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The founder of an AgTech startup based inside the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) has revealed that deploying controlled-environment agriculture alongside traditional farming methods offers the company a practical strategy to overcome severe land and water limitations in hyper-arid climates.“Hydroponics is not meant to replace traditional agriculture—it is meant to complement it,” Jeacim Francis Adaya, founder and CEO of Hydrovest Technology, told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.He explained that traditional farming remains essential, but hydroponics allows food production in locations where conventional farming is difficult. “A diversified agricultural system is always stronger than relying on one approach alone,” he further pointed out.According to Adaya, the integration of soilless cultivation techniques provides commercial growers with a viable mechanism to stabilise local food production without overextending natural resources.Rather than seeking to displace open-field agriculture, tech-driven systems serve as targeted tools to expand output into non-arable areas and maintain year-round production cycles, he emphasised.Adaya noted that modern soilless systems address two of the most pressing agricultural bottlenecks in Qatar: Acute freshwater scarcity and a lack of fertile soil. He highlighted that being headquartered at QSTP has helped the firm develop agricultural equipment specifically engineered for high-heat, desert conditions.From an operational standpoint, closed-loop hydroponic systems capture and recycle water within closed circuits. This process drastically reduces overall consumption compared with conventional soil irrigation, providing a predictable output model for commercial operators facing high input costs, Adaya explained, noting that “these advantages make hydroponics an important component of sustainable agriculture in arid regions.”Beyond commercial-scale facilities, Adaya stressed that decentralised production models offer secondary supply chain support across the domestic market.Establishing small-scale setups in urban environments, residential clusters, schools, and community centers helps build regional resilience against broader import and logistics disruptions, he said.Adaya highlighted that grassroots education and widespread resident participation remain essential for driving long-term adoption. Building public awareness around modern farming methods ensures that state investments in agricultural technology yield measurable, community-wide results, he continued to explain.He said, “Food security begins at the community level. Individually, these projects may seem small, but collectively they create a more resilient food system. When residents understand where food comes from and participate in growing it, they become partners in achieving national sustainability goals.”Combining advanced resource management with existing farming infrastructure creates a balanced, flexible production framework, he said. At the same time, optimising input costs while maintaining steady yields aligns directly with national sustainability directives and long-term economic planning under Qatar National Vision 2030, he stressed.Adaya said the focus over the next decade remains on advancing desert-tailored agricultural innovation, expanding research partnerships, and fostering a commercial ecosystem that makes tech-driven farming economically viable across the Gulf region.“Our aim is to develop technologies designed specifically for desert agriculture, support local food production, collaborate with research institutions, and inspire the next generation of AgriTech entrepreneurs,” Adaya added. 

The Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, and the Young Entrepreneurs Club (YEC), which operates under the umbrella of the Ministry of Sports and Youth, has launched the “QSTP x YEC Summer Bootcamp 2026”, a hands-on programme in technology and startup building designed to turn ideas into companies.The first session attracted 124 attendees from across Qatar, with 60% female participation, bringing together university students, fresh graduates, aspiring entrepreneurs, and technology enthusiasts.Running from July 27 to August 19, the bootcamp brings participants through 13 sessions covering every stage of building a company.Early sessions introduce participants to how the startup world works and help them reframe their thinking around real problems worth solving, before moving into business models and revenue, and a structured critique process that pushes participants to stress test their ideas.Later sessions cover how investors evaluate opportunities, the local deep tech landscape, and how to build ventures around measurable impact, followed by product development, go to market strategy, storytelling, and pitching in front of an audience.The programme closes with an introduction to what comes next through the QSTP's incubation offering, and a rehearsal presentation ahead of the Hackathon.Sessions are led by founders, investors, and industry experts from organisations including Alchemist Doha, TeKnowledge, QLUB, Ibtechar, and HostX, alongside the QSTP's own programme team.Participants will also take part in a QSTP ecosystem tour and a rehearsal Demo Day ahead of the programme's closing Hackathon, set for August 20-21, where teams will pitch their startup concepts to a live panel of judges.The closing keynote will focus on how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way startups are built and scaled."Every year, the Summer Bootcamp shows us just how much talent is out there, waiting for the right platform,” said QSTP business development director Eng. Ahmed al-Said. “Our role is to equip these participants with the tools, mentorship, and access to Qatar's innovation ecosystem they need to turn a rough idea into something real.”“We look forward to seeing what this cohort builds over the next four weeks,” he added."This bootcamp reflects the Club's ongoing efforts to empower young people and equip them with the practical tools needed to transform innovative ideas into scalable and sustainable ventures,” said YEC vice-president Abdulrahman al-Emadi.“We are proud of our partnership with Qatar Science & Technology Park and of the support and collaboration of our partners in delivering an experience that combines knowledge, practical application, and direct engagement with industry experts,” he said. “Through this initiative, we aim to contribute to preparing a generation capable of leading the future of innovation and entrepreneurship in Qatar."Following the bootcamp, participants will be introduced to the QSTP Incubation Pathway, offering a clear route to continue developing their ventures beyond the programme.  

