06-05-2025
INJAZ Qatar celebrates young innovators
Hanane Djoua
Doha
Under the patronage of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) of Qatar, INJAZ Qatar hosted a national awards ceremony for the Annual Young Enterprise of the Year Competition (Mubadara).
The 18th edition of the Mubadara Awards was held at the Qatar National Convention Center on Sunday, bringing together students, mentors, government authorities, and partners to celebrate the most promising youth startups in Qatar.
The ceremony marked the culmination of a six-month programme during which students conceptualized and brought to life their business ideas with guidance from industry professionals. This year, 12 university teams and 11 high school teams participated in the competition.
Speaking to Qatar Tribune, Emad Alkhaja, CEO of INJAZ Qatar, said: 'Today is the awards ceremony and the completion of our program called The Company Program. It's a five to six-month journey that guides high school and university students to establish their own businesses. They go through the full life cycle of running a company. Mubadara 2025 is the final event—our awards ceremony—held in collaboration with major corporate names like ExxonMobil, Boeing, and QDB. Together, we work to find the Best Student Company of the Year from both high school and university tracks.'
'I believe Mubadara—and the Company Program in general—is more than just an entrepreneurship initiative. It teaches students many important skills, especially at this stage in their lives. It's a character-building experience where they learn about marketing, ideation, teamwork, communication, and financial reporting—all within just five months,' Alkhaja added.
'Of course, we aim to empower and encourage them to launch real businesses, but even just taking part in the program is a huge benefit. For university-level students, since they are of legal age, we also connect them with incubators in Qatar. Today, for example, we have partners like QUBIC and Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), who support students even after the programme ends.'
Sheikha Hanadi Nasser Al Thani, Chair of INJAZ Qatar and INJAZ Al-Arab, also emphasised the significance of the initiative, stating: 'This year's Mubadara program is a testament to the passion, creativity, and resilience of our youth. The ideas we've seen go beyond business—they reflect a vision for a more innovative, inclusive, and sustainable future for Qatar and the region.'
ExxonMobil Qatar, a platinum sponsor since the programme's inception in 2008, presented the Best Company of the Year award to the winning team. 'Our collaboration with INJAZ Qatar through Mubadara reflects our commitment to developing young talent and fostering innovation,' said Rashid Al Hajri, Vice President and Manager of Public and Government Affairs for ExxonMobil Qatar. 'We are proud of every student who participated in this year's competition and look forward to their future impact.'
Another highlight was Boeing's continued strategic partnership, which began in 2013. Wael Zaoud, Boeing's Managing Director in Qatar, awarded the Best Company prize for university students to the Tamayaz team from Qatar University, who created an online platform offering affordable, high-quality recorded lessons.
Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia, remarked: 'Empowering the local workforce with essential skills that foster innovation and growth is at the core of Qatar National Vision 2030. Through our partnership with INJAZ Qatar, we have helped thousands of young individuals turn their innovative ideas into reality.'
Award winners:
• Best Company of the Year – Sponsored by ExxonMobil Qatar, awarded to Tamayaz from Qatar University, and My Eye from Ibn Taymeya Secondary School for Boys.
• Highest Social Impact Award – Awarded to Be My Sense from University of Doha for Science and Technology, and Enjoy Education from Al Shamal Preparatory Secondary School for Girls.
• Most Innovative Product/Service Award – Awarded to Ask Sanad from Qatar University, and Student Connect from American School of Doha.
• Best Marketing Plan Award – Sponsored by FRAME, awarded to Musamima from Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, Droplet from American School of Doha, and FLYT from King's College Doha.
• People's Choice Award – Sponsored by Seib Insurance, awarded to Carboxyl from Belgravia High School.
The winning teams will represent Qatar at the INJAZ Al-Arab Regional Young Enterprise of the Year Competition in November 2025, competing against student entrepreneurs from 13 MENA countries.
