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Scale Now, which enables Qatari founded technology companies to become global competitors, has secured deals valued at $12.9mn, positioning Qatar as a regional hub for digital innovation, according to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT).Of the $12.9mn in deals secured, as much as $7.2mn was in B2B (business-to-business) and $5.7mn in direct investments, said a MCIT presentation made recently after roping in four more partners – Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Invest Qatar, QDB (Qatar Development Bank) and Qatar Research Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council - for the programme."Scale Now is more than a programme; it is a coordinated national platform turning digital innovation into tangible economic impact," MCIT said.About $7.2mn in B2B (business to business) transactions; the presentation said it demonstrated strong market validation and confidence in Qatar’s scale-up ecosystem.The Cycle 1 had secured $5.7mn in direct investments through a mix of private funding, grants, and investor partnerships.The participating entities from Cycle 1 reported sustained growth, validating the effectiveness of the programme’s capability-building and market access model, it said, highlighting more than 50% average revenue growth and one successful international market expansion in Cycle 1.The Cycle 1 brought together six market-ready companies delivering solutions from digital payments and marketplaces to airport operations and immersive media.It saw Mzad Qatar, providing a multi-category marketplace with a digital auction platform that connects buyers and sellers; SkipCash, enabling businesses to implement secure online payment solutions through a streamlined digital platform; and EMMA Systems, delivering airport software that improves operational efficiency and data management.The Cycle 1 also saw ADGS, offering behavioural biometrics and predictive maintenance powered by proprietary AI models; SPONIX, providing immersive video solutions and virtual advertising that enable engaging real-time content during live events; and ClassTap, offering flexible access to more than 3,000 fitness studios and classes through a subscription platform.Scale Now contributes directly to Qatar's Digital Agenda 2030's national employment target by equipping founders and creating high-value digital roles across tech sectors, aiming more than 26,000 ICT (information, communication and technology) jobs by 2030."Through its collaborative model, Scale Now is enabling Qatari-founded technology companies to become global competitors, strengthening the nation’s economic resilience, export potential, and job creation capacity," it said.By providing tailored mentorship, strategic partnerships, investment readiness and facilitating access to pilot opportunities, the programme helps high-potential companies transform proven traction into sustainable growth. It strengthens Qatar’s digital economy, aligns with the Digital Agenda 2030 and positions the country as a global hub for innovation and expansion."We will refer high-potential companies from Startup Qatar to future Scale Now cohorts, support access to funding and grants, and help shape a connected, resilient ecosystem where innovation and entrepreneurship thrive," Invest Qatar had said.Invest Qatar serves as the gateway for foreign investors and entrepreneurs, guiding them through each stage of their business journey — from exploration to expansion — by providing comprehensive insights, market knowledge and facilitating connections with key government and private sector stakeholders.

QNB Group has been awarded the “Best Data Protection Innovation of the Year 2025” at the 11th Middle East Enterprise AI & Analytics Summit held recently in Doha, for the second consecutive year, which highlights QNB’s advanced use of technology to strengthen data protection and compliance with privacy regulations.The award recognises organisations that demonstrate exceptional innovation in utilising technology to enhance data protection practices. QNB was honoured for its cutting-edge approach to ensuring secure data management, safeguarding customer information, and maintaining the highest international standards of data privacy.The independent jury panel highlighted QNB’s continuous investment in technological advancement and innovation, which has positioned the bank as a regional leader in data governance, privacy and compliance.This recognition reflects QNB Group’s unwavering commitment to protecting its customers’ data and build trust through advanced technologies and robust privacy frameworks. QNB’s data protection strategy forms part of its broader digital transformation roadmap, which emphasises leveraging AI and analytics to deliver secure, efficient, and customer-centric banking experiences.

