Qatar Business Incubation Centre (QBIC), which is owned by Qatar Development Bank (QDB), officially launched the country’s latest Fab Lab (Fabrication Laboratory), which is located within QBIC’s headquarters in the New Industrial Area yesterday.
The launch event was attended by HE the Qatar Central Bank Governor Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud al-Thani, also QDB chairman.
Fab Lab is owned by QBIC and managed by ibTECHar Digital Solutions, a QBIC-incubated startup.
Fab Lab is a small-scale workshop that provides individuals with a wide range of state-of-the-art computer-controlled tools and programmes that help them digitally fabricate products and prototypes – of almost anything – for their personal and professional development.
QDB CEO and QBIC chairman Abdulaziz bin Nasser al-Khalifa said, “Over the past year, local entrepreneurs have proved their perseverance and have risen to the challenge, with numerous new ideas, initiatives and innovations that aim to strengthen Qatar’s economy. At QBIC we have been working hard to provide these entrepreneurs with all the means and tools they need in order to help them grow and succeed in local, regional and international markets. Launching QBIC’s Fab Lab is another powerful tool we’re offering ambitious, local entrepreneurs, and we’re truly proud to have one of our own manage it.”
QBIC CEO Aysha al-Mudahka CEO said, “It’s a proud moment for us to be partnering up with one of our incubated startups – ibTECHar. Building on their expertise, we’re launching Fab Lab in hopes of promoting and really pushing forward the concept of manufacturing and industrialisation as well as encouraging the younger generation to explore the latest fabrication technologies. We want to provide innovators with a platform on which they can produce prototypes of their creation, as well as opening our doors to school and university students, professionals and entrepreneurs from all over Qatar – this is a tool for all of them to benefit from.”
During the launch, guests were invited to an exclusive tour around the Fab Lab and got a first-hand glimpse of the cutting-edge technology in action. A panel discussion also took place during the event.
HE Sheikh Abdullah, al-Khalifa and al-Mudahka among other dignitaries during the official launch of ‘Fab Lab’ at QBIC’s headquarters in the New Industrial Area yesterday.
