QRDI Council and Milaha launch Industry Innovation Challenge to drive open innovation at Web Summit

The Qatar, Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council, in collaboration with Milaha, has announced the launch of the Industry Innovation Challenge (IIC), a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering open innovation on a broader scale on the second day of Web Summit Qatar.
The IIC presents a unique opportunity for companies to contribute to breakthrough solutions aligned with a larger mission. This programme provides grants to multiple companies proposing holistic, technology-based solutions for specific challenges. Each challenge will be championed by a main partner, potentially joined by support from government entities and large local enterprises (LLEs).
Engineer Omar Ali al-Ansari, secretary-general of the QRDI Council, said: “We are thrilled to unveil the IIC in partnership with Milaha, a testament to our commitment to driving innovation at a broader scale. This initiative not only fosters open collaboration but also provides a platform for visionary solutions to address complex industry challenges.
“The IIC reflects our dedication to advancing technology-based solutions and fostering a culture of research and development in Qatar. Together with Milaha, we look forward to propelling the nation towards a sustainable and knowledge-driven future.”
Milaha Group CEO Fahad bin Saad al-Qahtani said, “Milaha’s innovation journey has been greatly accelerated with our partnership with QRDI Council. With their generous and active support, we’ve piloted successful blockchain and AI projects and this initiative represents another unique innovation opportunity at a much larger scale for the country.
“Sustainability is a key priority for the country and our industry. Environmental development and economic development are key pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the reduction of greenhouse gases is a key priority for the maritime industry.”
He added: “Building an electric-powered vessel, one where the value chain can be localised as much as possible represents a transformative ambition for all of us. We look forward to working with our partners and taking on this initiative to build a proud product of Qatar.”
Five outstanding companies will be selected for each IIC, with a substantial $5mn allocation for the programme. The piloting partner can be either the IIC champion or other partner entities. However, awarded companies must be based in Qatar to receive the full award beyond the initial $100,000. NineSigma, a trusted innovation partner, has been contracted by QRDI to serve as the IIC delivery partner.
The IIC encompasses a visionary call for proposals to address complex industry challenges. It involves the formation of industry clusters by bringing together multiple actors and offers higher prize awards for piloting more intensive R&D projects.
The intended outcomes of the project include upskilling LLE champions, formation of industry clusters, implementation of a minimum of five pilots, and development of talent.
Milaha will play a pivotal role as the Cluster Lead. This involves assigning a Project Lead, Technical Lead(s), Communication Focal Point, and Legal Focal Point. Milaha will actively participate in the Call Design, review, and approve the final call as the main opportunity owner, lead the evaluation of submitted proposals in collaboration with QRDI, and select and award the piloting projects with QRDI.
Three sub-challenges within the IIC are the design and construction of next-generation harbour craft, energy harvesting and charging system for electric harbour craft, and Integrated Central Information System (ICIS) for maritime operations.
Companies interested in participating are encouraged to submit proposals addressing one or more of these sub-challenges. QRDI Council and Milaha are excited about the transformative potential of the IIC, bringing together innovation, industry collaboration, and sustainable solutions to advance Qatar’s research and development landscape.
As anticipation mounts for the remaining day of the summit, the QRDI Council looks forward to further collaboration and knowledge exchange propelling Qatar’s innovation landscape forward.