Development and deployment of agricultural solutions engineered for arid environments are underway within Qatar’s premier technology hub, driven by growing demand for localised food security measures.What began as a simple family gardening activity during the Covid-19 pandemic has evolved into a structured agricultural enterprise, accountant-turned-entrepreneur Jeacim Francis Adaya told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.He founded Hydrovest Technology, which has scaled up its operations from a home hydroponics hobby into a dedicated research project based at the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP).Adaya, who has lived in Qatar for more than 15 years, discovered the potential of soilless cultivation while looking for meaningful ways to spend time with his family during the global health crisis. The success of producing fresh food at home prompted him to share his experience through social media and small community workshops, he said.“We started growing vegetables through hydroponics at home, and I was amazed that we could produce fresh, healthy food without soil. As I shared our journey on social media and through small community workshops, I realised many people in Qatar were eager to learn about modern farming but didn’t know where to begin,” he explained.This localised interest led to the launch of the ‘Future of Agriculture – Hydroponics’ advocacy, noted Adaya, adding that the initiative aims to make modern farming practices accessible to families, schools, and local entrepreneurs.The transition from financial services to agricultural technology proved natural for Adaya, who explained that his finance background provided critical perspective in data analysis, risk management, and the formulation of sustainable business models.“People often think finance and agriculture are completely different fields, but I see many similarities. My background in finance taught me how to analyse data, manage risks, create sustainable business models, and make informed long-term decisions,” he pointed out.Adaya said, “Agriculture today is no longer just about planting crops. It involves technology, resource management, innovation, and sustainability. Financial discipline helped me understand how to build solutions that are both environmentally sustainable and economically viable”.Operating within Qatar requires navigating specific environmental constraints, he pointed out.“Qatar’s climate presents unique challenges. The extreme summer temperatures, limited freshwater resources, and high cooling requirements make farming difficult. In the beginning, we experienced crop failures, equipment issues, and many trial-and-error experiments. Instead of seeing those as failures, we treated every challenge as valuable research,” he said.Adaya continued, “Those experiences convinced me that Qatar doesn’t need to copy farming methods from other countries. We need technologies specifically designed for desert environments. That belief continues to drive our research and development today.”According to Adaya, the establishment of Hydrovest Technology was intended to address an identified gap in the domestic market. While large-scale public investments have enhanced national food security, affordable technology and technical guidance remained scarce for smaller, community growers.“I noticed that while Qatar has made remarkable investments in food security, there was still a need to make advanced farming technologies more accessible to the wider community.“Many people were interested in hydroponics but lacked practical knowledge, affordable solutions, and technical guidance. Hydrovest Technology was created to bridge that gap by combining education, research, and innovation,” he stressed.The company focuses on a broader definition of commercial success, said Adaya, who also emphasised that leadership in sustainability must balance financial metrics with societal value, focusing on inspiring local communities to adopt independent food production.“Success should not be measured only by financial performance but also by the positive impact we create for society. If our work inspires one child to love agriculture or helps one family grow their own food, then we are already making a meaningful difference,” Adaya added. 

Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, in partnership with TotalEnergies, marked the start of the QSTP × TotalEnergies WaterTech Accelerator. The programme brings together a global community of founders working on innovative solutions across the water sector.The programme officially commenced with its opening session held virtually on April 27, welcoming more than 200 startups and scale-ups from across the applicant pool. The session introduced participants to the programme journey and set the context for engagement with partners, industry stakeholders, and the wider ecosystem in the months ahead.An expert panel featuring Sead Bajrovic, founding partner at Water Impact Partners; Sonia Weymuller, co-founder and general partner at VentureSouq; Alina Truhina, founding and managing partner at Utopia Capital; Iheb Triki, CEO and co-founder of Kumulus Water; and Sami Khoreibi, co-founder and executive chairman of Wisewell, brought together perspectives from investment and entrepreneurship in the water and climate space.A second session featured contributions from Jim Williams of Msheireb Properties, Mohieddin Sheikh of Qatar Cool, and Ronald Richa, a representative from Veolia, bringing operational perspectives from across the water and utilities sector.Following these sessions, participants took part in a dedicated discussion focused on understanding Qatar’s innovation ecosystem. Delivered by representatives from QSTP, Qatar Development Bank, and the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council, the session provided founders with practical guidance on company setup, funding pathways, and opportunities for collaboration within the country.The accelerator has attracted 226 applications from 79 countries, reflecting strong global interest in water innovation. Regionally, the West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region accounted for 32% of applications, followed by Europe at 25%, with further participation from North America, South Asia, and Africa. The programme also received 19 applications from within Qatar, underscoring its international reach and local engagement.Applications span a wide range of sectors, with key areas including industrial water and wastewater, municipal water and utilities, agriculture and irrigation, smart cities and infrastructure, and public health and drinking water. This diversity reflects both the complexity of water challenges and the breadth of opportunities for innovation across different markets.Up to 40 founders will progress through the programme’s initial phase, which focuses on developing their solutions through expert-led sessions, technical validation, and market engagement. A subset of participants will then advance to the next stage, where they will work closely with partners to pilot and refine their technologies in real operating environments.Moza al-Naemi, programme lead, WaterTech Accelerator, added: “Our focus is on enabling founders to engage directly with industry stakeholders, understand operational realities, and build solutions that are not only innovative, but deployable and scalable within the ecosystems they aim to serve.”Yousef Al-Jaber, vice president of Innovation at TotalEnergies, added: “At TotalEnergies, sustainability and environmental protection are central to how we operate, both within our facilities and in the communities around them. One of the region’s most pressing challenges is water management, and through this programme, we gain access to founders from 79 countries who are developing new solutions to address a long-standing and growing challenge. Innovation is the path toward a better and more sustainable tomorrow.”As one of QSTP’s multi-country accelerator programmes, the WaterTech initiative reinforces its role in connecting global founders with regional partners, while supporting the development of innovative, high-impact technologies that address critical sustainability challenges.QSTP continues to welcome engagement from startups and founders through its programmes, with more information available at https://qstp.qa/joinus/ 

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) lost 174.51 points or 1.6% to close at 10,487.91 for the week. Market capitalization receded 1.7% to QR624.5bn from QR635.0bn at the end of the previous trading week. Of the 54 companies traded, 17 ended higher, one unchanged and 36 ended lower. Qatar General Insurance & Reinsurance (QGRI) was the best performing stock for the week, rising 9.1%. Meanwhile, Meeza QSTP (MEZA) was the worst performing stock for the week, decreasing 7.5%.Qatar Islamic Bank (QIBK), Industries Qatar (IQCD) and QNB Group (QNBK) were the main contributors to the weekly index decline, deleting 44.77, 39.06 and 38.66 points from the index, respectively.Traded value during the week rose 7.0% to QR2,437.4mn vs QR2,278.6mn in the prior trading week. Baladna (BLDN) was the top value stock traded during the week with total traded value of QR386.6mn.Traded volume climbed 23.8% to 1,078.2mn shares compared with 871.0mn shares in the prior trading week. The number of transactions increased 9.1% to 143,839 vs 131,849 in the prior week. Baladna (BLDN) was the top volume stock traded during the week with total traded volume of 277.6mn shares.Foreign institutions remained bearish, ending the week with net selling of QR153.9mn vs net selling of QR133.6mn in the prior week. Qatari institutions remained bullish with net buying of QR91.7mn vs net buying of QR74.1mn in the week before. Foreign retail investors ended the week with net selling of QR17.9mn vs net buying of QR6.3mn in the prior week. Qatari retail investors recorded net buying of QR80.1mn vs net buying of QR53.2mn. Global foreign institutions are net buyers of Qatari equities by $232.8mn YTD, while GCC institutions are long by $27.4mn. The QE