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imec, a global leader in nano-electronics and digital innovation, Tuesday unveiled its plans to launch a regional research and development (R&D) hub in Qatar in early 2026.Supported by Invest Qatar, the country’s investment promotion agency, and the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI), the centre will leverage Qatar’s state-of-the-art infrastructure to drive innovation and technology-led growth, while serving as a regional hub to expand imec’s footprint across the Gulf.On the sidelines of Mobile World Congress in Doha, imec signed an agreement with Invest Qatar and QRDI to establish a dedicated R&D hub in Qatar, supported by the government of Qatar.The signing was witnessed by His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani, the Minister of Commerce and Industry; His Excellency Mohammed bin Ali al-Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and Dr Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak al-Khalifa, Secretary-General of the National Planning Council.Located in Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), imec’s R&D facility will focus on accelerating the digital transformation and bringing IC-Link by imec’s chip design expertise to Qatar and the broader Middle East.The regional hub will support the creation of essential design tools – known as process design kits (PDKs) – for emerging technologies like silicon photonics, 3D integrated circuits, and silicon interposers. Additionally, it will explore innovative design workflows and the use of generative and agent-based AI (artificial intelligence) in the development of custom chips (ASICs).Furthermore, imec will focus on developing advanced AI solutions to optimise infrastructure, and deep-tech innovations targeting applications for a sustainable society.imec will also nurture semiconductor talent through development programmes, internships, and PhD initiatives in collaboration with universities, companies, and startups, across various industries. These efforts, which build on imec’s proven model of open innovation, contribute to establishing a robust semiconductor talent pipeline in the region.imec’s Qatar hub will start hiring immediately and aims to reach 100 employees by 2030. Roles will include site management, R&D, research engineering and support positions.“After growing our footprint across Europe, the USA and Asia, we are proud to add another chapter to our internationalisation strategy with the launch of our Qatar hub. With this regional hub, we aim to contribute to the region’s growing momentum in semiconductor innovation and its broader shift toward a diversified, sustainable economy,” said Luc Van den hove, imec’s president and chief executive officer.As the region invests in advanced compute and energy technologies, and advanced chip design, he said it is committed to supporting this transformation through deep tech expertise, regional talent development, and partnerships built on mutual respect and global collaboration.Sheikh Ali Alwaleed al-Thani, chief executive officer of Invest Qatar, said this partnership with imec is a testament to the strength of Qatar’s investment ecosystem and world-class infrastructure in attracting global industry leaders.“We look forward to supporting imec in deepening its footprint in Qatar and expanding in the region, while jointly accelerating our national innovation agenda and creating new opportunities for talent development and high-tech investment,” he added.Partnering with imec marks an important milestone in positioning Qatar as a hub for R&D-driven innovation and a trusted node in the global technology ecosystem, according to Omar Ali al-Ansari, Secretary-General, QRDI Council.

Snoonu, Qatar’s homegrown super-app and technology leader, has announced an expanded research and development (R&D) growth programme anchored by sustained in-country investment and the highlight of its Innovation District.This initiative reinforces the company’s mission to develop world-class technology in Qatar, for Qatar and the wider region, while contributing directly to the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.Over the years, Snoonu has established a strong record in R&D through pioneering projects in artificial intelligence (AI), logistics, and customer experience.These investments have delivered award-winning outcomes and strengthened Snoonu’s role as a national innovation leader.Over the years, Snoonu has built a strong R&D track record across artificial intelligence, logistics, and customer experience. These investments have delivered award-winning results and reinforced Snoonu’s role as a national innovation leader. With an ambitious ongoing investment program, Snoonu continues to deploy technologies that streamline operations, reduce delivery times, and ultimately save customers valuable time in their daily routines.The new R&D programme is centred on a major milestone in Snoonu’s growth: the Snoonu Innovation District.As a dedicated hub for cutting-edge technologies and talent development, the centre embodies Snoonu’s champion vision to push the boundaries of innovation while creating opportunities for knowledge-sharing and collaboration across industries.“Snoonu was built on the belief that Qatar can create technology at global standards while reflecting our local values,” said Snoonu founder and chief executive Hamad al-Hajri. “By deepening our R&D investment and launching the Snoonu Innovation District, we’re putting that belief to work, cultivating talent, accelerating innovation, and delivering impact for our customers, partners, and community.”Looking ahead, Snoonu’s R&D efforts will concentrate on scalable solutions that reinforce Qatar’s position as a global leader in technology.Central to this strategy is the company’s plan to have 1,000 engineers by 2030, creating pathways for local talent to become future technology leaders while enriching the ecosystem with expertise from more than 90 nationalities.This commitment is reflected in Snoonu’s collaboration with Qatar Foundation universities, where graduates are empowered and integrated into the team.“Our five-year R&D strategy focuses on advancing AI, automation, and sustainable green logistics,” said Jose Juan, director of R&D – Logistics Product/Engineering at Snoonu. “We are also strengthening our super-app ecosystem for GCC markets to deliver smarter, more personalised customer experiences while keeping human connection at the core.”Snoonu’s R&D agenda is designed to align with Qatar’s priorities for economic diversification, human capital development, and sustainability.By investing in talent and technology, the company is reinforcing the nation’s innovation ecosystem and contributing to its long-term strategy of becoming a global hub for technology and entrepreneurship.Beyond business growth, Snoonu’s R&D innovations are shaping Qatar’s wider innovation ecosystem.The company has supported global events such as Formula 1, MotoGP, and the Doha Book Fair with advanced technology, while also advancing education through research collaborations and empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and home businesses with digital platforms and reliable infrastructure.These achievements are reinforced by QR800mn in strategic investment from Jahez Group, valuing the company at over QR1bn and making it the first Qatari tech startup to cross this milestone.This landmark positions Snoonu on the path to becoming Qatar’s first “unicorn” and one of the most dynamic technology powerhouses in the GCC.

The Gulf Organisation for Industrial Consulting (Goic), in co-operation with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), is currently implementing a project that aims to develop a mechanism to connect factories with research and development centres and universities in Qatar.In this regard, the Qatar Chamber’s (QC) industry committee recently held a meeting with Goic and reviewed the progress of the system, which could go a long way in enhancing the competitiveness and productivity of Qatar’s manufacturing sector.Describing the project as one of the key initiatives of the National Strategy for Manufacturing Industries 2023–30; Abdul Kareem al-Rashid, Strategic Planning Advisor at Goic, said the linkage targets six priority industrial sectors in Qatar: plastics, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, basic metal, and building materials. "The mechanism will be piloted in one of the factories operating within these sectors, in collaboration with a research centre, to jointly address a specific challenge," he said, adding one of the most significant expected outcomes of the project is the establishment of a practical and proven mechanism for sustainable co-operation between industry and research centres in Qatar.He also said the project seeks to raise awareness among factories about the importance of collaborating with research and development centres, while strengthening the overall innovation ecosystem that supports industrial development in the country.Abdulrahman bin Abdullah al-Ansari, QC board member, who chaired the meeting, stressed the importance of the project for Qatari factories operating in several vital sectors. Despite Qatar’s remarkable progress in scientific research, development, and innovation, he said "there is still no clear mechanism to connect factories with research and development centres or universities." He affirmed the QC's preparedness to cooperate with Goic and all relevant entities in matters related to coordinating with Qatari factories, whether through direct communication with them or by identifying the obstacles they encounter.He further emphasised the chamber’s commitment to supporting Goic during the pilot testing phase of the proposed mechanism.