Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, has collaborated with Microsoft to bring the Microsoft for Startups programme to QSTP’s startup community, giving eligible founders access to Microsoft’s cloud and AI technologies, technical expertise, and go-to-market support.
The collaboration is already translating into startup participation. QSTP has nominated 105 startups to Microsoft for Startups, with 47 now active on the programme. The number of active startups has increased from 32 in August, reflecting growing uptake across QSTP’s innovation ecosystem.
Through the collaboration, QSTP provides eligible startups with a dedicated pathway into Microsoft for Startups, helping founders access the technology and support needed to move from early-stage development towards scalable products and businesses.
QSTP operates as a national launchpad for science- and technology-driven founders, supporting startups from early validation through incubation, acceleration, scaling, investor readiness and product development.
Based in Education City, it works with founders across AI, health and biomed, fintech, sustainability, education, and cybersecurity. The collaboration with Microsoft strengthens that mandate by embedding enterprise-grade technology enablement directly into QSTP’s incubation pathway.
Through Microsoft for Startups, approved QSTP startups can access a package designed to reduce early-stage infrastructure barriers and support faster product development and growth, including $100,000 in Azure credits, with the opportunity to extend to $200,000 over two years based on Azure usage; Azure AI infrastructure and services to build and deploy AI-powered products; GitHub Enterprise and Visual Studio Enterprise for development at scale; pairing sessions with Microsoft Azure engineers for technical support; Azure support; and go-to-market resources to help founders reach customers and investors.
The impact is already becoming visible. Based on the 47 startups currently active on the programme, the potential value of Azure credits available to the cohort ranges from $4.7mn to $9.4mn, depending on usage and eligibility. These figures represent the maximum potential value of credits available under the program and are not a commitment of credits.
The 105 startups nominated by QSTP span several stages of development, creating a pipeline through which more founders can potentially access Microsoft’s technology, technical resources, and global startup ecosystem as they grow.
Ahmed al-Said, Business Development director, QSTP, said: “Our role at QSTP is to give founders the environment, expertise and partnerships they need to turn bold ideas into successful technology companies.
“It means founders here can build, scale and compete internationally from day one, while contributing to Qatar's knowledge-based economy and the goals of the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3).”
Ahmad el-Dandachi, general manager, Microsoft Qatar, said: “Qatar has created an increasingly ambitious environment for technology founders, but turning ideas into scalable businesses requires access to the right technology, skills and ecosystem.
“With 47 startups already active on the programme, we are beginning to see that ambition translate into deployment. This is how we can help more homegrown innovation move from ideas to real solutions, while supporting Qatar’s broader ambitions for a diversified, innovation-led economy.”
