Aims To Address Different Needs Of Innovation Community In Qatar And Wider Region

Doha, Qatar, 20 March 2016 – Qatar’s primary incubator for technology development, Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), part of Qatar Foundation Research and Development (QF R&D), will be hosting a parallel conference session at Qatar Foundation’s Annual Research Conference (ARC’16).

During the event, QSTP will address the different needs of the innovation community in Qatar and the wider region, bringing together some of the world’s brightest industry minds. The event aligns with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development’s (QF) mandate to develop and commercialise solutions which help foster a progressive society in Qatar, also positioning the country as a global engine driving the development of science and research internationally.

ARC’16 will take place from 22nd to 23rd March at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), providing a platform to highlight the importance of strategic investment in research and innovation for the benefit of Qatar’s society. The event will also address the country’s national Research Grand Challenges on a global scale. 

The parallel sessions will be led by Mr Hamad Al Kuwari, QSTP Managing Director; Ms Haya Al-Ghanim, QSTP Innovation Director; and Dr Danny Ramadan, Acting Director of Strategic Research at QSTP.

Commenting on QSTP’s participation in ARC’16, Mr Hamad Al Kuwari, said: “QSTP strives to be a unique platform that transforms creative ideas in Qatar and the Pan Arab region into reality. We have committed ourselves to be the hub for technological and scientific innovations and an essential supporter of aspiring entrepreneurs through our permanent mission to implement Qatar’s National Research Strategy.”

Mr Al Kuwari added: “In undertaking the pledge to support outstanding thinkers and creators in our respective fields, such as the ones hosted by QF R&D through the Annual Research Conference, cooperation and networking with educational establishments, scientific laboratories, and industrial enterprises will help to provide synergy among the Innovation Community.”

To further explain QSTP’s invaluable role in bridging the gap between research and commercialisation, while facilitating the transformation of inspiring ideas into products that address various market demands, the sessions at ARC’16 will highlight the different support programmes it offers to the community. 

Speakers will elaborate on the services, which include: the Proof of Concept fund, aimed at providing grants to focus on product development; the Accelerator, designed to help entrepreneurs and researchers assess the commercial viability of a business idea; and the Incubator, which facilitates the establishment of technology development start-ups.

Under QF R&D, QSTP is committed to materialising key national research objectives in support of Qatar’s paradigm shift towards becoming a knowledge-based economy. To that end, QSTP accelerates then incubates competitive, home-grown businesses in Qatar by offering entrepreneurs integrated, operational, managerial, financial support, and guidance to help establish themselves in national and international markets.