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Young innovators and Qatar’s youth have benefitted from the hands-on learning experience they gained at the recently held Rowad 2025, organised by Qatar Development Bank (QDB) under the theme ‘Beyond Boundaries: Scaling, Sustaining, and Succeeding’. During the three-day event, Innovation firm Ibtechar reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young innovators and cultivating a mindset of AI-driven entrepreneurship through various activities.As part of its youth-focused initiatives, Ibtechar organised the interactive workshop ‘Smart Startups: Using AI to Launch and Run Your Business’, in collaboration with its strategic partner, AI Crafters, which has a strong focus on the advancement, adoption and use of AI in professional environments.Delivered by Karima Rahali-Sebti, AI Crafters’ leading AI expert in the GCC, the one-hour session introduced university students to the potential of AI as a startup co-founder, demonstrating how technologies, such as Generative AI, are reshaping how startups are conceived, validated, and scaled.Emphasising Ibtechar’s dedication to building the capabilities of young people and equipping them to become tomorrow’s innovators, co-founder and CEO, Engineer Nayef al-Ibrahim, said: “AI is not just a tool, it is a transformative force that is redefining innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling young minds to create, scale, and lead in ways that were never possible before.” “Through our strategic partnership with AI Crafters and participation in platforms like Rowad, we are proud to empower youth to harness AI’s full potential and shape the future of Qatar’s innovation landscape,” he told Gulf Times in a statement. Through real-world demonstrations, participants explored how AI can accelerate business planning, market analysis, and customer engagement.They worked with leading AI tools to create visuals, draft business plans, and design AI-powered systems for outreach, lead generation, and nurturing. A highlight of the session was the ‘30-Day AI Startup Action Plan’, a structured roadmap that guides students in transforming ideas into viable prototypes within four weeks.The plan encouraged participants to apply what they learnt in real-world entrepreneurial contexts, promoting creativity, discipline, and accountability. Beyond technical skills, the workshop emphasised ethical and responsible AI adoption, encouraging participants to approach innovation with awareness and purpose.The initiative also highlighted Ibtechar’s role in building national innovation capacity and supporting the objectives of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030. Morad el-Mazyani, co-founder and CEO of AI Crafters, said: “Qatar’s commitment to innovation and AI makes it an inspiring place for us to contribute. Our collaboration with Ibtechar brings global expertise to a thriving innovation ecosystem and empowers young entrepreneurs to apply AI in meaningful, responsible ways.”

Qatar Development Bank (QDB) has concluded the 11th edition of the ‘Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference 2025’, which was held under the theme ‘Beyond Boundaries: Scaling, Sustaining, and Succeeding’. The event attracted more than 5,200 visitors who attended a wide range of specialised activities designed to support startups and strengthen innovation across Qatar’s national entrepreneurship ecosystem.This year’s edition was organised in collaboration with the Young Entrepreneurs Club, which hosted within the conference the second edition of the Young Entrepreneurs Media Forum. The forum witnessed strong engagement and notable participation from leading entities, entrepreneurs, and media-focused companies. QDB CEO Abdulrahman bin Hesham al-Sowaidi said, “Rowad exceeded expectations this year, delivering one of the most impactful entrepreneurship support platforms both locally and regionally.The event fulfilled its purpose of opening new horizons filled with opportunities that empower entrepreneurs in Qatar to scale their businesses and compete in new markets. “This year’s conference provided a strong platform to reinforce the role of the private sector in driving national economic diversification in line with the objectives of the Third National Development Strategy.” He added: “By bringing together all components of the entrepreneurship ecosystem under one dynamic umbrella, Rowad enabled deeper collaboration and knowledge exchange.The success of this year’s edition is owed to the support of our partners and sponsors, and to the active participation of investors and companies who chose to showcase their innovative products and services at Rowad.” With the conclusion of this year’s edition, QDB reaffirms its commitment to advancing innovation, driving sustainable growth, and strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Qatar.QDB stated that it will continue enabling local founders to expand into new markets through innovative partnerships and programs that support the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.

