tag

Startup Grind Doha recently announced the winners of its ‘Tech Startup Community Awards’, which, according to a veteran Qatari businessman, supports entrepreneurship and fosters sustainable innovation. The ‘Tech Startup Community Awards’ recognised outstanding founders, startups, mentors, investors, and ecosystem leaders who continue to shape and strengthen Qatar’s entrepreneurial landscape, Startup Grind Doha announced in a statement. The awards ceremony brought together founders, innovators, investors, and ecosystem partners to celebrate excellence, impact, and community spirit within Qatar’s fast-growing startup ecosystem. Now in its second edition, the awards remain “a community-led initiative created by the community, for the community.” This year’s winners represent a diverse range of sectors and contributions, reflecting the depth and maturity of innovation emerging from Qatar. The winners of the ‘Tech Startup Community Awards’ for 2025 are Steve Mackie (Community Builder of the Year), Dr Hanan el-Basha (Mentor of the Year), Shipbee (Tech Disruptor Award), Empowrd (Idea Stage Startup of the Year), Emma Systems (Growth Stage Startup of the Year), PayLater (Breakthrough Startup of the Year), Golden Gate Ventures (Most Value Added Investor), Hissa al-Thani (Female Founder), Lillia (AI Startup of the Year), and Karty (FinTech Startup of the Year). The chapter director of Startup Grind Doha stated, “These awards represent more than just recognition: They celebrate the people and startups who consistently give back, push boundaries, and help build a stronger, more connected startup ecosystem in Qatar. The winners truly represent the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines our community.”As the Title Sponsor of the event, MBK Global reaffirmed its commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in Qatar. Veteran entrepreneur Sheikh Mansoor bin Khalifa al-Thani, who is also chairman of MBK Global, said: “Supporting initiatives like the Startup Grind Tech Startup Community Awards aligns strongly with our belief in empowering entrepreneurs and building sustainable innovation ecosystems. “These awards highlight the talent, ambition, and collaborative spirit driving Qatar’s startup community forward, and we are proud to support a platform that recognises those creating real impact.” As an annual event, the Tech Startup Community Awards aim to spotlight role models, encourage collaboration, and inspire the next generation of founders by showcasing success stories across different stages of the startup journey, Startup Grind Doha added. 

Qatar’s startup ecosystem is rapidly evolving, embracing global trends and investing in cutting-edge technologies to position itself as a hub for entrepreneurial growth and sustainability.In its report, ‘Qatar’s Startup Environment: A Detailed Overview’, Invest Qatar noted that the country currently hosts “around 1,000 startups with immense potential for growth”, supported by strong performance on global innovation indices.“Qatar performs exceptionally well on global indices for innovation, including ICTs, ecological sustainability, and general infrastructure. According to the Global Innovation Index, Qatar ranks first globally in General Infrastructure for Innovation,” the report stated.The government has reinforced this trajectory with bold commitments in artificial intelligence (AI), the report emphasised, citing HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani’s announcement of “$2.5bn” worth of incentives to advance AI, technology, and innovation programmes during the 2024 edition of the Qatar Economic Forum.“This includes the Arab Artificial Intelligence Project, aimed at enriching large Arabic models and preserving Arab identity. Furthermore, Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) signed an MoU with Germany’s ZE-KI (Centre for Tangible Artificial Intelligence and Digitalisation) during the annual Qatar Economic Forum to set up an AI research centre in Qatar, further boosting the country’s artificial intelligence cluster,” stated the report.The report also underlined talent development as another cornerstone of the ecosystem, citing Qatar’s global top ranking in attracting international students, with universities such as Qatar University and Hamad Bin Khalifa University hosting world-class research centres like Qatar Computing Research Institute and the Qatar Biomedical Research Institute.“Qatar ranks first globally in attracting international students, according to INSEAD’s Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2023 report,” the report noted.Emphasising the role of the private sector in capital availability, the report stated that Qatar ranks fourth globally in financing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with several domestic venture capital avenues and programmes, such as the NUMU, Itmar, and Al Dhameen, providing targeted support.At the same time, Qatar Development Bank (QDB) complements these efforts with competitions, hackathons, and the ROWAD Awards, which celebrate entrepreneurs and SMEs with funding ranging from “QR250,000 to QR350,000.”“Qatar’s strong economy provides abundant capital for startups with various public and private funds for startups. Qatar is the fourth-wealthiest country in the world on a GDC (PPP) per capita basis, making it a lucrative market for entrepreneurs... Startups in Qatar can access funding through various avenues, including government programmes, venture capital companies, and angel and seed investors,” stated the report.The report stated: “Entrepreneurial attitudes have improved significantly in Qatar, with 79.6% of the population believing that entrepreneurship is a good career choice. The Qatari government also supports the business environment as Qatar ranks second globally for tax policies, according to the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2023.”The report also cited the role of Tasmu, the Research to Startup Programme, and the Digital Incubation Centre as support systems that enhance ICT development and empower startups. These initiatives ensure Qatar’s ecosystem is well-positioned to become a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, the report pointed out. 

