UDST signs technology support contract with student-founded startup
The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) has announced the signing of a technology support contract with “Be My Sense”, a startup founded by UDST students and launched through the university’s incubation centre, UHUB. The agreement marks a significant step in supporting student-led innovation and advancing entrepreneurial initiatives emerging from the university. “Be My Sense” was developed by students Mohamed Ali and Ahmed El Abed, under the mentorship of Dr Wagdi Alrawagfeh, the assistant dean for IT Student Affairs at the College of Computing and Information Technology. The startup builds on an award-winning project that earned international recognition at the Huawei ICT Competition 2024-25 Global Final in China, where the team secured second place in the Innovation Track while representing Qatar among leading teams from around the world. The solution is an inclusive, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered platform designed to empower deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals through real-time translation, smart wearables, and digital assistance. By addressing communication barriers in educational, professional, and public environments, “Be My Sense” reflects a strong commitment to accessibility and social impact. The contract establishes a framework for collaboration between the UDST and the startup, focusing on supporting its continued development, scalability, and market readiness. “The signing of this contract reflects our strong commitment to empowering our students and supporting their entrepreneurial journeys,” said UDST president Dr Salem al-Naemi. “At the UDST, we believe that innovation thrives when students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.” “‘Be My Sense’ is a testament to the impact of applied learning, where ideas developed in the classroom evolve into solutions that serve society and address real challenges,” he said. “We take great pride in seeing our students grow into innovators and entrepreneurs who contribute to shaping a more inclusive and technologically advanced future.” “The signing of this contract is a major milestone for us as a startup,” said “Be My Sense” co-founder and chief technology officer Mohamed Ali. “What began as a university project has evolved into a solution with real-world impact, thanks to the continuous support and guidance we received at the UDST. The hands-on learning experience played a crucial role in helping us develop our idea and prepare it for the next stage.”