Doha, Qatar: Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), part of Qatar Foundation Research, Development, and Innovation (QF RDI), has opened registration for its annual MENA Dojo program, organized in collaboration with global venture capital seed fund, 500 Startups. The third edition of the popular regional accelerator will once again take place in Kuwait from March 31-May 2, 2019.
The MENA Dojo program is a regional spin-off of the coveted 500 Startups ‘Series A Accelerator Program.’ It targets technology startups from Qatar and the region that have reached a certain level of scale and are likely to raise Series A funding – funding that enables a startup to progress to the next stage, for example, from just an idea to market research or product development – in the next six to nine months. Participants in the program receive invaluable hands-on training and mentorship focused on instilling a growth mindset, and growth hacking and marketing techniques.
Yosouf Abdulrahman Saleh, Executive Director, QSTP, said: “We invite budding innovators to apply to the third edition of the popular MENA Dojo series, an accelerator that has seen several previous participants receive large later stage investment and achieve their technology innovation ambitions.
“The program offers startups an opportunity to work under the guidance of seasoned growth mentors and techpreneurs, whose expertise they will be able to leverage to accelerate their ideas into a tangible and marketable product. Participants can also look forward to networking with a group of like-minded people from across the Middle East, who are driven to address regional challenges through tech innovation.”
Participants in this year’s MENA Dojo will showcase their startups during the Investor Day on May 2. The event will see innovative startups pitch their ideas and business models to an audience of business leaders, potential investors, tech experts, and members of the community, with the aim of securing follow-on investment.
Dr. Richard O'Kennedy, Vice President for Research, Development and Innovation at Qatar Foundation, said: "Through programs such as MENA Dojo, QSTP is furthering QF RDI's commitment to nurturing a thriving innovation ecosystem that extends beyond the borders of Qatar. Our partnership with 500 Startups is also key to expanding our outreach and working towards tackling region-specific challenges, and we are honored to once again offer budding techpreneurs an opportunity to develop innovative solutions to address these needs."
Several startups from previous MENA Dojo batches have gone on to raise bridge funding, Series A investment, and Series B investment (the second round of funding, such as private equity investors and venture capitalists), including including Souqalmal, Eatapp, Eventtus, At Home Doc, Justmop, Eyewa, Nawah Scientific and more.
Technology startups based in Qatar who are interested in participating in the latest edition of the MENA Dojo can apply on the QSTP website up to February 28. For more information, or to submit an application, please visit www.qstp.org.qa
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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
Jesyrein C. Robles
QF RDI - Communications Specialist
+974- 5597 -7073
Maysoon R. Zayed
QSTP – Marketing and PR Expert
+974- 3302- 3347
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