Qatar Development Bank (QDB) has been named a ‘Startup Ecosystem Star’ by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Mind the Bridge. The ‘Startup Ecosystem Stars (SES) Awards 2025’ recognise institutions that have demonstrated outstanding leadership, sustained impact, and comprehensive excellence in developing innovation ecosystems worldwide.  The award was presented during a ceremony held at the ICC Headquarters in Paris, in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the European Commission, with support from Microsoft. In its third edition, the SES Awards recognised QDB for its significant contributions to fostering innovation across three categories: ‘Best-in-class Startup Programmes’, ‘Outstanding Investment Boost’, and ‘Exceptional Industry Support’.  Recognition across these categories highlights the bank's comprehensive approach to creating a nurturing, flexible and competitive environment for startups, while reinforcing its position as a key driver of innovation within the global entrepreneurship ecosystem.  The milestone reflects QDB’s commitment to providing entrepreneurs with a comprehensive support ecosystem, from training and advisory services to incubation and acceleration programmes.  It also highlights the bank’s leading role in advancing the venture capital landscape by attracting local and international investment, promoting the role of the private sector, supporting exports, and enabling the growth of the national industrial sector through close collaboration with partners and relevant stakeholders across the country.  The SES Awards 2025 are among the most prominent global awards dedicated to evaluating key players within innovation ecosystems. Winners are selected by an international jury comprising leading global experts and representatives of international organisations.  The award underscores QDB’s position as a leading development institution in the region and a key enabler of entrepreneurial growth, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for innovation at local, regional, and international levels.

The Al Jazeera Media Institute (AJMI) organised a "Young Entrepreneurs" course to cultivate entrepreneurial thinking in children and introduce them to the fundamentals of project planning and transforming ideas into viable projects through a practical learning experience, AJMI announced on its website.Sixteen young people participated in the course, working as a team. They were divided into three groups that established three startup companies, simulating a real-world entrepreneurial environment.The participants demonstrated a high level of engagement and commitment throughout the programme, along with a remarkable ability to learn and apply their knowledge practically. This was evident in the final business presentation, where the children introduced their projects to visitors and a judging panel, showcasing real-world examples of ideas they had developed themselves.**media[396400]**Several participants expressed enthusiasm and pride in their experience. Saad al-Mahmoud said that the course taught him the basics of project planning and how to launch a real business idea. He noted that his participation in the business exhibition was a unique experience, during which he felt proud to present his project.Fatima Saud al-Dulaimi explained that the course helped her to present her idea confidently and plan her project step by step. She considered her participation in the business exhibition on the final day, and presenting her project to the public, a pivotal moment in her experience.The course instructor, Dr Rania al-Jamal, emphasised that teaching entrepreneurship to children goes beyond simply starting a business. It includes building confidence, developing creative thinking, and teaching them how to turn ideas into reality.She noted that what the participants demonstrated during the course reflects the importance of early investment in children's minds as an investment in the future. 