The second cycle of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology's (MCIT) Scale Now – a growth programme designed to equip Qatar’s digital entrepreneurs achieve success on local, regional, and global levels and featuring as many as 13 high-potential firms from Qatar and beyond – is scheduled to conclude on November 15, 2025.The Cycle 2 – currently in the capacity building phase, with pilot and expansion plans in progress – has entities driving innovation across AI (artificial intelligence), Healthtech, EdTech, Gaming, Cybersecurity, ERP (enterprise resource planning), Retail, and Sustainability; said MCIT in a presentation made recently.The Cycle 2 has two AI companies Bilby, which provides AI-driven data analytics that evaluate public statements to predict future behaviour; and Khadoom, an on-demand AI-powered personal assistant platform that helps users outsource daily errands through messaging apps.It saw SEK Games, a Turkish game development studio specialising in free-to-play mobile games in the idle, arcade, and simulation genres; Adeer, offering a business management app that simplifies sales, inventory, finance, and tax operations for small and micro businesses; and ENABLE, providing an AI-driven retail platform that boosts revenue through customer loyalty and operational optimisation.On Cybersecurity, Cytomate delivers automated threat assessment and cyber defence solutions that reduce human error and enhance protection.The Cycle 2 has two Edtech firms as Ynmo, which offers a bilingual AI-powered platform that helps educators create personalised learning plans for children with disabilities; and Kamkalima, which develops Arabic literacy through interactive learning tools, AI features, and a comprehensive digital content library.The Cycle 2 has four Healthtech firms as Rhazes, providing a generative AI clinical assistant that supports doctors with real-time patient care guidance; and Dieture, offering a personalised meal subscription service that delivers customised, health-focused meals.It also had PhysioHome, connecting patients with licensed rehabilitation professionals for home-based therapy and care; and Shezlong, operating a secure mental health and psychotherapy platform for Arabic-speaking users in the Middle East and North Africa.On environment and sustainability, the Cycle 2 has Nafas, which offers AI-driven air quality management through hardware-as-a-service, helping buildings maintain healthy indoor environments efficiently.The Cycle 2 companies are currently participating in an intensive capability-building phase, combining specialised mentorship with targeted business acceleration.This phase focuses on four core areas such as Strategy, which encompasses growth mapping, market positioning, and competitive differentiation; Product (product-market fit, feature refinement, and scalability engineering); Operations (key performance indicators alignment, process efficiency, and resource optimisation), and Finance (forecasting, capital structure, and investor readiness).The programme’s capability modules turn ambition into execution, equipping founders not just to grow, but to lead sustainably."Following the capability-building stage, Cycle 2 will progress into pilot development and regional expansion planning, partnering with local enterprises and government entities to co-develop solutions, validate business models, and prepare companies for global scale," MCIT said.The Cycle 1 brought together six market-ready companies delivering solutions from digital payments and marketplaces to airport operations and immersive media.It saw Mzad Qatar, providing a multi-category marketplace with a digital auction platform that connects buyers and sellers; SkipCash, enabling businesses to implement secure online payment solutions through a streamlined digital platform; and EMMA Systems, delivering airport software that improves operational efficiency and data management.The Cycle 1 also saw ADGS, offering behavioural biometrics and predictive maintenance powered by proprietary AI models; SPONIX, providing immersive video solutions and virtual advertising that enable engaging real-time content during live events; and ClassTap, offering flexible access to more than 3,000 fitness studios and classes through a subscription platform.

As part of joint national efforts to attract Qatari talent to the government sector, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), in co-operation with the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau (CGB), concluded the first round of the 'Rapid Recruitment Campaign'.This campaign targeted candidates through the 'Kawader' platform and lasted two days. It witnessed a strong turnout from national candidates. During the campaign, a number of in-person interviews were conducted with Qatari candidates over two days, resulting in the selection of several candidates to join various departments across the ministry. The campaign also provided candidates with the opportunity to learn more about MCIT’s work environment and gain insights into the major national digital projects it oversees.The initiative aimed to facilitate the integration of qualified national professionals into MCIT by enabling direct interviews, assessing their skills and capabilities, and expediting their recruitment into a digital work environment. It further sought to expand their participation in major national projects and contribute to advancing Qatar’s digital transformation.The campaign is fully aligned with the objectives of Digital Agenda 2030, which aspires to create over 26,000 new job opportunities in the ICT sector by 2030, in addition to enhancing the skills of professionals working in the ICT field. These efforts will further strengthen the readiness of Qatar’s national workforce to support the country’s digital transformation and solidify its position as a leading nation in digital innovation and progress.

The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) announced that its president, Dr Salem Al-Naemi, has been awarded the honorary title of ‘International Ambassador for Social Responsibility’ by the Regional Network for Social Responsibility.The recognition celebrates Dr Al-Naemi’s exceptional and longstanding contributions to social responsibility and sustainable development, both nationally and across the Arab region, a statement said. The Regional Network for Social Responsibility is a professional non-profit organisation with global memberships in leading international institutions such as the UN Global Compact, the International Rehabilitation Organisation, and the International Union for Social Responsibility.Dr Al-Naemi was selected for the honour in recognition of his impactful leadership in embedding social responsibility principles within every institution he has served, it was explained.“This recognition is a reflection of the collective effort at UDST to champion social responsibility and sustainability,” Dr Al-Naemi said. “As educators and leaders, it is our duty to integrate these values into our academic and community initiatives, inspiring others to contribute to the well-being and development of society,” he added.During the ceremony in Doha, Prof Dr Ali al-Ibrahim, vice-president of the Regional Network for Social Responsibility stated that Dr Al-Naemi embodies the model of an academic leader who believes that education is not merely the transfer of knowledge, but a mission to build individuals, advance communities, and strengthen values.“Under his leadership, the University of Doha for Science and Technology has become a beacon of innovation, integrating education, social responsibility, and sustainability. Its initiatives have significantly contributed to national development, youth empowerment, and capacity building in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030.”The recognition is part of the Network’s International Ambassadors for Social Responsibility programme, launched in 2014 to honour distinguished figures from around the world who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to advancing social responsibility.With this accolade, Dr Al-Naemi joins a select group of Arab and international leaders recognised for their influence, dedication, and leadership in promoting ethical, inclusive, and sustainable practices at both the national and global levels, the statement added.

Behind Japan’s futuristic Expo showcase lies a deeper goal: turning its domestic pavilions into real-world incubators that would spark breakthroughs in healthcare, digital technology, and green solutions for the future.This strategy is anchored by two distinct pillars – resource circulation and regenerative medicine – each presented in highly interactive and functional exhibition spaces at the Expo 2025 Osaka.According to organisers, the Japan pavilion, themed “Between Lives,” serves as the epicentre of this national strategy. Its architecture, divided into unique Plant, Farm, and Factory zones, symbolises the concept of “circulation,” a principle deeply embedded in Japanese culture and craftsmanship.Masafumi Sugano, deputy commissioner general for Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) and director of the Expo’s International Office, told reporters that the pavilion operationalises cyclical resource management by tackling the issue of waste generated on-site.“Within the pavilion, we actually take rubbish, garbage, trash from the Expo site, we decompose it and turn it into clean water, and methane,” Sugano said. “Then we take the algae (developed from methane) and turn it into valuable products.”This functional system, he noted, shows how Japan interprets the circular economy, focusing not just on recycling, but on creating business-viable, productive systems that remain responsible to the global climate.“It shows how we interpret the circular economy in Japan, which is something that I’m sure would be interesting for Qatar,” he added.Sugano said the commitment to circularity extends to the structure itself, pointing out that the wooden panels used in the pavilion’s architecture are designed to be repurposed across Japan once the event concludes.Adding a playful touch to this environmental pledge, the pavilion also features an array of algae – 32 unique types – some represented as popular, adorable Hello Kitty characters, flourishing in a warmly lit “forest of the future”.Complementing the focus on green innovation, the Pasona Natureverse pavilion explores the future of healthcare, highlighting revolutionary regenerative medicine based on Induced Pluripotent Stem cells (iPS).iPS technology allows adult cells to be “reprogrammed” back to a pluripotent state, enabling scientists to differentiate them into any required cell type. This breakthrough, discovered by Nobel Laureate Dr Shinya Yamanaka in 2009, forms the basis of two groundbreaking exhibits.Carla Alonso from the Pasona Group presented the iPS Heart, an artificial heart model created by transforming some 200 million skin adult stem cells into beating heart muscle tissue.“What you see here is essentially an artificial model of a heart... beating completely by itself without any electrical impulse,” she said.While the exhibit currently displays only the heart muscle tissue, she said the goal is to use this technology within the next 50 years to completely reproduce whole hearts from a patient’s own cells, significantly reducing the high rate of rejection associated with traditional heart transplants.However, a more immediate application is the iPS Heart Muscle Sheet, which Alonso described as functioning ‘a little bit like a band aid’. She said this sheet is applied to cardiac tissue damaged by heart failure, where it re-integrates into the surrounding tissue and promotes regeneration.“In around two weeks, new capillary networks can be created and the heart can start to function normally again,” Alonso said. She noted that the technology is already further along; the company behind the specific exhibit, CUORIPS, has completed a successful human trial and has applied for government permission to begin making this a real treatment, positioning it for potential use far sooner than the full iPS Heart.The theme of transforming society continues at the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, themed “Reborn,” which offers visitors a tangible glimpse into urban life in 2050.The interactive ‘Reborn experience’ route captures visitors’ individual health data via a body analysis pod, subsequently generating an avatar showing them their personalised health and lifestyle 25 years in the future. The exhibit pools Osaka’s collective wisdom, technology, and ideas on future cities, food, and culture, creating a powerful, personalized experience.From personalised healthcare stations like the Cell Design Station and Eye Care station to interactive projections of future cities, the Osaka pavilion highlights that Japan’s Expo presence is not merely about showcasing technology, but about defining, developing, and deploying the systems needed to support a thriving, sustainable, and healthy future society.

Qatar Investment and Innovation Conference has announced that the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has joined the upcoming edition 'Driving GCC Entrepreneurial Growth' as strategic partner. This high-level forum, organised by The Business Year and Msheireb Properties aims to foster dialogue between policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across the Gulf region.The partnership underscores MCIT's commitment to advancing Qatar's digital transformation, fostering innovation, and building a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in line with the Third National Development Strategy, Qatar National Vision 2030, and Digital Agenda 2030. By focusing on emerging technologies, digital inclusion, and innovation-led growth, MCIT's participation emphasises the vital role of public-private collaboration in shaping the region's future as a knowledge-based economy.Faraj Jassim Abdulla, director of the Digital Economy Department at MCIT, stated: "Through the Qatar Investment and Innovation Conference, MCIT aims to empower entrepreneurs and innovators across the GCC by providing a platform to connect, share ideas, and explore growth opportunities. This conference is an excellent example of how public-private partnerships can strengthen the digital economy, accelerate innovation, and position Qatar as a leader in innovation and sustainable economic transformation."The conference, scheduled for November 3 at Barahat Msheireb, will convene senior leaders from government, investment, and the private sector to explore opportunities in entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital transformation across the GCC. Msheireb Downtown Doha will provide a fitting venue for these regional stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions on the role of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth, strategies for scaling start-ups, the evolving investment landscape, and the importance of public-private partnerships in strengthening global competitiveness.New to this year's edition is the “AI for Good Innovation Challenge”, hosted in collaboration with the AI for Good initiative YAILs and its Doha chapter. This dynamic segment will provide a global platform for showcasing emerging AI-driven solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), featuring emerging companies from across the GCC alongside main panel discussions with industry leaders and policymakers.As a Strategic Partner, MCIT will play a central role in shaping the programme, ensuring alignment with Qatar's national priorities and reinforcing the country's position as a regional hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Hayya platform has recently been recognized for its outstanding achievements in technology and innovation, securing two regional accolades. Hayya was named Winner in the Travel Technology - Business Services category at the Middle East Technology Excellence Awards 2025 and received the Best Use of Digital by Sector - Travel Industry title at the MENA Digital Awards 2025. Commenting on the achievement, Director of Hayya Saeed Al Kuwari said: "We are proud that the Hayya platform has been recognised by two distinguished regional awards for its digital innovation. This achievement reflects Hayya's evolution into a world-class platform that continues to set new standards for travel and tourism services.Our focus on integrating advanced technologies ensures visitors enjoy seamless, secure and efficient experiences, while reinforcing Qatar's position as a leading global destination. With these recent awards, we have not only delivered the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ successfully but also fulfilled our vision of establishing Hayya as a lasting legacy that supports Qatar's tourism sector. We remain committed to its ongoing evolution, ensuring the platform continues to drive innovation and excellence in line with Qatar's tourism vision." Originally designed to manage fan entry during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Hayya has since transformed into a comprehensive e-visa ecosystem, offering five distinct visa categories: the Tourist Visa (A1), GCC Resident Visa (A2), Visa with ETA (A3), Companion of GCC Citizen Visa (A4), and Visa-Free for US Citizens (F1). Hayya's continuous innovation has transformed visitor experiences through advanced B2C technologies, including Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for automated document extraction, the upcoming Arabic OCR implementation to improve accessibility for Arab nationals and NFC-based passport scanning for instant passport data entry. On the B2B front, Hayya provides secure API integration enabling real-time ticket validation and identity-linked QR codes for seamless access across stadiums, hospitality venues, and transport services. The platform has successfully supported some of Qatar's largest international events, including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the AFC Asian Cup 2023, the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix, and the Web Summit Qatar 2024. Operated by Qatar Tourism, Hayya serves as Qatar's official e-visa digital platform. As Qatar's central digital gateway, Hayya streamlines access to the country through integrated visa processing and event access, all within a single, user-friendly interface. The platform is designed to facilitate e-visa services while integrating events, domestic tourism, transport, lifestyle experiences, and everyday services into one unified solution for living, traveling, and connecting. Beyond enabling smooth entry via airports and land borders, it encourages visitors to explore Qatar's cultural landmarks, natural attractions, and vibrant year-round events. The platform also supports major events by delivering tailored digital solutions for organisers, delegates, and attendees.