Qatar Development Bank (QDB) announced a major expansion of its support for entrepreneurs at the 11th edition of the Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference, unveiling new investment packages designed to attract global startups to Doha.Speaking at the conference’s opening ceremony, QDB CEO Abdulrahman bin Hesham al-Sowaidi said: “I am pleased to announce the doubling of investment packages: up to QR4mn for seed stage companies and up to QR20mn for growth stage companies. This programme serves as a bridge for outstanding startups worldwide to establish in Qatar and expand globally.”Al-Sowaidi emphasised that entrepreneurship in Qatar has evolved into a national endeavour, supported by the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3). He noted that the private sector’s role in venture capital “is expanding rapidly.”“Last year, private sector participation reached 57% of total venture capital investments. We continue our journey towards achieving the national target of 70% by 2030,” he explained.QDB’s investment arm now ranks fourth among the most active investors in the Middle East and North Africa, with direct and indirect investments exceeding “QR350mn.” The bank has also tripled the value of single co-investment deals to “QR11mn,” strengthening partnerships with local and international funds.Al-Sowaidi highlighted QDB’s partnerships with the Qatar Investment Authority’s (QIA) Fund of Funds programme, including the launch of the HealthTech Accelerator with Deerfield’s Cure programme, which connects Doha and New York. He also pointed to the creation of Qatar’s first venture building studio, The studio, in collaboration with Utopia Capital Management.Capacity building initiatives have also been central to QDB’s strategy. More than 220 angel investors have been accredited through a programme with the Qatar Finance and Business Academy, paving the way for deeper engagement in venture capital across the region.“Aligned with Qatar’s ambition to be a launchpad rather than just a destination, we introduced the Startup Qatar Investment Programme. In just two years, it has supported more than 35 companies with investments exceeding QR130mn,” al-Sowaidi said.Al-Sowaidi stressed that digitalisation is now essential for competitiveness. QDB has rolled out a Digital Transformation programme, introduced the Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) for self-assessment, and provided grants and financing to support companies in adopting advanced technologies.He cited figures from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) showing that 81% of early-stage entrepreneurs in Qatar rely on modern technology, evidence of the ecosystem’s ability to keep pace with global trends. QDB has also launched the Talent Community Programme, benefitting more than 50 entrepreneurs across 30 local and international companies, al-Sowaidi pointed out.He said this year’s Rowad conference gathered more than 120 local and international companies, 15 panel discussions, 45 workshops, and 28 startups competing to showcase their projects.“We stand at a moment where entrepreneurship moves from the margins to the centre of the economic system. The private sector is playing an increasingly vital role in driving development,” emphasised al-Sowaidi, who urged entrepreneurs and investors to seize the opportunity for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and deep partnerships.

Papercut, Qatar’s leading sustainable packaging manufacturer and a long-standing partner of Qatar Development Bank (QDB), has announced the acquisition of a 60% stake in Enavra, a pioneering local company specialising in advanced bio-plastic materials.The strategic acquisition represents a major step forward in Papercut’s mission to accelerate sustainable packaging solutions in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly its pillars of environmental development, resource efficiency, and building a circular, knowledge-driven economy.Qatar faces an increasing national challenge around waste and plastic pollution. As businesses and communities demand more responsible materials, bio-plastics will play a critical role in reducing environmental impact and supporting a more sustainable future.Through the acquisition, Papercut is positioning itself and Qatar at the forefront of innovation by investing in locally manufactured biodegradable and compostable materials that address real environmental needs.Under Enbat Group’s leadership, Papercut has grown into a key driver of sustainable manufacturing. Bringing Enavra under the Papercut umbrella will fast-track the development of bio-plastic alternatives that reduce national waste; strengthen Qatar’s local manufacturing capabilities; expand R&D collaborations with universities and innovation centres; support the country’s transition to a circular, low-waste economy; and empower Qatar’s ambition to become a regional benchmark for sustainable industries.Ghanim al-Sulaiti, founder of Enbat Group and Papercut, stated: “Enavra represents the future of bio-plastics in the region, and bringing them into Papercut allows us to scale that future faster. With the support of QDB and our continuous investment in innovation, we are ready to take Enavra to the next level, expanding production, strengthening research, and delivering sustainable solutions that can compete globally.“This acquisition aligns directly with Qatar National Vision 2030, especially our responsibility to reduce waste and build circular systems. Packaging must become part of the solution, not the problem, and through innovation, we can lead that change. Our ambition is clear: to become the region’s leader in bio-plastic manufacturing.”Saoud al-Emadi, CEO & founder of Enavra, said: “Our partnership with Papercut is more than an acquisition; it is a shared commitment to building the future of sustainable materials in Qatar.“Since the beginning, Enavra was created to offer locally developed bio-plastic solutions that reduce reliance on traditional plastics and support a cleaner, more conscious way of producing and consuming.”He added: “With the support of QDB and Qatar’s growing innovation ecosystem, we are ready for the next chapter. Together, Enavra and Papercut will invest in local manufacturing and develop solutions that position Qatar as a leader in sustainable material innovation across the region.”Papercut and Enavra will work together to develop next-generation compostable and biodegradable materials, build Qatar’s first large-scale bio-plastics manufacturing hub, reduce national waste through responsible packaging solutions, strengthen the country’s role as a regional sustainability leader, and advance the environmental pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030.The official announcement will take place during the three-day ‘Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference’ at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).