Qatar National Vision 2030 serves as a blueprint for tech growth in the country that will further propel the success of its startup ecosystem, the chief executive of a Doha-based technology company has said.Michael Jordan, the CEO of Gem Soft, emphasised to Gulf Times that companies must align with Qatar’s national plan “rather than chase quick returns.”He emphasised that Qatar National Vision 2030 “is not just a slogan” but a framework. “If you look closely at that blueprint, in three to five years, Qatar is going to be one of the most booming ecosystems in the region,” Jordan pointed out.Asked to identify promising sectors that align with Qatar’s diversification strategy, Jordan cited medical research opportunities, citing the country’s health and medical institutions, as well as private institutions like Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar (WCM-Q), among others.“That is an unbelievable opportunity,” noted Jordan, who also highlighted defence research and the broader research and development (R&D) space. “I don’t mean defence spending, but defence research. Every country is starting from the same place now. Everybody’s got to rethink how they’re going to approach these specific areas,” he said.Jordan stressed that Qatar’s focus on youth and education “is equally critical.” “Qatar’s focus on its youth and educational institutions is highly commendable and very important to me. As for its schools, we’re talking about some of the top universities both here and abroad,” he said.According to Jordan, companies are encouraged to engage with universities and interns here: "When a company is looking to expand, it's essential to connect with universities in Qatar and take on interns. By providing these young talents with opportunities, companies can foster growth and innovation," Jordan emphasised.Asked about unicorns and their impact on Qatar’s startup ecosystem, Jordan insisted that value creation must come first. “What is more important, the nomenclature of a unicorn or the fact that you have added value to the technological infrastructure of the country? If you add value, the money will come. But if all you’re shooting for is the money, then you’re ignoring the opportunity,” Jordan pointed out.Jordan also stressed that “trust is the foundation of business in Qatar.” He explained: “This is not a transactional society like North America or Western Europe. What’s important for people here is that they want to know who you are. People need to feel it, so one of the most important elements about business in Qatar is trust.”A Qatar Financial Authority-registered company, Jordan said Gem Soft is among the companies here that participated in the inaugural Web Summit Qatar. It also participated in the two-day World AI Summit Qatar, which concludes today.Jordan said the company chose Doha as its hub "precisely because Qatar’s long-term digital strategy aligns with its vision for sovereign and secure communication technologies."He explained that Gem Soft developed its fully sovereign, AI-assisted communication platform Gem Team “to directly support the ambitions of Qatar National Vision 2030 and help position the country as a regional leader in next-generation digital infrastructure.”Jordan stressed that Qatar’s commitment to innovation, security, and technological independence “is not just policy but a real catalyst for companies like ours to build, scale, and contribute to the nation’s future.” 

