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Ukraine's parliament appointed young technocrat Mykhailo Fedorov as defence ‌minister Wednesday as the government ‍seeks to drive innovation to strengthen the military during a difficult phase of the nearly four-year war.President Volodymyr ⁠Zelenskiy said he had ordered Fedorov, 34, ⁠to implement fast decisions to protect Ukraine's skies, strengthen supplies to the front ‍line and introduce other technological solutions to stop Russian advances."We immediately identified the first priorities for the ministry of defence. The main one is air defence," Zelenskiy said in a post on X after meeting Fedorov.The exhausted Ukrainian army is outmanned and outgunned on the battlefield after Russia's invasion in February 2022. Russian forces are steadily grinding forward in the eastern Donetsk region and trying to ‌punch through defence lines in the south and northeast.With diplomatic efforts to end the war failing to produce tangible results, Kyiv needs to strengthen its armed forces, which total around 1 ‍million personnel.Zelenskiy said "much broader changes" ⁠were needed in ‌the system for mobilising troops for the war."Decisions have already been made to ensure a more equitable distribution of personnel among combat brigades," he said.Parliament voted to extend martial law and mobilisation until May, the 18th time since Russia's full-scale invasion.Fedorov has already played an important role in shaping Ukraine's high-tech response to Russia's invasion in previous roles as the first deputy prime minister and digital transformation minister."Today, it is impossible to fight with new technologies using an old organisational structure," Fedorov told lawmakers before the vote, promising sweeping changes."Our goal is to change the ​system: to reform the army, improve infrastructure ‌on the front lines, eradicate lies and corruption, and make leadership and trust a new culture."Fedorov was instrumental ⁠in creating a "drone line" - a defensive ‍line of drones meant to inflict maximum damage on Russian troops. He also helped improve connectivity for Ukraine's forces at the front line by deploying Starlink terminals.Along with strengthening its defence efforts, Ukraine needs to implement big changes to stabilise the battered energy sector. Parliament appointed Denys Shmyhal, a former prime minister, as the new energy minister.Shmyhal, one ​of the country's most experienced government officials, faces the dual challenge of keeping Ukraine's lights on despite heavy Russian attacks while also cleaning up the energy sector.His predecessor was dismissed in November after anti-corruption agencies uncovered a scheme to skim $100mn from Ukraine's state nuclear energy company.Both new ministers take up their positions weeks after a corruption scandal in the energy sector that caused Ukraine's biggest wartime political crisis and led to widespread public anger at Zelenskiy's government. Following that, Zelenskiy replaced several security officials and ⁠placed a popular spy chief at the centre of his administration as his chief of staff. 

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani discussed Wednesday with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif the latest regional and international developments of joint interest, particularly de-escalation, enhancing dialogue, empowering peaceful solutions, and supporting diplomatic efforts aiming to support security and stability in the region. This followed a telephone call His Highness the Amir held with Prime Minister Sharif. They also dealt with discussed bilateral relations and the means to enhance them.The Pakistan Prime Minister's Office (PMO) reported that Sharif appreciated Qatar’s constructive and proactive role in promoting peace, dialogue, and mediation across the region, and acknowledged its meaningful efforts to defuse tensions through diplomatic solutions. He assured the Qatari leadership that Pakistan would also continue to play a positive role in maintaining regional peace and stability.The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the current trajectory of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their shared resolve to further strengthen these time-tested fraternal bonds, the PMO noted. 