Qatar Development Bank (QDB) kicked off Monday the 11th edition of the ‘Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference’, which will run until November 19 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).Organised in collaboration with the Young Entrepreneurs Club, the three-day event will also host the second ‘Young Entrepreneurs Media Forum’, featuring participation from government and private organisations, media professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs.His Excellency the Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani led the opening ceremony of the conference, which carries the theme ‘Beyond Boundaries: Scaling, Sustaining, and Succeeding’.The event is held under the patronage of His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani.QDB CEO Abdulrahman bin Hesham al-Sowaidi said, “Today’s opening clearly demonstrates Rowad’s pivotal role in supporting entrepreneurship and fostering innovation and creative thinking at the national and regional levels.“The direct connections we've seen between companies and investors, and the knowledge sharing among experts and entrepreneurs, showcase this platform’s unique ability to forge new pathways for collaboration across Qatar's business ecosystem.”He added: “Rowad’s core mission is to create an environment where companies can access the knowledge, relationships, and opportunities they need to thrive. We want every innovator to gain valuable insights into market dynamics, enabling them to plan strategically and grow with confidence.”According to QDB, this year’s theme charts a strategic course for entrepreneurship, emphasising excellence in business model development, market expansion, and leveraging sustainability and innovation as competitive differentiators that attract investment.The 2025 edition offers a rich and diverse programme, including a startup exhibition that features innovative solutions from 120 local and international companies. The conference hosts over 100 speakers and experts, more than 30 specialised workshops, and 15 panel discussions organised across four thematic tracks.The sessions tackle critical topics for Qatar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem: strategies for scaling operations and entering new markets, leveraging global demand to refine products and services, prioritising sustainability, and embracing innovative solutions.An interactive pitch platform allows entrepreneurs to present their ventures to investors and explore funding opportunities, while dedicated meetings between startups and investors facilitate partnership building and investment discussions.The conference enjoys strong institutional support, with strategic partners including the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, alongside strategic sponsor QNB Group.The 11th edition of Rowad builds on the conference’s established track record, strengthening Doha’s position as a dynamic innovation hub and premier entrepreneurship destination. Rowad is held as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW).

Deal endorses establishment of Centre of Excellence and Support for FinTech in Doha, serving as a dynamic platform that energises fintech community both locally and regionallyQatar Development Bank (QDB), represented by the Qatar FinTech Hub (QFTH), announced the signing of a strategic co-operation agreement with the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), an initiative by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).The agreement was signed by QDB CEO Abdulrahman bin Hesham al-Sowaidi, who is also QFTH chairman, and GFTN Group CEO Sopnendu Mohanty, on the sidelines of the ‘Singapore FinTech Festival’.It establishes a long-term framework for collaboration in policy innovation, ecosystem enablement, capacity building, and the exchange of knowledge and best practices in financial technology.The agreement endorsed the establishment of a Centre of Excellence and Support for FinTech in Doha, serving as a dynamic platform that energises the fintech community both locally and regionally. The centre will work to deliver strategic insights and pioneering research on transformative financial technologies and their impact on markets, from Africa and Central Asia to the Gulf Co-operation Council countries.It will further contribute to strengthening collaboration between regulators, financial institutions, and innovators to develop inclusive and forward-looking policy frameworks that support emerging economies, in addition to advancing capacity building through specialised training programmes, knowledge transfer, and dedicated workshops across the financial sector.The agreement also stipulated collaborating and coordinating on establishing a ‘Qatar FinTech Forum’ in the future, to serve as an annual international fintech event held as an extension of the ‘Singapore FinTech Festival’, aimed at advancing the future of financial technology in Qatar and the region.Doha was selected as the permanent host of the forum due to its position as one of the fastest-growing fintech ecosystems in the region, and as a strategic bridge linking the Middle East with the global digital economy.The forum will be a platform for exchanging expertise and ideas among policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, investors, entrepreneurs, and academia from across continents, to discuss the future of innovation and business in fintech.Al-Sowaidi said, “Our partnership with the Global Finance & Technology Network reflects our deep commitment to positioning Qatar as a global centre of excellence for financial innovation. This aligns with the objectives of the Third Financial Sector Strategic Plan and the Qatar FinTech Strategy led by Qatar Central Bank.”Al-Sowaidi added: “Through this partnership, benefiting from GFTN’s global expertise in policy innovation and digital transformation, we aim to build on the strong momentum the country is witnessing in developing local fintech capabilities, attract world-class innovators to Qatar, and strengthen the financial ecosystem to serve as a bridge connecting local capacity with global opportunity.“This partnership builds on Qatar’s robust digital infrastructure and thriving business environment, which have witnessed remarkable progress in recent years. We believe it will play a pivotal role in driving sustainable growth in the fintech sector, supporting economic diversification efforts, and advancing the long-term ambitions of Qatar National Vision 2030.”Mohanty said, “Qatar’s bold innovation agenda provides fertile ground for global collaboration. Together with QDB’s deep commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, and national capacity building, we are creating a platform that connects capital, policy, technology, and talent into an engine for accelerated and inclusive digital growth across Mena.”The partnership builds on the growing collaboration between Qatar and Singapore, combining both nations’ fintech expertise to advance cross-border innovation, investment, and knowledge exchange. It reinforces Qatar’s position as a leading regional hub for fintech excellence, aligned with national strategies that support sustainable, technology-driven economic growth.

