations could establish and advance their ventures with strategic advantages in terms of academic collaboration, research infrastructure, and innovation support. SRTIP Authority, the governing body, has consistently focused on creating an environment that balances scientific excellence with commercial application, establishing the zone as a preferred destination for knowledge-intensive enterprises seeking to develop transformative technologies and research-based solutions in a supportive and collaborative ecosystem.
What distinguishes SRTIP is its dedicated focus on research and innovation and its comprehensive approach to supporting technological advancement. The free zone features a progressive framework that accommodates various research and development models—from individual researchers and academic spinoffs to established R&D centers and technology companies—with specialized facilities designed to address the specific needs of knowledge-intensive ventures at different stages of their development journey. This specialized approach is complemented by strategic partnerships with leading academic institutions, particularly the adjacent University City of Sharjah which hosts numerous prestigious universities and research centers, creating unparalleled opportunities for academic collaboration, talent access, and knowledge transfer. The zone’s strategic location in Sharjah, with its strong emphasis on education, cultural development, and sustainable innovation, creates an inspiring environment for researchers and innovators seeking to develop transformative technologies and knowledge-based solutions with meaningful societal impact and commercial potential.
Research and Innovation Ecosystem
SRTIP has developed a dynamic research ecosystem supporting diverse knowledge-intensive activities—from fundamental scientific research and applied technology development to prototype creation, testing, and commercial implementation of innovative solutions. This integrated environment creates a collaborative community where researchers, innovators, and technology-focused enterprises can establish operations with appropriate infrastructure support, regulatory frameworks, and development opportunities. The zone’s model accommodates multiple innovation approaches—from academic research projects and technology startups to established R&D centers and innovation-driven companies, offering tailored solutions that align with specific research requirements and development objectives in today’s knowledge economy.
The zone’s ecosystem emphasizes innovation enablement through a combination of specialized facilities, collaborative frameworks, and comprehensive support services. This approach creates an environment where researchers and innovators can focus on scientific discovery and technological advancement while benefiting from cost-effective setup options and efficient operational frameworks supported by research facilitation and innovation development assistance. Supporting this core approach is a complete service platform including research licensing, facility provision, academic networking, and administrative facilitation that enhances the capabilities of knowledge-intensive ventures within the ecosystem through coordinated methodologies and innovation-focused solutions designed specifically for research and technology business development.
Available License Types
Choose from a comprehensive range of specialized business licenses designed to support various commercial activities in the STI free zone
Consulting
Expert advisory and consulting services
Industrial
Manufacturing and production
Professional
Consulting and professional services
Research & Development
R&D and innovation activities
Service
Support and service industries
Trading
Import / export and commodity tradingEach license type has specific approvals and requirements to suit different types of businesses. Our experts will help you choose the most appropriate license for your business operations.
Why Choose STI for Your Business
Discover the unique advantages that make Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) a leading free zone for international business and strategic growth opportunities
Research & Innovation Focus
Dedicated focus on advanced research, technological development, and innovation-driven enterprises, creating a specialized ecosystem for scientists, innovators, and knowledge-intensive businesses.
Academic Integration
Strategic location adjacent to University City of Sharjah with direct access to prestigious universities, research institutions, academic talent, and educational resources creating unparalleled opportunities for collaboration.
Specialized Research Infrastructure
Purpose-built facilities designed specifically for research operations including advanced laboratories, technology centers, testing facilities, and specialized technical infrastructure tailored to scientific requirements.
Innovation Support Framework
Comprehensive support system for innovation development including research commercialization assistance, technology transfer facilitation, intellectual property protection, and market implementation guidance.
Knowledge Transfer Ecosystem
Dynamic environment facilitating knowledge exchange between academic institutions, research organizations, technology companies, and industry partners, accelerating innovation development and application.
Research Funding Access
Facilitated access to research grants, innovation funding, venture capital, and financial resources supporting scientific research and technology development through established networks and partnerships.
Scientific Collaboration Platform
Integrated framework for scientific collaboration, interdisciplinary research, joint innovation projects, and collaborative R&D initiatives across various knowledge domains and technological fields.
100% Foreign Ownership
Complete ownership of your research entity without local partner requirements, giving international researchers and innovators full control over scientific direction, intellectual property, and business development.
100% Repatriation of Capital & Profits
Full repatriation rights for capital investment and business profits without restrictions, providing financial flexibility and investment security for international research organizations.
Tax Advantages
Comprehensive tax benefits including 0% corporate and personal income tax, exemption from import and export duties for research equipment and scientific materials, and absence of currency restrictions.
Intellectual Property Protection
Strong intellectual property protection framework with specialized support for patent registration, technology protection, and innovation safeguarding for research outputs and technological developments.
Scientific Talent Access
Direct access to scientific talent, researchers, engineers, and technical specialists through proximity to educational institutions and facilitated visa processes for international experts.
Technology Commercialization Support
Specialized assistance for transforming research outputs into commercial applications, including product development guidance, market validation support, and business model development.
Industry Partnership Facilitation
Structured programs facilitating partnerships between research entities and industry players, enabling applied research, technology adoption, and collaborative innovation with commercial applications.
Research-Focused Regulatory Framework
Progressive regulatory environment designed specifically to support scientific research, technological experimentation, and innovation development with flexible approaches to emerging technologies and novel applications.Ready to Join the World's Leading Trading Hub?
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Setup Process
A streamlined 24-step process to establish your commodity trading business in the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP)
Initial Consultation
1-2 days
Engage with SRTIP consultants to discuss your research objectives, technological focus, and innovation goals. This consultation addresses how your research venture can benefit from SRTIP's specialized ecosystem and identifies the optimal license type for your specific activities.