Es'hailSat, the Qatar Satellite Company, has signed joint cooperation and strategic partnership agreements with both Saudi Netlink and EgyptSat, separately, for the purpose of providing joint satellite services across both their customer base located in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and spread across the Middle East and North Africa region.In its statement, Es'hailSat said that these partnerships allow the customers of these companies to leverage the combined satellite services of the companies as well as the ground infrastructure that brings with it the latest technologies in satellite communications and VSAT technology."Es'hailSat is delighted to enter into this Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Netlink that combines the satellite and ground segment strength of both companies in the best interest of all our customers," said President and CEO of Es'hailSat Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari.On signing the agreement with EgyptSat, Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari said, "We are witnessing a rapid growth of the economies in the Middle East and North Africa region, together with global sporting events, and this has led to growing demand from our commercial, government and defense customers." In order to best serve these and remain competitive in the global landscape, we welcome this partnership with EgyptSat and believe that when it comes to our satellite services, the whole will be greater than the sum of the parts.These partnerships stand to benefit a diverse set of customers across applications such as VSAT communications, enterprise connectivity, telecommunications, and other digital services.Both Saudi Netlink and EgyptSat will extend their cooperation with Es'hailSat into areas such as training, pricing, and collaborating with each other as preferred partners.Es'hailSat, the Qatar Satellite Company, incorporated in 2010, provides satellite, broadcast, teleport, and managed services. Strategically located in Doha, Qatar, its coverage extends across the Middle East and North Africa, delivering critical communication solutions to broadcasters, telecommunications providers, enterprises, and government entities.The two satellites, Es'hail-1 and Es'hail-2, are co-located at the 25.5°/26°E orbital position. Complementing this orbital infrastructure is a 50,000 sqm Tier-4 certified teleport facility, enabling the delivery of reliable, secure, and high-performance connectivity services.

The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) has launched a pioneering proof of concept (POC), under its Digital Asset Lab, marking a significant step forward in the application of blockchain technology to Islamic finance.This development was enabled through the collaboration of a consortium of partners — AlRayan Bank, Blade Labs, and Hashgraph — each contributing unique expertise to a shared vision of financial innovation.The POC will demonstrate a blockchain-based digital receipt system (DRS) that can enhance transparency, efficiency, and regulatory compliance in Shariah-compliant asset-backed finance.The system will operate on HashSphere, a private permissioned distributed ledger technology (DLT) network built with Hedera technology, deployed on Google Cloud infrastructure provisioned through QFC’s lab.This initiative exemplifies a collaborative model where regulatory foresight, technical innovation, and domain expertise converge.The QFC serves as the orchestrator of the initiative, providing infrastructure support and subject matter expertise to guide the use case development.Hashgraph delivers and operates the underlying blockchain infrastructure, ensuring secure and scalable network performance, and Blade Labs leads the development of the DRS, including smart contracts and user interfaces tailored to Islamic finance use cases.AlRayan Bank plays a critical role in validating the system’s functionality, offering domain-specific insights and exploring commercialisation pathways, while Google Cloud enterprise-grade infrastructure is utilised for the initiative."Through our Digital Assets Lab, we’re proud to facilitate this pilot as a step forward in exploring how blockchain can bring greater efficiency and scalability to Shariah-compliant financial products. This initiative reflects our continued support for tokenisation, financial innovation, and collaboration aligned with the Third Financial Sector Strategic Plan," said QFC Authority chief executive officer Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida.Omar al-Emadi, acting Group chief executive officer of AlRayan Bank, said innnovation is a cornerstone of Islamic finance, and this initiative reflects its commitment to advancing Shariah-compliant financial solutions that meet the evolving needs of the market."Through our participation in this POC, we reaffirm our role in validating the system’s functionality and laying the groundwork for scalable, practical applications that can strengthen the future of Islamic finance while reinforcing Qatar’s position as a regional hub for financial innovation," he said.By participating in this POC, it is not only validating the system, but also helping pave the way for practical and scalable applications of blockchain technology in the Islamic finance sector, according to Houssam Itani, Group chief transformation officer, AlRayan Bank.Sami Mian, chief executive officer, Blade Labs, said the DRS POC will showcase that blockchain, smart contracts, and global identity standards can address the operational bottlenecks that currently prevent Islamic finance institutions from scaling certain Shariah-compliant asset-backed products."By providing a controlled environment to measure actual business outcomes, institutions can evaluate whether this technology approach solves problems worth solving before making larger commitments," he said.Eric Piscini, chief executive officer, Hashgraph, said it is built to deliver the trust, performance, and regulatory confidence that today’s financial systems demand."Backed by the scalability and security of Hedera’s enterprise-grade technology, this collaboration highlights how the right infrastructure can unlock new possibilities in both Islamic finance and broader financial innovation," according to him.

The Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council, in co-operation with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), the Intellectual Property Protection Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Qatar Development Bank (QDB), and Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), has "successfully concluded" the WIPO Intellectual Property Management Clinic: Leveraging IP for Business Growth and Globalisation.The two-day programme, held in Doha, brought together experts, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to strengthen the role of intellectual property (IP) in advancing innovation, competitiveness, and international expansion for Qatari enterprises.The opening session featured remarks from senior representatives of MoCI, QRDI Council, QSTP, QDB, and Guy Pessach, Director of the IP for Business Division at WIPO. The first day of the programme addressed the growing importance of intangible assets such as innovation, branding, and proprietary knowledge as key drivers of business growth.Participants gained insights into how patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets can be used strategically to capture value, while case studies from sectors including food and beverages and the creative industries demonstrated practical applications of IP for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Panel discussions explored the challenges and opportunities facing Qatari SMEs in protecting and managing their intellectual property both locally and internationally. Experts provided guidance on avoiding common pitfalls, developing effective IP strategies, and safeguarding digital assets in an increasingly online economy.The agenda also included interactive roundtables where participants developed preliminary IP roadmaps tailored to their businesses, ensuring alignment between IP decisions and long-term growth objectives.The second day saw selected companies take part in one-on-one deep-dive diagnosis and strategy sessions with WIPO experts and representatives from QRDI Council, MoCI, QDB, and QSTP.These private consultations enabled enterprises to refine their IP portfolios, align protection strategies with business goals, and explore monetisation opportunities through licensing, franchising, and partnerships.The successful completion of the Intellectual Property Management Clinic highlights QRDI Council’s ongoing commitment to building a strong innovation ecosystem in Qatar.By equipping local businesses with the tools to harness and protect their intellectual property, QRDI Council continues to drive national efforts to position Qatar as a regional and global hub for research, development, and innovation.

The Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, has wrapped up Creative Labs, a two-week, studio-based training programme where more than 30 students turned their ideas into working prototypes. Hosted at the QSTP and Qatar Scientific Club (QSC), the programme attracted more than 160 applications. By the end of the programme, participants had developed 17 prototypes after an intensive journey through hands-on innovation, design thinking, and technology integration. Teams developed inclusive health wearables, designed playful furniture for the elderly, reimagined single-use event items with biodegradable alternatives such as mycelium and potato starch, and built games that spark conversations about social issues. Each project combined social purpose with emerging technology, encouraging participants to explore problems from fresh angles and to design solutions with impact. Developed with NuVuX, a global leader in creative education, impacting more than 13,000 students and 1,850 teachers through their design-based practices, and delivered in partnership with the QSC and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE), Creative Labs brought high school and university students, educators, mentors, and industry partners together under one roof. “Creative Labs proves what is possible when curiosity and purpose come together,” QSTP Innovation and Entrepreneurship director Hayfa al-Abdulla said. “In our studios, educators and students are not just learning – they are inventing, prototyping, and building solutions the world needs, backed by Qatar’s leading innovation partners.” “The QSTP, through programmes like these, is shaping a generation of impact-driven innovators who will redefine industries, drive new ventures, and disrupt markets,” she said. “We take pride in our collaboration with the QSTP through the Creative Labs programme, empowering students and innovative educators,” said QSC deputy executive director Abdulrahman Saleh Khamis. “By opening our fully equipped and advanced laboratories and workshops to participants, we aim to support the development of promising prototypes and innovations.” “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to fostering research, innovation, and advancing Qatar’s knowledge-based economy,” he said. Participants left with practical solutions and the skills to apply them. The ideas developed hold promise to impact community, meet human purpose, and reinforce the QSTP’s role as a global tech hub, a statement added.