The first cohort from the venture studio - backed by the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and Utopia Capital Management - is expected before the end of this year, according to a top official of QDB."We look forward to welcoming the first cohort from Qatar before the end of this year," QDB chief executive officer Abdulrahman bin Hesham al-Sowaidi told the seventh edition of Investment Forum 2025, organised by QDB in association with Young Entrepreneurs Club.Developing Qatar's venture capital ecosystem, in partnership with a fund-of-fund programme launched by QIA, the QDB had collaborated with Utopia Capital Management to establish the first venture studio of Qatar, operated by A-typical Ventures.Unveiled at the Web Summit 2025, the venture studio is actively seeking the region's entrepreneurs looking to scale innovations and drive economic diversification across sectors such as fintech, healthtech, e-commerce, logistics and mobility, and climatetech.The studio will act as a magnet for entrepreneurs and investors across the region, while nurturing Qataris' startup with skills and capital, al-Sowaidi said."This long-term partnership is a testament to our commitment to advancing the VC (venture capital) ecosystem through private sector enablement. This partnership is already in action," he said, adding the region is witnessing an increasing maturity in the financial ecosystem that encourages startup investments, even amidst global headwinds.A-typical Ventures will enable pre-seed, seed and pre-series A founders across the GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council), Levant, Pakistan and Turkiye to refine their business models, optimise their go-to-market strategies, and unlock powerful growth opportunities.The QIA's investment marks one of the first deployments of capital from its 'fund-of-funds' programme, which aims to develop a strong start-up and venture capital ecosystem in Qatar and attract leading venture capital funds and entrepreneurs to the region.QDB is co-building the next generation of game-changing ventures as it collaborates with Utopia and the Qatari partners, marking a bold step toward reshaping the startup landscape.By merging strategic investment with hands-on venture-building expertise, QDB aims to empower high-potential startups in Qatar and across the Middle East, helping them scale faster, break into new markets, and drive real economic impact.Mohammed al-Emadi, QDB executive director of Incubation and VC Investment, said the venture studio would be catering to the entire Mena region."Our alignment and agreement with Utopia is that we don't want to have a centre that's only dedicated for single market. We want a Mena venture studio. And the reason is that we want to serve our 2030 vision by building a knowledge-based economy. We believe that we need to draw the talents from Qatar, but we also need to attract talents to the region and to Qatar specifically," he added.

As part of the State of Qatar's efforts to promote national industry and enhance local content in government procurement, the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with Qatar Development Bank (QDB), organised a dedicated meeting to present and discuss the draft Mandatory List of National Products, reports QNA.The meeting targeted owners and managers of Qatari factories as well as contracting companies, providing a platform for direct dialogue on the proposed implementation mechanisms, and offering an opportunity to gather feedback and insights from representatives of the industrial sector regarding activation opportunities and integration with government entities.This initiative reflects the commitment of the relevant authorities to empower national manufacturers to benefit from government procurement opportunities and to strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors, contributing to the realisation of Qatar National Vision 2030 for a diversified and sustainable knowledge-based economy.