Research Proposal Submission
1 day
Submit your detailed research proposal or technology development plan outlining your scientific objectives, methodological approach, innovation potential, and expected outcomes for preliminary evaluation.
Preliminary Evaluation
3-5 days
Your research proposal undergoes preliminary evaluation by SRTIP's scientific committee to assess alignment with the park's focus areas, innovation potential, and scientific merit.
License Type Selection
1 day
Select the appropriate license type (Research, Technology, Innovation, or Service) based on your core research activities, technological focus, and innovation objectives within the knowledge economy.
Business Activity Selection
1 day
Identify and select the specific research and technology activities that align with your scientific focus and innovation objectives, ensuring proper categorization within SRTIP's licensing framework.
Company Name Reservation
1-2 days
Submit your proposed company name for approval and reservation. Names are evaluated for compliance with naming conventions and to prevent confusion with existing organizations in the UAE registry.
Facility Requirements Assessment
2-3 days
Conduct detailed assessment of your facility requirements including laboratory specifications, technical infrastructure needs, equipment requirements, and spatial configurations based on your research activities.
Facility Selection
1-2 days
Identify and select your required facilities based on your research operations and budget considerations, choosing from research laboratories, technology centers, innovation spaces, testing facilities, or office spaces.
Document Preparation
2-3 days
Prepare and organize all required documentation including personal identification, academic credentials, research profiles, technology portfolios, and business information according to SRTIP requirements.
Application Submission
1 day
Complete and submit the application forms with company information, researcher details, and selected research activities to initiate the formal review process with SRTIP Authority.
Document Submission
1 day
Submit required documentation including identification documents, academic credentials, research profiles, technology portfolios, and business information through the SRTIP application portal.
Technical Review
3-5 days
Your application undergoes technical review by SRTIP's scientific and innovation committees who evaluate research credentials, technological focus, innovation potential, and alignment with the park's development strategy.
Initial Approval
1-2 days
Receive initial approval for your research business in SRTIP, confirming eligibility to proceed with registration and facility preparation for your specific research and innovation activities.
Fee Payment
1 day
Pay the required fees including registration fee, license fee, facility fee, and other applicable charges through the designated payment channels.
Lease Agreement Signing
1 day
Formally execute the lease agreement for your selected facility, establishing the legal framework for your research premises in SRTIP.
License Issuance
1-2 days
Receive your SRTIP business license, officially authorizing your research entity to operate within the free zone for specified research activities and innovation functions.
Facility Handover
1 day
Take possession of your leased facility with formal handover of keys, access cards, and facility documentation, allowing you to begin preparation for your research operations.
Facility Setup
5-10 days
Prepare your facility for research operations including laboratory setup, equipment installation, technical infrastructure configuration, and operational arrangement according to your research requirements.
Technical Infrastructure Setup
5-10 days
Install and configure specialized technical infrastructure, research equipment, scientific instruments, and technological tools required for your research and development activities.
Immigration Card Issuance
2-3 days
Obtain your establishment immigration card, enabling your research entity to sponsor visas for scientists, researchers, engineers, and support personnel according to your allocation.
Staff Visa Processing
5-10 days
Begin processing employment visas for your research team according to your visa allocation and operational requirements, with support from SRTIP's visa services department.
Bank Account Opening
5-10 days
Open corporate bank accounts with local or international banks operating in the UAE, facilitating financial operations for your research business including grant management and research funding.
Academic Partnership Formalization
5-10 days
Formalize partnerships with academic institutions, research centers, universities, or scientific organizations supporting your research activities through appropriate agreements and protocols.
Commencement of Operations
1 day
Launch your research and innovation operations following completion of all setup requirements and regulatory approvals, beginning your scientific journey in SRTIP.
Total Timeline
2-4 weeks typical setup
Documentation
Comprehensive support provided
Expert Guidance
End-to-end assistance
Eligibility Requirements & Documentation
Comprehensive requirements and documentation needed for establishing your free zone business
Required Documents
Passport copies
Color copies of passport with minimum 6 months validity for all shareholders, directors, researchers, and key personnel. Digital scans must be high-resolution and clearly show all passport details and biometric information.
UAE visa copies
For existing UAE residents - copies of current residence visa with sponsor information clearly indicated and validity dates visible.
Emirates ID
For existing UAE residents - clear copies of Emirates ID (front and back) with all information legible and expiry dates visible.
Passport-size photographs
Recent passport-size photographs with white background (2 copies). Photos must be professional quality, showing full face with neutral expression and meeting international ID photo standards.
Academic credentials
Certified copies of academic degrees, scientific qualifications, and professional certifications for key researchers and technical personnel, with appropriate authentication and attestation.
Permitted Activities
Scientific Research
Conducting fundamental and applied scientific research across various disciplines including physical sciences, life sciences, environmental sciences, and interdisciplinary fields
Technology Development
Development of new technologies, technological solutions, and innovative applications across various domains including information technology, biotechnology, and advanced engineering
R&D Center Operations
Establishment and operation of research and development centers focused on specific technological domains, scientific disciplines, or industry applications
Prototype Development
Design, creation, and testing of prototypes, proof-of-concept models, and early-stage product implementations for innovative technologies and solutions
Software Development
Creation of innovative software solutions, applications, platforms, and digital tools with research-based approaches and technological advancement
Restricted Activities
Amenities Available in This Free Zone
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Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates