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QNB announced a significant partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) to support the Tasmu Accelerator, an annual initiative launched to support global startups in introducing innovative solutions that contribute to Qatar’s transformation into a smart nation.The initiative focuses on strategic sectors such as healthcare, transportation and logistics, environment, financial services, and smart cities, aligning with Qatar’s long-term development objectives.As part of this partnership, QNB has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering innovation and fostering sustainable growth by supporting startups that drive digital transformation and technological progress in Qatar.Khalid Ahmed al-Sada, Senior Executive Vice-President, QNB Group Corporate and Institutional Banking, said:“Our sponsorship of the Tasmu Accelerator reflects QNB’s strong belief in the power of innovation and technology as key drivers of Qatar’s sustainable future. By supporting startups and entrepreneurs through this programme, we are contributing to Qatar’s Vision of becoming a Smart Nation and reinforcing our role as a trusted partner in the country’s digital transformation journey.”Commenting on the partnership, Eman al-Kuwari, Director of Digital Innovation at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, stated: “Our partnership with QNB reflects our mutual commitment to building a more diversified and sustainable economy by supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.“Through this co-operation, we aim to empower startups and emerging companies with the tools and opportunities needed to grow, while enhancing Qatar’s position as a regional hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. This also aligns with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and supports the country’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy.This initiative comes as part of QNB’s broader strategy to support the nation’s economic diversification and digital innovation goals in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.

As part of its commitment to fostering a dynamic digital business ecosystem and supporting the growth of startups in their journey towards market readiness, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), signed co-operation agreements with six leading organisations to support the third cohort of TASMU Accelerator.The Cohort Champions include QNB, Deloitte, and Ooredoo, who will each award QR200,000 to three top-performing startups during the Demo Day, in recognition of their innovative solutions and their contribution to advancing Qatar's digital transformation.The Strategic Partners include Commercial Bank, Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and Qatar Development Bank (QDB). Commercial Bank will provide free accounts to start-ups without a minimum deposit requirement, QFC will provide technical and business advisory services, support with licensing procedures, and offer incentives to companies nominated by the TASMU Accelerator, provided their activities fall within the scope of those authorised by or through QFC.QDB will ensure startups qualify for the Talent Community programme, in addition to offering up to six months of free housing and creating opportunities for co-investment through its investment arm.Speaking at the ceremony, Eman al-Kuwari, Director of the Digital Innovation Department at MCIT, said, "The signing of these agreements reflects our shared commitment to start-ups, and the importance of empowering them to generate tangible impact and succeed in building a business environment that fosters innovation."She emphasised the importance of institutional integration, knowledge exchange and collaboration with digital innovation leaders to support startups in expanding their operations and accelerating their entry into the local market through building a strong network of strategic partnerships with local and global institutions, reinforcing Qatar's position as a regional hub for digital innovation.These collaborations will further reinforce the progress of the TASMU Accelerator and consolidate its role as a leading national platform for supporting digital entrepreneurs. The programme has already gained broad international recognition, with its third cohort attracting more than 1,000 applications from 77 countries. This strong response underscores the accelerator's ability to attract top talent and innovative ideas from diverse markets, and to position itself as a gateway connecting global innovators with Qatar's entrepreneurial ecosystem.These agreements aim to strengthen the capacity of the third cohort of start-ups to enter the Qatari market, expand their operations and develop innovative solutions aligned with the Digital Agenda 2030 and the Qatar National Vision 2030, supporting the country's transition towards the digital economy.