Doha: Qatar is witnessing rise in number of startups and technology-based businesses are growing in the country. The business friendly ecosystem in Qatar is attracting startups from across the globe, said an official during an online event.
Tasmu Digital Valley and Berlin Partner organised a webinar entitled ‘Back to Global – Berlin Startups Explore Opportunities in Qatar’ which focused on Berlin startups who are interested in exploring investment opportunities in Qatar’s technology sector. The event gave opportunity for technology startups to connect with the Qatari business ecosystem, including licensing platforms, investors, and local business partners.
Noor Al Kuwari, TDV Project Lead, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) gave an overview about the startup ecosystem and discussed the role of MCIT to promote ICT sector in Qatar.
“I believe Qatar’s strength lies in our interconnected ecosystem – the ability to come together to support the development of startups and innovations in the country. Qatar’s startup ecosystem has evolved over the years to become more diverse and with each passing year we are seeing more startups and funding activities.
The increasing diversity of our ecosystem is apparent to international startups and entrepreneurs to leverage Qatar as an entry into the region. Therefore, we are working with leading startup ecosystems such as Berlin Partner to establish global connection to establish international startups and their expansion into Qatar,” Al Kuwari said.
She reiterated that Qatar’s startup ecosystem is evolving rapidly, and entrepreneurs are funding in many ways to support the launch of their ideas and enable the growth of their businesses or projects in the country and beyond.
The Ministry is committed to support the startups to enable them to access opportunities, talent, and innovative technology to grow and scale and is working towards creating a business-friendly ecosystem for the tech sector and enhancing the attractiveness of Qatar.
MCIT has established several initiatives to support startups which include Innovation Lab which aims to create and enable environment for collaborative R&D and adoption of innovation solutions. “The Digital Incubation Center was created to boost ICT and innovation in Qatar particularly among young people and early stage of technology related business. Tasmu accelerator aims towards acceleration of innovation startups and SMEs by providing a wide range service allowing the startups to grow and help realisation of a diversified economy. I want to thank Berlin startups for the interest to be part of Qatar’s vibrant startup ecosystems and I am sure that Berlin startups will be part of our growing ecosystem,” she noted.
Fahad Al Kuwari, Senior Manager for Investment Relations, IPA Qatar delivered a presentation about Qatar’s value proposition to foreign startups. “Qatar has focused on creating an ecosystem where we invite talent to come to Qatar and invite startups to grow and we help them in their growth,” he said.
“The national value proposition is very strong in the country, and it is split among an array of organisations like QFZA, QFC, QSTP, sports accelerator. We have an array of value to add to any business and Qatar’s infrastructure is made to be resilient and for sustainability,” he added.
Jorg Meiser, Program Director for Tasmu Digital Valley, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) said, “Our target is to realise the digital economy and the smart future for Doha and to do so, we believe one of the key points is to have a strong ecosystem in collaboration with technology, tech firms and startups to grow and boost across all sectors within the country.”
“We are excited to do this with Berlin partner and our relationship started in mid of last year which is a collaboration to support the vision of Tasmu Digital Valley and MCIT to attract startups and companies. Qatar’s mission is to drive the digital transformation technology and attract startups to its destination,” he added.
Nadine Judes, Head of the Digital Economy and Startups at Berlin Partner also participated in the event.
https://m.thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/19/04/2022/qatars-business-ecosystem-attracts-global-startups