The US-Qatar Business Council Doha (USQBC Doha) and the AI Trust Foundation recently hosted a reception in Doha to welcome a 15-member US delegation comprising AI startup and tech CEOs, technology and AI governance attorneys, and civil society leaders.The delegation is in Doha as a planned initiative under the April 2025 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between USQBC Doha and the AI Trust Foundation. The visit will also include the delegation’s participation in the two-day World Summit AI MENA, which opens today (December 9) at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).The reception builds on joint programming developed under the April 2025 MoU between USQBC Doha and the AI Trust Foundation, which advances cross-border collaboration on AI, responsible innovation, and bilateral trade and investment. Through the partnership, both organisations have convened a series of engagements bringing together leaders from technology, policy, and civil society to strengthen US-Qatar co-operation in emerging technologies.“The delegation’s visit to Doha is emblematic of the ongoing commitment between USQBC Doha and the AI Trust Foundation to foster private-sector-to-private-sector exchanges in the areas of emerging technologies between Qatar and the US,” said USQBC Doha managing director Sheikha Mayes Hamad al-Thani in her opening remarks at the reception.Leah Perry, vice-chair of the AI Trust Foundation, added: “Our partnership with USQBC Doha is about building bridges across the global AI ecosystem – bridges that support research and development, workforce upskilling, and ethical standards that enable trade, innovation and investment. This reception follows multiple collaborative forums we’ve hosted together that have created momentum; now is the time to deliver concrete, meaningful outcomes.”Justin Floyd, co-founder and CEO of Nasdaq-listed RedCloud Technologies, as well as AI Trust Foundation board member, who supported the reception as a strategic sponsor, emphasised Qatar’s strategic appeal to US technology firms: “Qatar is future-ready. Its market clarity and long-term vision make it an ideal partner for American technology companies scaling responsibly. RedCloud’s regional growth, including our recently announced AI-driven FMCG platform joint venture in Saudi Arabia, reflects the commercial opportunities we see across the Gulf.”Michael Jordan, CEO of Gem Soft and reception strategic sponsor, emphasised its timeliness: “Qatar’s Vision 2030 creates a decisive environment for responsible AI leadership, and Gem Soft is proud to contribute technologies that reinforce the nation’s position as a regional hub for trusted digital infrastructure.”Supporting this vision, Gem Soft’s AI-powered enterprise platform, Gem Team, delivers secure and scalable intelligence that strengthens operational performance across various sectors.The reception brought together policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to deepen private-sector collaboration on responsible AI, explore pathways for bilateral investment, and showcase US technology leadership in the region ahead of World Summit AI MENA.The USQBC Doha is a strategic platform for advancing bilateral commercial engagement between the US and Qatar. Positioned at the intersection of business, policy, and investment, USQBC Doha enables cross-border collaboration by providing institutional access, market intelligence, and targeted facilitation to stakeholders operating across high-impact sectors.The AI Trust Foundation is a Washington, DC-based nonprofit that promotes and bridges tech innovation with responsible AI through cross-sector partnerships, standards development, and capacity building. It convenes industry, legal experts, and civil society to advance ethical, scalable AI solutions that support economic growth and public benefit. 

QatarEnergy LNG is preparing for the startup of major new facilities as 2026 ushers in, according to its top official.Looking at the future, 2026 will be a "landmark" year as QatarEnergy LNG prepares for the startup of major new facilities, it's chief executive officer Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa al-Thani told the annual Town Hall events in Doha and Al Khor, bringing together employees from across its operations, projects, and support functions for an open dialogue with the management leadership team.The gathering highlighted a year of "exceptional" accomplishments and reaffirmed the company’s strategic direction as it prepares for a transformative phase in Qatar’s LNG (liquefied natural gas) industry.Sheikh Khalid stressed the importance of accelerating digital transformation, enhancing organisational agility, reinforcing reliability and asset integrity, and maintaining an unrelenting focus on safety as the company prepares for increased scale and complexity.The company will continue to invest in talent, safeguard critical expertise, and evolve its operating model to ensure readiness for the next phase of growth.Opening the events by welcoming employees and expressing deep appreciation for their dedication throughout 2025; he emphasised that the Town Hall is a valued annual tradition where achievements are recognised, priorities are aligned, and employees are thanked for their crucial role in shaping the company’s future.Describing the company's workforce as champions who consistently demonstrate resilience, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient operations; Sheikh Khalid honoured QatarEnergy LNG’s long service award recipients, acknowledging their loyalty, commitment, and enduring influence on the company’s culture and success.The corporate planning department presented a comprehensive review of the company’s 2025 performance, showcasing the achievements for each pillar in its direction statement and outlining key challenges ahead by emphasising key focus areas.The review demonstrated continued progress and commitment to QatarEnergy LNG’s vision as the world’s premier LNG company.Innovation and expansion were recurring topics, underscoring their importance in shaping QatarEnergy LNG’s operations and its competitive edge. 

