Qatar Development Bank (QDB) has been named a ‘Startup Ecosystem Star’ by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Mind the Bridge. The ‘Startup Ecosystem Stars (SES) Awards 2025’ recognise institutions that have demonstrated outstanding leadership, sustained impact, and comprehensive excellence in developing innovation ecosystems worldwide.
The award was presented during a ceremony held at the ICC Headquarters in Paris, in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the European Commission, with support from Microsoft. In its third edition, the SES Awards recognised QDB for its significant contributions to fostering innovation across three categories: ‘Best-in-class Startup Programmes’, ‘Outstanding Investment Boost’, and ‘Exceptional Industry Support’.
Recognition across these categories highlights the bank's comprehensive approach to creating a nurturing, flexible and competitive environment for startups, while reinforcing its position as a key driver of innovation within the global entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The milestone reflects QDB’s commitment to providing entrepreneurs with a comprehensive support ecosystem, from training and advisory services to incubation and acceleration programmes.
It also highlights the bank’s leading role in advancing the venture capital landscape by attracting local and international investment, promoting the role of the private sector, supporting exports, and enabling the growth of the national industrial sector through close collaboration with partners and relevant stakeholders across the country.
The SES Awards 2025 are among the most prominent global awards dedicated to evaluating key players within innovation ecosystems. Winners are selected by an international jury comprising leading global experts and representatives of international organisations.
The award underscores QDB’s position as a leading development institution in the region and a key enabler of entrepreneurial growth, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for innovation at local, regional, and international levels.
