Doha, Qatar: Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), part of Qatar Foundation Research, Development, and Innovation (QF RDI), is now welcoming applications to the eighth cycle of  XLR8 – QSTP’s flagship accelerator program – which mentors aspiring entrepreneurs, and supports the commercialization of their technology-based inventions. 

Since its inception, the intensive 10-week pre-startup program has attracted 100 teams, and equipped over 300 ambitious entrepreneurs with the skills, tools, and mentorship to transform their tech-based ideas into validated prototypes. The program has also attracted significant investor interest for the launch of startups.

The results have been astounding with 20 startups emerging out of XLR8 so far, out of which, several have succeeded in expanding their businesses beyond Qatar.

Each cycle of the program brings together 15 teams, who receive guidance from a large network of mentors with real-life, hands-on experience of what it takes to bring an idea to the market. At the end of the program, all teams pitch their ideas to a live audience of seasoned technology professionals, investors, and industry experts at the signature Demo Day – an event designed to give the XLR8 participants hands-on experience of pitching their ideas in order to attract investors and launch their startups.

Commenting on the upcoming cycle of the program, Yosouf Abdulrahman Saleh, Executive Director, QSTP, said: “The XLR8 program is propelling a new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators, who are contributing to advancing our ultimate goal of promoting new high-tech products and services, and supporting the commercialization of market-ready technologies.

“We are proud of the outcomes so far, particularly since a number of our alumni have managed to expand their businesses beyond Qatar, and we look forward to helping a new generation of innovators succeed.”

The XLR8 program, which is a key element of QSTP’s mission to create a dynamic tech innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Qatar, features three modules. The first ‘Product-Market Fit’ module helps participants identify their target market, design a rough prototype, and solicit feedback to revise the prototype as needed. The second, ‘Customer Traction’, module enables entrepreneurs to assess whether the market is large enough to sustain a startup, and create early customer traction. The third and final module, ‘Talking to Investors,’ empowers entrepreneurs to attract early stage investors as well as additional investments moving forward, to grow their startups. 

To read more about the program, and to apply for the eighth cycle of XLR8, please visit: www.qstp.org.qa  . The closing date for submitting applications is July 31. 

-Ends-

Qatar Science & Technology Park
Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), part of Qatar Foundation Research, Development, and Innovation (QF RDI), is a Free Zone, accelerator, and incubator for tech-product development in Qatar. The park fosters an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Qatar that works to accelerate commercialization of market-ready technologies to realize Qatar’s national diversification drive.

QSTP’s focus ranges across four overarching themes, comprising Energy, Environment, Health Sciences, and Information & Communication Technologies, in line with the Qatar National Research Strategy announced in 2012.

Located in Qatar Foundation's Education City, QSTP has access to the vital resources of a cluster of leading research universities. Members of QSTP’s Free Zone include SMEs, international corporations, and research institutions. They are collectively committed to investing in new technology development programs, creating intellectual property, enhancing technology management skills, and developing innovative new products.

QSTP supports QF RDI’s economic and human development objectives for Qatar and is increasingly recognized as an international hub for applied research, innovation, incubation, and entrepreneurship.

For more information, please visit the QSTP website at www.qstp.org.qa 

Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation (QF RDI)
The Qatar Foundation Research, Development, and Innovation (QF RDI) division’s role is to play an integral part in identifying and addressing challenges and opportunities across ICT, energy, environment, healthcare, and agribusiness, in alignment with Qatar’s national RDI strategy and priorities. QF RDI is at the forefront of Qatar’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, accelerating economic development through supporting the commercialization of market-ready technologies and facilitating the creation of new high-tech products and services.

QF RDI is responsible for translating Qatar’s national RDI strategy into specific initiatives and actions for Qatar Foundation’s (QF) RDI entities. It also directs their efforts in relation to economic value creation, knowledge transfer, and the establishment of mutually-beneficial national and international RDI partnerships. To ensure these efforts deliver maximum impact, the QF Vice President for Research, Development, and Innovation plans, coordinates, and oversees all RDI-related activities across QF.

Qatar Foundation – Unlocking Human Potential
Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) is a non-profit organization that supports Qatar on its journey to becoming a diversified and sustainable economy. QF strives to serve the people of Qatar and beyond by providing specialized programs across its innovation-focused ecosystem of education, research and development, and community development.

QF was founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who shared the vision to provide Qatar with quality education. Today, QF’s world-class education system offers lifelong learning opportunities to community members as young as six months through to doctoral level, enabling graduates to thrive in a global environment and contribute to the nation’s development.

QF is also creating a multidisciplinary innovation hub in Qatar, where homegrown researchers are working to address local and global challenges. By promoting a culture of lifelong learning and fostering social engagement through programs that embody Qatari culture, QF is committed to empowering the local community and contributing to a better world for all.

For a complete list of QF’s initiatives and projects, please visit: www.qf.org.qa
For any media inquiries, please contact: pressoffice@qf.org.qa
Sara Fouad
Account Executive
BLJ Worldwide
+974 70218262
3301 Palm Tower B
Doha, Qatar
PO Box 8019

© Press Release 2019

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