Doha Bank has received the ‘Best Private Equity Offering – MENA’ award at the MEED MENA Banking Excellence, Wealth & Private Banking Awards 2025.The bank describes the award as “a distinguished recognition” that celebrates its excellence in delivering innovative private equity solutions and exceptional wealth management services to high-net-worth and institutional clients across the region.Organised by MEED, one of the region’s leading business intelligence and financial information platforms, the MENA Banking Excellence Awards honour outstanding institutions driving innovation, performance, and client-centric excellence in the financial sector.The Wealth & Private Banking edition, launched as the first regional awards dedicated exclusively to private banking and wealth management, spotlights banks that demonstrate a deep understanding of the complex needs of high-net-worth individuals and family offices, setting new benchmarks for service excellence in the Mena region.Doha Bank’s recognition in the Best Private Equity Offering category underscores its leadership in designing and managing high-value private equity opportunities tailored to clients’ objectives. The bank’s Private Banking and Wealth Management division has built a strong reputation for combining global investment access with local insight, ensuring that each opportunity is structured to achieve optimal value creation and sustainable growth.Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Fahad bin Faisal al-Thani, Group CEO, said: “Being awarded the ‘Best Private Equity Offering – MENA’ by MEED is a testament to the trust of our clients and the excellence of our teams. This recognition underscores Doha Bank’s commitment to offering world-class wealth management solutions that contribute to the prosperity of our clients and the sustainable growth of the region’s financial ecosystem. We take great pride in leading innovation that reflects both global best practices and Qatar’s strategic vision for financial excellence.”The accolade reflects Doha Bank’s strong corporate strategy focused on diversification, responsible investment, and innovation across its Wealth and Private Banking operations. The bank continues to enhance its product portfolio, strengthen regional partnerships, and introduce forward-looking investment structures that position it at the forefront of private banking excellence in the Mena region.The recognition by MEED adds to Doha Bank’s growing list of prestigious industry awards, reaffirming its position as one of Qatar’s leading financial institutions and a trusted regional partner in wealth management and investment advisory. 

The Digital Incubation Center (DIC) under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) announced the signing of an agreement with Ibtechar Digital Solutions LLC, supported by AlchemistX and Innovation Foundry. The initiative aims to develop and implement the operational framework for the centre as part of the ministry's efforts to strengthen innovation and digital entrepreneurship in Qatar.The agreement was signed by Eman al-Kuwari, Director of Digital Innovation at MCIT, and Nayef al-Ibrahim, Co-Founder and CEO of Ibtechar.Eman al-Kuwari stated: "This agreement aims to empower young Qataris and innovators to transform their ideas into successful ventures that contribute to building a diversified and sustainable digital economy. It is a practical step toward strengthening the digital business ecosystem by providing startups with the technical support, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities they need togrow and turn promising ideas into competitive projects at the regional and global levels."Nayef al-Ibrahim commented: "This partnership marks a pivotal milestone in Ibtechar's journey, as we bring our specialised expertise in designing, developing, and delivering entrepreneurial programmes and innovation-driven initiatives to support the startups housed within the Digital Incubation Center. Through this collaboration, we will empower entrepreneurs to develop robust business models, test their products, and connect with customers and markets more effectively. At Ibtechar, we firmly believe that an integrated ecosystem - bringing together advanced training, tailored mentorship, and specialised technical support - creates a stronger environment for startups to grow and scale, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and its commitment to fostering a diversified, knowledge-based economy. We are proud of this partnership and fully committed to supporting the centre's pathway to deliver tangible impact and measurable value for incubated startups."This agreement represents a significant step toward accelerating digital innovation and supporting digital entrepreneurship, aligning with the pillars of the Digital Agenda 2030. 

QNB Group has been recognised as Qatar’s Best Cash Management Bank 2025 by Euromoney during the Transaction Banking Awards ceremony held recently in London.The prestigious recognition reflects the group’s continued commitment to providing advanced cash management solutions that empower corporate and institutional clients to manage liquidity efficiently, optimise working capital, and enhance operational performance.Judged by Euromoney’s expert editorial team, the Transaction Banking Awards recognise institutions that demonstrate excellence and innovation across cash management, payments, trade finance, and digital transformation.The award also highlights the bank’s leadership in adopting innovative digital solutions to meet the evolving needs of clients, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in driving the future of transaction banking.As part of its strategy, QNB continues to invest in cutting-edge technologies and digital platforms to deliver seamless, secure, and efficient banking experiences for its customers across its international network. 

