Qatar Entrepreneurs on the Road to Success

Doha, February 25, 2008: Today marked the completion of Qatar Science & Technology Park's second Investor Readiness Program, as 20 people took a step closer to turning their business ideas into reality.

The Investor Readiness Program is a five week course designed to prepare participants for formulating and pitching a winning business plan. The program provides would-be entrepreneurs with the skills and support to develop their own start-up enterprises.

Participants learn about key steps in creating new technology business, including project selection, gaining early customers, selecting the best form of finance, and choosing the right investor.

One participant, working in the Petrochemical's industry said "I found the course informative, absorbing and practical. It laid out a clear and demonstrable path for an entrepreneur."

QSTP's Des Ryan, who runs the Investor Readiness Program, said "We're overwhelmed yet again by the response to the course and have been impressed by the potential of the participants we've seen so far.

Armed with their creativity and determination, and the skills delivered by the course, we expect the participants to be able to forge their place in the business world by establishing their own successful Qatar ventures."

Another participant on the course added "This course is helping Qatar to develop a new entrepreneurial culture. I would like to see more Qataris like me take advantage of such programs, as it helps add value to business at any level."

Last year's course proved a great success, receiving positive feedback from participants. Some have gone on to use QSTP's post-program support; receiving further mentoring and advice for starting a technology business at the science park.

The next IRP scheduled for April, is already oversubscribed, as more of Qatar's future entrepreneurs sign-up to take advantage of the training.

Enquiries about the program can be sent to programs@qstp.org.qa or visit www.qstp.org.qa

Images attached: Participants of QSTP's Investor Readiness Program with QSTP staff.

-Ends-

Editors Notes:
The Investor Readiness Program forms part of QSTP's vision to help support and develop Qatar's knowledge-based economy. QSTP provides premises, services and support programs that help entrepreneurs to launch their start-up businesses, while encouraging companies from around the world to develop and commercialise their technology within Qatar, incubating technology and innovation within the country.

About Qatar Science & Technology Park
Qatar Science & Technology Park fosters the development and commercialisation of technology in Qatar, a rising star in the Arabian Gulf with the world's third largest gas reserves and a remarkable vision for human development. As part of the renowned Qatar Foundation, founded by the country's Emir, the science park is co-located with campuses of Carnegie Mellon, Texas A&M, Weill Cornell and other premier universities. It provides research-friendly premises for companies from around the world, plus an incubator and investment for technology start-ups. Already EADS, ExxonMobil, GE, Microsoft, Rolls-Royce, Shell and Total have joined Qatar Science & Technology Park, and its first phase of buildings opens mid 2008. www.qstp.org.qa

For further information or to arrange an interview:

Ben Figgis
Qatar Science & Technology Park
bfiggis@qstp.org.qa
Tel: +974 492 7130

Kerry Morris
Hill & Knowlton
kerry.morris@hillandknowlton.com
Tel: +974 418 1292