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.

Startup Grind Doha Chapter recently hosted the ‘All Star Pitch Battle’, highlighting the strength and creativity of Qatar’s startup ecosystem, with over 150 people from the ecosystem attending the event held at Qatar Chamber’s headquarters in Lusail.The event, held in partnership with the Youth Entrepreneurship Club (YEC) and Qatar Chamber, and sponsored by Builders VC Mena, underscored Qatar’s growing position as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, aligning with the nation’s vision of cultivating a vibrant and globally competitive startup landscape.The journey began with 51 startups in Qatar applying, of which 21 were selected to pitch at the event. The pitch battle is part of a global Startup Grind programme, held across more than 150 chapters worldwide, uniting founders and innovators from diverse markets on one global stage.The following are the winners of the Doha edition: Be My Sense (first place), PitchPro.me (second place), paintit.ai (third place), and Meta Souq (Most Creative Pitch Award). Be My Sense received $1,500, a trophy, and advanced to represent Qatar in the regional semi-finals.Be My Sense stood out for its impactful solution, an AI-powered platform designed to empower the hearing-impaired community. Through real-time sign language translation, the platform breaks communication barriers in education, entertainment, and daily life, placing accessibility at the heart of digital innovation.Tarik Sultan of Builders VC Mena said: “The All Star Pitch Battle showcased the ambition and originality that’s defining Qatar’s emerging startup ecosystem. The entrepreneurs who took the stage were not simply presenting ideas; they were offering solutions with the potential to scale globally. At Builders VC Mena, we believe platforms like this are critical in giving founders the visibility, networks, and confidence to translate vision into lasting value.”YEC vice-president Abdulrahman Tariq al-Emadi said: “Our partnership with Startup Grind Doha in the All Star Pitch Battle reflects our commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs in Qatar.“By providing a platform for startups to showcase their talent, we are helping to inspire innovation, build confidence, and strengthen the foundations of a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.”The competition was judged by Sultan, Alina Truhina of A-typical Ventures, Hayfa al-Abdulla (Qatar Science & Technology Park), Omair Alnaimi (Ministry of Communications and Information Technology), Marcel Dridje (EBAN GCC Ambassador), Firas Sleiman (Kaic), and Majed Lababidi (Alchemist Doha).Startup Grind Doha director Indica Amarasinghe said: “The All Star Pitch Battle was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of the incredible talent and creativity in Qatar’s startup ecosystem. We are proud to provide a platform for these entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and connect with global opportunities.”

His Excellency Director of the Government Communications Office (GCO) and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organising Committee, Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al-Thani convened a meeting with Liaison Director of German BVMW GCC Office Nizar Maarouf, and Managing Director Christian Schwippert, to discuss coordination and the roadmap for the second edition of the German Startup Pavilion at Web Summit Qatar 2026, taking place from 1st to 4th of February 2026.During the meeting, HE Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al-Thani reaffirmed his and his team's full support for the upcoming edition, ensuring strong collaboration and facilitation to make it an even greater success."Our work with the German startup community exemplifies our broader strategy to foster meaningful international collaboration in the technology and innovation spaces.""I personally look forward to seeing how the next wave of German startups tap into the opportunities that we continue to expand year over year," His Excellency added.Nizar Maarouf added: "We look forward to the active participation of the German Startup Pavilion at Web Summit Qatar 2026, following the great success of our first presence at the last edition of the event, which saw the participation of more than 100 German companies. We want to extend our sincere thanks to Sheikh Jassim and his team for their continuous support of our work and the hospitality shown to the German startup participants at Web Summit 2025."The meeting highlighted the shared commitment to further strengthen Qatari-German cooperation in innovation and entrepreneurship, and expanding opportunities for partnership and investment in a way that positions Qatar as a global hub for technology and innovation.