Director Business Development at QSTP, Ahmed A. Al-Said
Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s innovation ecosystem has remained resilient regardless of ongoing regional uncertainties, with startups, traders, and analysis companions persevering with to interact actively by means of Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), Qatar Foundation.
QSTP’s ecosystem has been constructed to make sure continuity, permitting innovation packages and startup help to proceed uninterrupted even throughout difficult occasions.
“Qatar’s innovation ecosystem is built for continuity, and that shows in how our community has operated over recent weeks,” Director Business Development at QSTP, Ahmed A. Al-Said instructed The Peninsula.
“At Qatar Science & Technology Park, we have kept moving; not just maintaining what exists but actively building on it.”
He mentioned that in latest weeks, QSTP maintained engagement by means of 12 on-line workshops that reached greater than 1,100 members, alongside 5 pitching classes and six focused mentorship engagements.
“These initiatives ensure that startups continue to access guidance, feedback, and opportunities for growth in a consistent and structured way,” he mentioned.
Al-Said added that QSTP’s accelerator packages have continued on-line and are scheduled to renew on the bottom in Qatar as deliberate. He additionally highlighted preparations for a brand new season of Stars of Science, Qatar Foundation’s flagship innovation and entrepreneurship tv program.
“We also continue to see strong diversity across our ecosystem, with active startups representing 39 countries, reflecting sustained global engagement and confidence,” he mentioned.
Addressing investor confidence amid latest geopolitical developments, Al-Said mentioned engagement from traders and companions has remained steady, whereas analysis and improvement exercise continues with out disruption.
“Investor confidence is something you earn over time, and what we’re seeing at QSTP is that the track record holds,” he mentioned. “Engagement from partners has remained steady and R&D activity across the ecosystem hasn’t skipped a beat.”
He pointed to robust international participation in two main accelerator programmes as proof of continued confidence. The QSTP x TotalEnergies WaterTech Accelerator acquired 226 functions from 79 international locations, whereas the QSTP x Merck FemTech Accelerator attracted 242 functions from 64 international locations, with 71 % of candidates being women-led startups.
“Together, these figures indicate sustained global interest and confidence in the platform we offer,” he mentioned.
QSTP at present hosts greater than 400 corporations, together with multinational firms, and Al-Said mentioned robust progress is being seen throughout power, synthetic intelligence, sustainability, and well being know-how sectors.
“Two areas stand out as leading priorities across our ecosystem,” he mentioned. “First, foundational AI, including machine learning, data infrastructure, and applied intelligence, is driving momentum across virtually every industry. Second, Healthtech is seeing significant growth, with innovators developing practical applications that measurably improve outcomes.”
He added that the strongest progress is coming from startups that mix deep know-how capabilities with sensible, real-world functions. Discussing Qatar’s competitiveness as a regional innovation hub, Al-Said mentioned the nation affords greater than monetary incentives.
“Competitiveness isn’t just about incentives, it’s about whether a company can come here, build something meaningful, and stay,” he mentioned.
He highlighted regulatory readability, infrastructure readiness, and a robust expertise pipeline as key strengths.
“Through QSTP, companies benefit from access to world-class facilities, incentive programmes, research and development grants, and a network of academic and research institutions within the Qatar Foundation ecosystem,” he mentioned.
He additionally emphasised Qatar’s extremely expert graduates from nationwide universities and worldwide department campuses, describing them as a significant differentiator for corporations seeking to set up long-term operations.
On ladies’s participation in innovation and entrepreneurship, Al-Said mentioned “The 300” initiative has been designed to strengthen inclusive participation, significantly in angel investing and early-stage startup funding.
“The 300 initiative reflects our commitment to strengthening inclusive participation in the innovation ecosystem, particularly by addressing gaps in early-stage investment and access,” he mentioned.
The programme has grown to a group of greater than 300 members, with 45 members receiving certificates of completion. Across eight structured classes, the initiative recorded robust participation, together with 66 attendees within the closing session.
“Beyond participation, the focus is highly practical,” he mentioned. “The programme equips women with investment fundamentals, exposure to real startup case studies, and direct interaction with founders across the ecosystem.”
He mentioned the aim is to assist ladies transfer from participation to energetic management in shaping Qatar’s startup ecosystem.
Looking forward, Al-Said mentioned QSTP will proceed prioritising deep know-how and utilized innovation in sectors that help Qatar’s long-term financial diversification targets.
“Our focus will remain on deep tech and applied innovation across key sectors: Healthtech, foundational AI, including machine learning, data infrastructure, and applied intelligence,” he mentioned.