Qatar SportsTech (QST), the region’s first startup accelerator and hub for innovative sportstech companies, has opened applications for the third cohort of its Accelerator Program in Qatar, set to start in September 2020. 
The intensive three-month Accelerator Program will run from September 20-13 December 2020 in Aspire Zone. The programme is designed to help participant innovative startups accelerate their growth and further develop their solutions in the industry, in line with QST’s vision to be a catalyst for reshaping sports technology in the region and beyond. 
Startups participating in QST’s Accelerator Program will have the opportunity to engage in specialised workshops hosted by international experts; one-on-one mentoring sessions with more than 250 industry specialists; partner support from world-class professionals and global leaders in sports tech; support from QST’s founding partner, Qatar Development Bank (QDB), including an initial investment, and media exposure. During the programme, accelerated startups will have access to QST’s global partners’ network, and the opportunity to work closely with the key industry players driving Qatar’s sports industry, including QDB and QST’s strategic partners: Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), Aspire Zone Foundation, beIN Media Group and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. 
QST’s second cohort, who just completed their Demo Day in June, came from eight different countries and worked with top global organisations, including Qatar Airways, Microsoft, Serie A, Gucci, Primeira Liga Portugal, Benfica TV and others. 
Commenting on the launch of applications for the third cohort, Ibrahim Abdulaziz al-Mannai, Executive Director of Advisory & Incubation at QDB, said: “We highly encourage local and international sportstech startups with innovative solutions to leverage this opportunity and support Qatar’s commitment to positioning itself as a leading sports hub globally. QST’s Accelerator Program is dedicated to growing the sports industry and sportstech startups that are bold enough to make a difference. I would also like to thank all of our local and global partners for their continuous support.”
Heba Almasri, Managing Director at QST, commented, “We are excited to welcome new innovative ideas that will reshape the future of sports on a global scale. Thanks to the support of our partners and the dedication of our mentors, we have seen a large demand to join the previous cohorts. I have no doubt that the coming cohort will leave its own mark with new innovative projects that will scale up to global levels, from Qatar to the world.”
Applications to the Accelerator Program will remain open until 31st July at 11:59pm, with the shortlisted candidates invited to a Selection Day with QST’s partners, to be held early September this year. The programme will end in December with a large Demo-Day event, where each of the 10 startups will showcase their business and their progress during the programme, to QST partners, potential investors and members of the press.
Sportstech startups who are interested in applying can visit QST’s website qatarsportstech.com to find out more about the requirements and how to apply.
Related Story