Invest Qatar (The Investment Promotion Agency Qatar), Ardian, a world-leading private investment house, and Silian Partners, a unique strategic and operational value creation firm specialised in the global semiconductor industry, have entered into strategic partnership to attract companies in the AI (artificial intelligence) and semiconductor technology ecosystems to explore opportunities and establish operations in Qatar.

A tripartite memorandum of understanding or MoU was signed by Sheikh Ali Alwaleed al-Thani, chief executive officer of Invest Qatar; Jan Philipp Schmitz, executive vice-president, Ardian; and Paul Boudre, chief executive officer and co-founder and partner, Silian Partners.

This initiative will contribute to drive digital innovation and to develop strategic technologies in Qatar. In line with these efforts, Silian Partners will establish an office in Qatar to bring significant semiconductor industry capabilities to the country.

As part of this partnership, Invest Qatar will facilitate connections between Ardian Semiconductor’s portfolio companies and local stakeholders, as well as provide aftercare services for current investors.

The collaboration is poised to introduce various initiatives to support the long-term growth of the technology sector in Qatar such as joint seminars, workshops and conferences to facilitate knowledge sharing and networking.

Invest Qatar will also work closely with Ardian and Silian Partners to organise exploratory fact-finding trips for related companies to learn more about Qatar’s welcoming and supportive business environment and to experience the country’s high quality of life.

"This partnership with Ardian and Silian Partners exemplifies our commitment to attracting investment in enabling clusters such as IT and Digital in line with Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy. By combining Qatar’s world-class digital infrastructure and significant investments in RDI with Ardian’s proven and successful private equity capabilities and Silian Partner’s deep semiconductor industry experience and expertise, we are paving the way to further enhance Qatar’s position as a global hub for innovation and piloting new technologies,” said Sheikh Ali.

Schmitz said this collaboration marked a significant milestone in its shared commitment to fostering AI and semiconductor ecosystems in Qatar and the wider region.

"Ardian Semiconductor, our pioneering private equity platform, will serve as a catalyst for digital innovation and strategic technology development in the region. We are thrilled to see Silian Partners establish an office in Qatar, which will not only bring substantial semiconductor industry expertise to the country but also create new opportunities for growth and investment," he said.

This initiative, according to him, aligns perfectly with its vision to drive forward cutting-edge technologies and solidify Qatar's position as a global hub for innovation. "We are eager to explore the new avenues this partnership will open and look forward to a prosperous future together," he added.

Highlighting that Silian Partners will locate global strategy team in Qatar, Boudre and Thomas Pebay-Peyroula, co-founder and partner, said "our team in Doha will carry out high value-added semiconductor industry research and analysis, which is essential to underpin the investment strategy of the Ardian Semiconductor platform and support portfolio companies in their strategic positioning and growth."

Having an on-the-ground presence would also accelerate its vision to participate in the emergence of a differentiated local semiconductor ecosystem, as well as further strengthening long-term partnership with Qatar, according to them.