Ericsson and Ooredoo Qatar have completed a proof of concept (PoC) for the Automated Energy Saver energy-performance feature, showcasing Ericsson's software solutions for Ericsson 5G Advanced Energy Efficiency and Management.The Automated Energy Saver functionality dynamically optimises resources and energy consumption based on real-time data related to traffic demand and network conditions. This functionality activates or deactivates radio resources based on user throughput, ensuring energy is saved during both low-traffic periods and times of high demand. It exemplifies intent-driven operations that achieve a balance between energy efficiency and user experience.In a span of one week, the PoC achieved a notable reduction of approximately 15% in radio power consumption while maintaining a consistent and high-quality user experience. The success of the PoC is a significant step towards the deployment of Ericsson 5G Advanced on Ooredoo Qatar’s network, reinforcing the progress towards the Qatar National Vision 2030 and supporting goals for more sustainable and intelligent connectivity.Hicham Siblini, Chief Technology and Infrastructure Officer at Ooredoo Qatar, said: “The proof of concept of Ericsson’s Automated Energy Saver represents Ooredoo Qatar’s journey towards a more advanced, intelligent and automated network. By enabling real-time intent-driven automation for more sustainable operations, Ooredoo will benefit from strengthened network intelligence while better serving our customers.”Petra Schirren, President Gulf at Ericsson Europe, Middle East & Africa, said: “Our proof of concept with Ooredoo Qatar shows the capabilities of Ericsson 5G Advanced and intent-based automation to drive energy-efficiency and deliver enhanced network performance.“Ericsson’s Automated Energy Saver functionality applies automation to optimise energy consumption based on real-time data while ensuring a seamless user experience. This progress helps build networks ready for rising capacity needs and long-term sustainability.”Ericsson and Ooredoo Qatar have an established history of joint projects, including nationwide 5G deployment and microwave backhaul and the earlier roll-out of the Ericsson Smart Connected Site aimed at reducing carbon emissions. The collaboration reflects strong alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030, contributing to national digitalisation and environmental goals. 

TechPreneur Solutions WLL, a Qatar-based innovation company, and ZT1 Technology Inc., a U.S. aerospace and energy innovator developing electrified propulsion and microgrid systems, have announced a strategic collaboration to integrate advanced artificial intelligence into ZT1’s electrification and energy platforms—bridging clean aviation, predictive operations, and intelligent energy management.ZT1 is leading the next era of sustainable aviation through its e-XL2 program, a fully electric aircraft developed with Liberty Aerospace. The collaboration with TechPreneur adds a new layer of intelligence to ZT1’s ecosystem, applying AI-driven analytics for fleet optimization, prognostic health monitoring, and energy management across both aerospace and microgrid applications.“Qatar offers a powerful environment to validate and scale future mobility solutions,” said Rwdah Al-Subaiey, Founder & CEO of TechPreneur Solutions. “By combining TechPreneur’s AI capabilities with ZT1’s electrified propulsion and energy technologies, we are enabling data-driven intelligence that improves reliability, efficiency, and sustainability—positioning Qatar as a catalyst for the GCC’s next generation of clean aviation and smart-energy innovation.”“ZT1 is building the foundation for the next era of electrified flight,” said Dr. Youcef Abdelli, Founder & CEO of ZT1 Technology. “Through this partnership, the operational data generated from our flight and energy platforms becomes a source of intelligence—optimizing fleet performance, maintenance planning, and route efficiency. It’s the same level of predictive capability that major airlines are looking to integrate into their next generation of operations.”The partnership establishes Qatar as TechPreneur and ZT1’s regional validation hub, supporting ground and flight test campaigns that will generate real-world data for AI-based optimization and performance improvement. Insights gained through this collaboration will feed new applications in energy management and microgrid operations, extending to airports, logistics hubs, and regional sustainability programs across the GCC.The collaboration also opens pathways to explore AI-driven operational intelligence for airline and fleet operators, including potential applications with regional aviation players to improve operational reliability and energy efficiency.For investors, the partnership represents a high-value opportunity at the intersection of AI, electrification, and aviation intelligence, connecting Qatar’s innovation ecosystem and the GCC’s sustainable-mobility vision with ZT1’s engineering leadership in electrified propulsion and smart-energy systems.About TechPreneur SolutionsTechPreneur Solutions WLL is a Qatar-based technology company specializing in applied artificial intelligence and digital innovation. The company develops advanced AI systems for aviation, energy, and enterprise applications—delivering operational intelligence and sustainable efficiency.About ZT1 TechnologyZT1 Technology Inc., a U.S. aerospace and energy innovator headquartered in Washington State, develops electrified propulsion and microgrid systems for next-generation aircraft and clean mobility. Its vertically integrated platforms combine propulsion, power electronics, and smart-energy systems to drive the transition toward sustainable flight and efficient energy infrastructure.Media ContactsTechPreneur Solutions – [email protected] Technology – [email protected]

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.

Techno Q, a leader in technology and digital solutions, particularly in the sports sector, has won new government contracts valued at QR62mn.These contracts include the supply, installation, and maintenance of giant screen systems and broadcasting infrastructure in several sports facilities across the country.This achievement is further evidence of the trust that government entities place in Techno Q’s services and its high efficiency in executing vital projects that meet international standards, the company said in its regulatory filing with the Qatar Stock Exchange.It also reflects the country's commitment to developing sports infrastructure and providing an advanced environment that supports both athletes and fans."These projects are not just new contracts; they are a direct contribution to supporting the development of sports in our country and an affirmation of our strategic partners' trust in our capabilities," said Zeyad al-Jaidah, a board member and managing director at Techno Q.Through these projects, Techno Q continues to solidify its position as a key partner in the nation's sports renaissance by providing advanced technological solutions and utilising the latest global systems in display, broadcasting, and lighting.This ensures that it keeps pace with the rapid developments in the sports industry and enhances the experience of fans, the filing said."With increasing national investments in this vital sector, Techno Q looks forward to more future successes and to solidifying its role as a reliable national company that supports the state's efforts in building a comprehensive and sustainable sports system," it added.

Techno Q has reported net profit of QR9.8mn on revenues of QR103mn in the first half (H1) of 2025.The majority of the revenue (70.27%) was generated by the company’s core activities relating to the audiovisual systems, hospitality solutions, business solutions and lighting systems.The subsidiary, Techno Q Security Systems accounted for 29.38% of the revenue, primarily from ELV (extra low voltage) and security systems services. A minor contribution came from operations in Saudi Arabia.The H1-2025 performance translated into a gross profit of QR33.6mn."Our H1 performance reflects disciplined execution, margin expansion, and a stronger balance sheet... With a healthy secured backlog and a robust pipeline of Qatar-hosted events, we are confident in our ability to capture additional opportunities across ICT (information, communication and technology), security systems, hospitality solutions, and systems integration," said Zeyad al-Jaidah, co-founder and managing director of Techno Q.However, net earnings declined from QR12.9mn in H1-2024, resulting in a net margin to ease to 9.5% in H1-2025 against 11.7% the year-ago period.Techno Q continues to be in a strong financial position with its total equity at QR120.8mn.The company significantly reduced its bank financing by 60.33% year-on-year to QR0.4mn in H1-2025.The group strengthened its liquidity with cash rising from QR56.1mn in H1-2024 to QR73.4mn in H1-2025, while borrowings decreased from QR1.1mn to QR0.4mn and despite 2024 dividend payments of QR12mn.As a result, total net cash improved from QR43.2mn in H1- 2024 to QR61mn in H1-2025, reflecting enhanced financial flexibility and lower leverage.