IndexThe QE Index closed down for the week (-1.6%); it printed 10,487.9 at the close. Even though there has been a sharp drop on the Index for the week, we reiterate the positive outlook on the upcoming weeks, given a strong breakout above the 11,000 level with a spike in traded volumes. Clearing the mentioned level means chances for the continuation of the longer-term uptrend are more likely to shape, and we target the 11,300 level is next expected resistance. Our support level remains at the 10,000 points. DEFINITIONS OF KEY TERMS USED IN TECHNICAL ANALYSISRSI (Relative Strength Index) indicator – RSI is a momentum oscillator that measures the speed and change of price movements. The RSI oscillates between 0 to 100. The index is deemed to be overbought once the RSI approaches the 70 level, indicating that a correction is likely. On the other hand, if the RSI approaches 30, it is an indication that the index may be getting oversold and therefore likely to bounce back.MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) indicator – The indicator consists of the MACD line and a signal line. The divergence or the convergence of the MACD line with the signal line indicates the strength in the momentum during the uptrend or downtrend, as the case may be. When the MACD crosses the signal line from below and trades above it, it gives a positive indication. The reverse is the situation for a bearish trend.Candlestick chart – A candlestick chart is a price chart that displays the high, low, open, and close for a security. The ‘body’ of the chart is portion between the open and close price, while the high and low intraday movements form the ‘shadow’. The candlestick may represent any time frame. We use a one-day candlestick chart (every candlestick represents one trading day) in our analysis.Doji candlestick pattern – A Doji candlestick is formed when a security's open and close are practically equal. The pattern indicates indecisiveness, and based on preceding price actions and future confirmation, may indicate a bullish or bearish trend reversal.Shooting Star/Inverted Hammer candlestick patterns – These candlestick patterns have a small real body (open price and close price are near to each other), and a long upper shadow (large intraday movement on the upside). The Shooting Star is a bearish reversal pattern that forms after a rally. The Inverted Hammer looks exactly like a Shooting Star, but forms after a downtrend. Inverted Hammers represent a potential bullish trend reversal. DisclaimerThis publication has been prepared by QNB Financial Services Co WLL (“QNBFS”) a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qatar National Bank (QPSC). QNBFS is regulated by the Qatar Financial Markets Authority and the Qatar Exchange. Qatar National Bank (QPSC) is regulated by the Qatar Central Bank. This publication expresses the views and opinions of QNBFS at a given time only. It is not an offer, promotion or recommendation to buy or sell securities or other investments, nor is it intended to constitute legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Gulf Times and QNBFS accept no liability whatsoever for any direct or indirect losses arising from use of this report. Any investment decision should depend on the individual circumstances of the investor and be based on specifically engaged investment advice. We therefore strongly advise potential investors to seek independent professional advice before making any investment decision. 

Qatar Science & Technology Park, a member of Qatar Foundation, in partnership with Merck, marked the start of the QSTP × Merck FemTech Accelerator. The program officially began following its opening session held on April 20, which brought together applicants and selected founders to kick-start the accelerator journey.The session marked the start of the Intro Week, held from April 20 to 23. It introduced the program structure, selection process, and key milestones, while also highlighting its vision to drive innovation and deliver impact in women’s health. The program places a strong emphasis on supporting impact-driven solutions that improve access to care for women across different markets.The opening session also highlighted QSTP’s role in supporting startups and scale-ups through access to pilots, partnerships, and market opportunities. This was followed by a panel discussion featuring experts in healthcare, innovation, and women’s health, focusing on key factors for success among founders in the region.On April 22 and 23, the sessions introduced our partners and brought together Merck, represented by Ahmed El Azhary, Head of Innovation and Digital Transformation at Merck Gulf; Hamad Medical Corporation, represented by Dr. Julien Abinahed, Dr. Samer Hammoudeh, and Dr. Huda Abdulla Al-Saleh; Sidra Medicine, represented by Dr. Khalid Fakhro; and Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar, represented by Dr. Alaa Abd-Alrazaq, as well as Hind Zaki from QRDI.The accelerator has attracted 240 applications from 47 countries, reflecting its global reach. Female-led startups account for 71 percent of the total applicants, highlighting strong participation from women founders building solutions in this space. The program also saw engagement from within Qatar, with 24 applicants based in the country.Regionally, 33 percent of applications came from the West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region, alongside strong representation from Europe at 24.6 percent, North America at 15.8 percent, and Africa at 10.4 percent, reinforcing the program’s positioning as a multi-country accelerator with diverse market perspectives.Applications span a wide range of priority sectors, with key focus areas including reproductive health and fertility, diagnostics and biomarkers, mental health and wellbeing, and maternal and