Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation (QF RDI) has awarded its Innovation Coupon (IC) to high school student and Qatari innovator, Abdulaziz Elepsy.
The grant will enable him to expand his sustainability-based initiative, ‘Tackling Textiles Together', one of the first initiatives of its kind in Qatar, that recycles old clothes and fabrics into new and fashionable items such as hats and bags, among others to help reduce material waste. Some of the products will be donated to developing countries and where refugee crises exist. The scheme will also provide information and tutorials via videos on how to make small, but significant, changes at home to reduce waste and its harmful impact on the environment.
“My business is inspired by my desire to help my community, so that together we can make every necessary change possible to protect our environment by tackling textile waste,” explained Elepsy, a Grade 11 student at Qatar Academy Doha.
The IC programme is targeted at individual Qatari entrepreneurs or Qatar-based early stage startups and small and medium-sized enterprises across all sectors and industries engaged in the development of new technology-based products and services. Along with grant funding, it is designed to provide the technical support needed to prototype their ideas and become market-ready. Since its launch two years ago, the fund has benefited 24 projects.
“Investing in ambitious, young entrepreneurs whose schemes aim to benefit local and global communities is a priority for us. Tackling Textiles Together is a perfect example of that. This small step in tackling textile waste has the potential to positively impact Qatar’s drive towards sustainability, as well as individuals who participate or benefit from the project,” commented, Faiha al-Qahtani and Saeed al-Hajri from the Innovation Coupon team.
Elepsy said, “I have always had a passion for style and fashion. Additionally, for as long as I can remember I have involved myself in arts and crafts at home. As my interest in textiles grew, largely due to the study of it at school, I did a lot of research and discovered the downside – the detrimental impact of discarded clothes and fabrics on our planet.”
“In the long-term, I am hoping to turn this venture into a profit-making business whilst remaining true to our roots in sustainability and charity,” noted Elepsy.
Earlier this year, after encouragement from his school teachers, Brett and Nicole Scott, Elepsy applied for the Innovation Coupon’s Young Minds edition, which is open to 16-24-year-olds. He says the backing from QF RDI helped him become a much more rounded person.
He added, “I would also like to give my mother credit for the incredible level of support and interest, taking me to Souq Waqif to collect all the decorative accessories and fabrics for prototypes. She has taught me how to bargain to get the best prices. My parents are my biggest supporters as they have inspired me to work hard.”
Since he became a recipient of the IC, Elepsy has achieved several key milestones. These include an official agreement with Qatar Charity to provide him with raw materials, sourcing two tailors to create hats and bags, and productive talks with tech developers to set up a company website. He also ran an exhibition from October 19 to 21 where he showcased his project and products, and plans to set up a booth at Doha’s Torba farmer’s market in the Duhail area.
Providing some guiding words for other young innovators looking to make a positive impact in Qatar, Elepsy added: “If you would like to make a change, seek ways to do so. More than anything, follow your passion; be resilient, patient and accept advice from experts and those who support you. Always trust the process and never give up.”
IC provides three tiers of funding that aid applicants to gradually develop their idea and prepare to launch it into the market. Tier One is for individual applicants only, who have an idea but are unsure if it is feasible or if it needs refining. Tier Two is for those looking to understand how to take their ideas to market and begin exploring their business plan and value proposition. Tier Three is for those who recognise their business risks, understand their value proposition and already have a demo product. Both Tier Two and Tier Three are open to individuals, startups and SMEs.
To apply for IC support from QF RDI, one can email [email protected] or visit the official website, https://www.qf.org.qa/innovation-coupon
The grant will enable him to expand his sustainability-based initiative, ‘Tackling Textiles Together', one of the first initiatives of its kind in Qatar, that recycles old clothes and fabrics into new and fashionable items such as hats and bags, among others to help reduce material waste. Some of the products will be donated to developing countries and where refugee crises exist. The scheme will also provide information and tutorials via videos on how to make small, but significant, changes at home to reduce waste and its harmful impact on the environment.
“My business is inspired by my desire to help my community, so that together we can make every necessary change possible to protect our environment by tackling textile waste,” explained Elepsy, a Grade 11 student at Qatar Academy Doha.
The IC programme is targeted at individual Qatari entrepreneurs or Qatar-based early stage startups and small and medium-sized enterprises across all sectors and industries engaged in the development of new technology-based products and services. Along with grant funding, it is designed to provide the technical support needed to prototype their ideas and become market-ready. Since its launch two years ago, the fund has benefited 24 projects.
“Investing in ambitious, young entrepreneurs whose schemes aim to benefit local and global communities is a priority for us. Tackling Textiles Together is a perfect example of that. This small step in tackling textile waste has the potential to positively impact Qatar’s drive towards sustainability, as well as individuals who participate or benefit from the project,” commented, Faiha al-Qahtani and Saeed al-Hajri from the Innovation Coupon team.
Elepsy said, “I have always had a passion for style and fashion. Additionally, for as long as I can remember I have involved myself in arts and crafts at home. As my interest in textiles grew, largely due to the study of it at school, I did a lot of research and discovered the downside – the detrimental impact of discarded clothes and fabrics on our planet.”
“In the long-term, I am hoping to turn this venture into a profit-making business whilst remaining true to our roots in sustainability and charity,” noted Elepsy.
Earlier this year, after encouragement from his school teachers, Brett and Nicole Scott, Elepsy applied for the Innovation Coupon’s Young Minds edition, which is open to 16-24-year-olds. He says the backing from QF RDI helped him become a much more rounded person.
He added, “I would also like to give my mother credit for the incredible level of support and interest, taking me to Souq Waqif to collect all the decorative accessories and fabrics for prototypes. She has taught me how to bargain to get the best prices. My parents are my biggest supporters as they have inspired me to work hard.”
Since he became a recipient of the IC, Elepsy has achieved several key milestones. These include an official agreement with Qatar Charity to provide him with raw materials, sourcing two tailors to create hats and bags, and productive talks with tech developers to set up a company website. He also ran an exhibition from October 19 to 21 where he showcased his project and products, and plans to set up a booth at Doha’s Torba farmer’s market in the Duhail area.
Providing some guiding words for other young innovators looking to make a positive impact in Qatar, Elepsy added: “If you would like to make a change, seek ways to do so. More than anything, follow your passion; be resilient, patient and accept advice from experts and those who support you. Always trust the process and never give up.”
IC provides three tiers of funding that aid applicants to gradually develop their idea and prepare to launch it into the market. Tier One is for individual applicants only, who have an idea but are unsure if it is feasible or if it needs refining. Tier Two is for those looking to understand how to take their ideas to market and begin exploring their business plan and value proposition. Tier Three is for those who recognise their business risks, understand their value proposition and already have a demo product. Both Tier Two and Tier Three are open to individuals, startups and SMEs.
To apply for IC support from QF RDI, one can email [email protected] or visit the official website, https://www.qf.org.qa/innovation-coupon