Hamad al-Kuwari: “I believe the talents and brilliant minds of our local entrepreneurs deserve an environment capable of supporting them”
Qatar Foundation’s dedication to providing entrepreneurial development opportunities was highlighted in hosting the International Association of Science Park and Areas of Innovation (IASP) World Conference.
The event represented a significant contribution towards realising Qatar’s goal of becoming a knowledge-based economy.
The event was hosted by Qatar Foundation Research and Development’s Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP). As a think-tank that serves as Qatar’s primary incubator to help entrepreneurs plan, launch, and grow start-up technology companies, QSTP provides world-class infrastructure, managerial know-how, favourable regulatory terms, and comprehensive financial support.
“I believe the talents and brilliant minds of our local entrepreneurs deserve an environment capable of supporting them,” said Hamad al-Kuwari, managing director of QSTP.
“Broadly speaking, QSTP strives to be that platform by creating a unique space where theoretical ideas can be transformed into practical solutions.”
QSTP also plays an important role in facilitating meaningful collaborations. “Innovation takes work. It is the product of late nights, new policies, risk taking, and constant collaborations between universities, laboratories, and industries, all to support the great thinkers and innovators in our communities,” said al-Kuwari.
QSTP is also dedicated to providing unique partnership opportunities, and alongside its centres, the science and technology innovator is working with a range of small companies, international corporations, and research institutes.
Together, these organisations are committed to funding ventures, creating intellectual property, enhancing technology management skills, and developing innovative products that are in line with the QNV2030.
“Science and technology hubs such as QSTP play a critical role in sparking meaningful collaborations across sectors, ensuring that the country’s investments in education and research, which is 2.8% of GDP in Qatar’s case, pay off in the form of skills, intellectual property and viable technology businesses,” said al-Kuwari.
The conclusion of the IASP conference marked an important milestone for QSTP, as the centre was only created in 2009. “Having held this event 30 times before, it is significant that the members of IASP chose Qatar to host this event, as it serves as a testament to the growing importance of a leadership of Qatar Foundation, QSTP in the region, and driving science technology innovation and commercialisation,” added al-Kuwari.
The last five years have served as an opportunity to define QSTP’s core offerings, and the successful hosting of the IASP conference is a testament to the centre’s on-going hard work. QSTP will remain focused on technology-focused entrepreneurs, but will continue developing the necessary supporting programmes and infrastructure required to support these individuals.