postpartum care. Additional areas include non-communicable diseases, cancer screening, digital health platforms, hormonal health, autoimmune conditions, and medical devices, reflecting the depth of innovation and the potential for scalable, impact-driven solutions in women’s health.From April to June, 40 founders will take part in Phase I of the program, which includes workshops and expert-led sessions covering areas such as digital health, impact, and commercialization. A smaller group will then be selected to move into the next stage, focusing on pilot development and validation.In Phase II, selected startups and scale-ups will work closely with partners in Qatar and across the region to test and refine their solutions in real-world settings, with an emphasis on validation and opportunities for scale.Commenting on the start of the program, Rama Chakaki, President of QSTP, said: “The level of interest and the quality of applications reflect both the urgency and the opportunity within women’s health. It is encouraging to see a strong representation of female founders developing solutions across critical areas.”Hayfa Al Abdulla, Program Director, added: “Our focus now is on working closely with the selected founders to advance pilot opportunities and connect them with leading institutions, ensuring their solutions are tested in real-world settings, where gaps in access and innovation still persist.”As QSTP’s first multi-country accelerator, the FemTech program reflects its continued role in enabling innovation and supporting startups and scale-ups with high potential for impact, while strengthening connections between global founders and Qatar’s growing innovation ecosystem.For startups and founders interested in future programs at Qatar Science & Technology Park, visit https://qstp.qa/                               

The Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), has welcomed imec, a world-leading research and innovation hub in advanced semiconductor technologies, as newest member of its community.The milestone marks a defining step in building Qatar’s semiconductor ecosystem and strengthens the country’s position as a regional hub for advanced technology development.This follows the announcement at Mobile World Congress Doha 2025, where imec revealed plans to establish a regional presence in Qatar and signed a formal agreement with Invest Qatar and the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council, in the presence of government officials and technology industry leaders.The expansion of imec into Qatar represents a significant milestone in its international growth and reflects the strength of Qatar’s innovation ecosystem.Through its partnership with the QSTP, imec will leverage the QF’s research, education, and innovation network to advance research and development (R&D) into advanced compute and chip design, supporting the development of a robust regional semiconductor landscape.“We are proud to welcome imec to the Qatar Science & Technology Park,” QSTP president Rama Chakaki said. “This partnership brings world-class semiconductor research and innovation to the region and reinforces our mission to position Qatar as a leading hub for technology, talent development, and collaboration.”Max Mirgoli, the chief global development, partnerships and venturing officer and executive vice-president at imec, said: “imec Qatar is being built as a platform for shared innovation. Through close collaboration with the QSTP and the QF ecosystem, we are creating an environment where talent development, academic‑industry partnerships, and regional collaboration come together.”“Our goal is to contribute meaningfully to the Gulf’s emerging high‑tech landscape by connecting local ambition with global expertise,” he said.At the QSTP, imec’s regional hub will focus on advanced computer architectures, artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled chip design, and emerging semiconductor technologies, including silicon photonics, 3D integrated circuits, and advanced packaging solutions.Researchers will explore next-generation design workflows and the application of generative and agent-based AI to accelerate semiconductor innovation.These efforts will support the development of more efficient digital and energy infrastructure aligned with regional sustainability priorities.Embedded within the QSTP’s innovation ecosystem of nearly 400 research, technology, and innovation entities, the imec hub will foster collaboration with industry, academia and startups by co-locating advanced research capabilities to accelerate technology adoption, enable applied research, and support the commercialisation of breakthrough semiconductor solutions. 

Stars of Science, an initiative hosted at Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, is marking its 17th season, celebrating its evolution from a televised competition into a leading scientific and creative movement that is helping shape the region's innovation ecosystem.Since its launch in 2009, the initiative has supported the development of 55 innovative projects and partnered with hundreds of educational institutions, inspiring thousands of young people to pursue their ideas. Its alumni now play an active role in mentoring new participants, reinforcing the sustainability of the region's innovation cycle.To date, 175 graduates from 18 Arab countries have produced impactful innovations in health technology, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and education.The winner of Season 17, Dr Laid Dardabou of Algeria, exemplifies the programme's legacy. His innovation, ViDa — a smartwatch system that estimates Vitamin D levels and helps prevent related mental health symptoms — secured top public votes and earned the judges' praise for its integration of biotechnology and emotional well-being.

