Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), the primary accelerator and incubator for technological development in the county, hosted another successful TECHtalk expert discussion, under the theme ‘Industrial Technology and Commercialisation.’
The event saw QSTP and Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) with whom QSTP has a knowledge-sharing agreement, present best practices from different perspectives that highlight the technological experiences of Qatar and the Republic of Korea.
Hamad al-Kuwari, managing director, QSTP, said, “Technology parks are central to activating the catalytic process which fosters business development,” he said. “New R&D firms create entrepreneurships and new job opportunities for highly qualified people. They also improve the country’s physical and technological infrastructure, attract foreign investment and create a stimulating environment with unique facilities and quality services.”
Al-Kuwari emphasised the value of the Qatar-Korea collaboration. “Through discussions between QF R&D representatives and their Korean counterparts last year, numerous agreements were set, specifically between KIAT and QSTP,” he revealed. “These agreements outline, and work towards, establishing policies on industrial manufacturing and creating an ideal ecosystem of collaboration.”
James (Jung-Wook) Kim, KIAT global strategy planning team leader, described KIAT’s role as a quasi-government institute offering various support mechanisms. In the area of technology commercialisation, KIAT’s commercialisation support division identifies viable technological assets, and manages a global technological information service network for the commercialisation of technology and effective
investment in R&D.
“R&D is meaningless until it is put to use,” he said. “Money and time are required for the commercialisation of technologies, and these are not always available. Korea has a top ranking in investment and research, but still lags behind in the commercialisation aspect, making it important to initiate programmes that support tech transfer.”
At the TECHtalk event, senior QSTP officials gave a presentation on the technology park’s highly successful support programmes which, since their launch, have empowered young innovators and made valuable contributions across numerous sectors in Qatar.
The QSTP Accelerator, a three-month pioneering business incubation, training and mentorship programme, is now reviewing applications for its fourth cohort. The initiative aims to support budding entrepreneurs in Qatar and help them transform their ideas into viable commercial ventures, addressing key needs in local and international markets.
QSTP and KIAT officials at the event.