The seven Arab innovators on Qatar Foundation's Stars of Science continue their competition in the finals of Season 17, facing challenges that prove that perseverance is the key to transforming innovative ideas into global impact. The program, hosted by Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, has become a catalyst for innovation in the Arab world since its launch in 2009. Through mentorship, access to state-of-the-art labs, and investor connections, QSTP helps contestants, like Season 16 winner, Yaman Tayyar, transform their ideas into viable startups that create global impact. This season, contestants will be required to exert their utmost effort to keep up with the program's increasingly advanced standards. Broadcast weekly on several regional channels and online platforms, the show challenges participants to build on the experiences of past graduates, an advantage that, coupled with their own vision and determination, could lead them to remarkable success. The Qatar Foundation edutainment show is raising the bar once again. This year's contestants aren't just building from scratch, they're attempting something uniquely challenging: refining what already exists. That kind of progress requires more than creativity. It demands precision, patience, and above all, targeted optimization. In the Arab region, Stars of Science has quietly forged something extraordinary: a generation of innovators who turned setbacks into stepping stones. This perseverance isn't just part of the show's legacy, it's the heartbeat of Season 17. Among the standout projects currently in the running are Razan Salem Bahabri's adaptive rehabilitation gaming system, and Mohamed Kahna's AR-assisted surgical navigation tool. Both push the boundaries of existing methods, and both are driven by a clear understanding of the real-world problems they aim to solve. "To improve what already works, you need more than invention, you need endurance," says Bahabri, a contestant from Saudi Arabia. Her approach is timely. Globally, there are 12.2 million new strokes each year, and rehabilitation centers now incorporate gamified therapy tools to support recovery, a field she is helping localize and adapt. Her project builds on those successes, offering a more engaging and accessible way to support neuroplasticity and user motivation in stroke rehabilitation. "When lives are at stake, you don't start from scratch, you make what's working even safer," says Kahna, her fellow Season 17 contestant. For Kahna, the stakes are high. Each year, more than 310 million major surgeries are performed around the world. The Tunisian's project seeks to improve outcomes by using augmented reality to support surgical decision-making, potentially helping surgeons avoid complications and act with greater clarity under pressure. Another shining example of resilience with long-haul success, when show alumnus, long-standing mentor and now co-host, Anwar Almojarkesh, joined Stars of Science in Season 5, he finished in fifth place. But his story didn't conclude there, it just began. Driven by advanced engineering, Almojarkesh developed a smart assistive pillow for the hearing impaired that detects emergencies such as fire alarms, alerting users through vibration, light, scent, and app notifications. After the show, he took the core of his invention and founded two companies, Innovation Factory in the UK and Sound Genetics in the US, bringing AI-powered technologies to governments, transport authorities, and healthcare providers worldwide. It is worth noting that Stars of Science has aired over 313 episodes since the first season, with the participation of 175 alumni from 18 Arab countries. Its graduates have helped launch more than 55 companies in various vital sectors.

Startup Grind Doha Chapter announced yesterday a strategic partnership with Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, aimed at strengthening the nation’s startup ecosystem. As part of the collaboration, QSTP will join as a ‘Strategic Partner’, supporting Startup Grind Doha’s activities and initiatives throughout the year.The partnership combines QSTP’s world-class support systems and expertise in deep tech and innovation with Startup Grind Doha’s strength in community-building, global networks, and founder-focused programmes. Together, the two organisations will co-organise initiatives designed to accelerate startup growth, foster knowledge exchange, and provide entrepreneurs in Qatar with the resources and connections they need to succeed locally and expand globally.Through the collaboration, Startup Grind Doha will serve as a platform to amplify QSTP’s innovation programmes and provide visibility for startups incubated or accelerated within QSTP. In turn, QSTP will provide valuable resources, mentorship opportunities, and access to its state-of-the-art facilities, enabling startups to scale and realise financial returns.The partnership also emphasises creating engaging events, fireside chats, panel discussions, and networking opportunities that bridge community-driven energy with structured innovation infrastructure. Hayfa al-Abdulla, QSTP Innovation and Entrepreneurship director, said: “At QSTP, our role is to connect ambitious founders with the programmes, funding, and expertise that can take their ideas from concepts to global scale. Partnering with Startup Grind Doha brings us closer to the vibrant energy of the startup community, allowing us to ignite opportunities that push the boundaries of technology and position Qatar as a launchpad for world-changing innovation.” Startup Grind Doha director Indica Amarasinghe said: “We are delighted to partner with QSTP as a Strategic Partner.This collaboration unites the community-driven reach of Startup Grind with the innovation infrastructure of QSTP. Together, we will amplify opportunities for founders, accelerate innovation, and contribute to the growth of Qatar’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.” The partnership represents a significant step in uniting institutional support with grassroots community engagement, reflecting Qatar’s ambition to become a regional and global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship with real-world impact.

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.