Latest news with #MCIT


Qatar Tribune
11 hours ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
MCIT concludes 11th Creative Ideas Camp
QNA Doha The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), represented by the Digital Incubation Centre, has concluded the 11th edition of the Creative Ideas Camp program, which aims to support entrepreneurs in developing scalable technology startups. This edition featured extensive participation from local and international startups, aiming to empower entrepreneurs in their early stages by providing them with the tools to transform their ideas into a fundable and implementable business model. This edition marked the culmination of a series of successes, both in terms of the wide turnout, the quality of the projects incubated, and the program's positive impact in supporting digital innovation and strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem. The 11th edition received 374 applications, of which 79 startup projects were approved. These projects included 44 promising ideas from outside Qatar. Participants underwent eight intensive training workshops, in addition to more than 78 hours of individual mentorship by a select group of enabled them to develop their business models, test the feasibility of their ideas, and prepare to present them to investors. In this context, Director of the Digital Innovation Department at the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology Eman Al Kuwari emphasized the importance of the Creative Ideas Camp program in empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. She said that the Creative Ideas Camp is a practical model that reflects the ministry's commitment to implementing the goals and pillars of the Digital Agenda 2030, by developing a national system for digital innovation and entrepreneurship capable of transforming promising ideas into applicable solutions that contribute to diversifying the national economy and enhancing its competitiveness. She noted that investing in and enabling creative ideas is a strategic investment in the country's future digital innovation. The current cycle saw a clear focus on projects that rely on modern technologies. The accepted projects varied across various fields, such as educational technology, human resources technology, and health technology, with a focus on advanced and transformative technologies, primarily artificial intelligence. Following a final round of judging, 15 startups were selected to join the Digital Business Incubator's incubation program, divided into two main tracks: the Growth Track and the Idea Track. These companies will begin a two-year incubation journey, during which they will benefit from free workspaces, specialized training, direct mentorship, and networking opportunities with partners and investors within Qatar's digital innovation ecosystem. At a closing ceremony, the program awarded financial grants totalling QR550,000 to five outstanding startups in both tracks. In the Growth Track, Cloudilic, the first-place winner, received a grant of QR150,000, while JerboLab, the second-place winner, received QR100,000. In the Idea Track, Nashati, the first-place winner, received a grant of QR150,000, while Bionic_Soul, the second-place winner, received QR100,000, and ElafMart, the third-place winner, received a grant of QR50,000. It's worth noting that the success of the 11th edition builds on the impressive track record of previous editions of the Creative Ideas Camp, which have supported hundreds of entrepreneurs and incubated dozens of startups that have become prominent in the digital innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem both inside and outside Qatar. Since its inception, the Creative Ideas Camp program has served as an effective platform for accelerating the growth of startups through intensive training and specialized mentorship, enhancing their competitiveness and contributing to the building of a digital economy based on creativity and knowledge.


TECHx
3 days ago
- Business
- TECHx
Huawei Opens Future Skills Center in Riyadh
Home » Latest news » Huawei Opens Future Skills Center in Riyadh Huawei and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) have announced the official opening of the Future Skills Center in Riyadh. The initiative reinforces their joint commitment to developing national talent and accelerating Saudi Arabia's digital transformation. The opening ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials. These included H.E. Haytham AlOhali, Vice Minister of Communications and Information Technology; H.E. Chang Hua, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Saudi Arabia; and Eng. Murhaf Bin Mohammed Al-Madani, Assistant Minister for Development and Transformation at the Ministry of Education. Other attendees included Eng. Mansour bin Saleh Al-Qurashi, Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Partnerships; Safa Al-Rashed, Deputy Minister of Future Jobs and Capabilities; and Liam Zhao, Chairman of the Board at Huawei Saudi Arabia. Huawei revealed that the Center is an evolution of the Future Space exhibition, launched in 2022 in collaboration with the Saudi Space Commission (SSC). This exhibition is the largest of its kind outside China. It features emerging technologies such as autonomous driving, 3D printing, and brainwave-controlled robotics. Future Space has hosted over 35,000 visitors It conducted more than 270 training sessions for 10,000+ participants Vice Minister AlOhali emphasized the importance of digital skills in building human capital and driving economic growth. He stated that the Future Skills Center offers advanced training in digital technologies, aligned with the goals of Vision 2030. Huawei and MCIT previously announced plans at the 2025 LEAP Summit to expand Future Space into a broader Future Skills framework. The new center will serve as a hub for innovation, skills development, and practical learning in technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, and smart applications. Ambassador Chang Hua highlighted the collaboration between China and Saudi Arabia in education, innovation, and technology. He described the project as a symbol of shared values in knowledge exchange and sustainable growth. Liam Zhao from Huawei added that the launch reflects Huawei's ongoing efforts to empower Saudi youth and grow local digital capabilities. Huawei confirmed that the Future Skills Center aligns with national strategies to build a knowledge-based, digitally enabled society. It will offer certifications, training, and hands-on experiences to inspire the next generation of tech leaders in Saudi Arabia.


Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Huawei and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology Inaugurate Future Skills Center
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Huawei and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) reinforced their commitment to empowering national talent and advancing Saudi Arabia's digital transformation agenda with the grand opening of the Future Skills Center in Riyadh. The ceremony was attended by high-level dignitaries, including H.E. Haytham AlOhali, Vice Minister of Communications and Information Technology; and H.E. Chang Hua, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Saudi Arabia; Eng. Murhaf Bin Mohammed Al-Madani, Assistant Minister for Development and Transformation at the Ministry of Education; Eng. Mansour bin Saleh Al-Qurashi, Deputy Minister of Communications and Information Technology for International Cooperation and Partnerships; Safa Al-Rashed, Deputy Minister of Future Jobs and Capabilities; as well as Liam Zhao, Chairman of the Board for Huawei Saudi Arabia. The Center stands as an evolution of the successful 'Future Space' exhibition that opened in 2022 by Huawei and in collaboration with the Saudi Space Commission (SSC). The largest of its kind outside China, the Future Space exhibition showcases advanced technologies such as autonomous driving, 3D printing and brainwave robot control. It has welcomed more than 35,000 visitors since opening its doors to the public and has offered more than 270 training sessions to more than 10,000 participants in three years. Commenting on the inauguration, H.E. Haytham AlOhali, Vice Minister of Communications and Information Technology, said: 'Enhancing digital capabilities is a pivotal element in developing human capital and a fundamental driver of growth in the technology and economic sectors. The Future Skills Center contributes by providing an advanced training environment focused on developing digital skills in modern technologies, keeping pace with the rapid technological advancements and achieving the objectives of Vision 2030.' The launch follows Huawei and MCIT's joint announcement at the 2025 LEAP Summit earlier this year to expand the Future Space exhibition into a broader Future Skills framework. Now, the Future Skills Center has been redesigned as a dynamic hub for skill-building, technological exploration, and hands-on innovation. It offers immersive learning experiences in next-generation technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, and smart applications across various industries and communities. Speaking on the newly launched center, H.E. Chang Hua, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Saudi Arabia, said: 'This initiative stands as a powerful example of the deepening cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia across the fields of innovation, education, and technology. The Future Skills Center reflects our shared belief in the importance of knowledge exchange and capacity building to drive sustainable growth. China and Saudi Arabia have a rich history of collaboration, and we will continue to partner to build a strong digital future here in Saudi Arabia.' For his part, Liam Zhao, Chairman of the Board at Huawei Saudi Arabia, said: 'When we first opened Future Space three years ago, our aim was to inspire a new generation of Saudi innovators. Since then, that inspiration has evolved into real momentum. We witness a remarkable drive here to learn about emerging tech, and this aligns fully with one of Huawei's core priorities – to develop local talent and expand access to digital skills. With the launch of the Future Skills Center, we are deepening our commitment to create more value and accelerate Saudi's digital future.' The newly inaugurated Future Skills Center is aligned with the national strategy to build a digitally enabled society and develop a competitive knowledge-based economy. It will provide training, certifications, and real-world application scenarios that strengthen local capabilities and inspire future innovators.


Qatar Tribune
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
MCIT invites individuals and organisations to participate in the World Summit Awards 2025
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has announced the opening of local nominations for the World Summit Awards 2025 (WSA 2025) competition, with applications open until 28 August 2025. This call invites individuals, companies, and local institutions to submit their most innovative digital projects and applications to represent the State of Qatar globally. The WSA supports national efforts in digital transformation and encourages local digital innovation, enhancing Qatar's global standing in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Digital Agenda 2030. Held annually, the World Summit Awards aim to honor and promote innovative digital projects that harness cutting-edge technologies to address social challenges and improve the quality of daily life. The Awards serve as an effective tool to advance digital innovation and expand its potential, contributing to building a better future for all. The competition features eight categories: Government & Citizens; Health & Well-being; Learning & Education; Environment & Green Energy; Culture & Heritage; Smart Settlements & Urbanization; Business & Commerce; and Inclusion & Empowerment. The evaluation of Qatar's submitted projects is conducted by a local jury composed of distinguished experts and specialists, appointed by HE Reem Mohammed Al Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Industry Affairs at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, in her capacity as Qatar's national expert for the award. The jury will select one nominee per category to represent the State of Qatar on the global stage. Projects must meet stringent evaluation criteria, necessitating full implementation on the ground; prototypes or drafts are not eligible for consideration. The submitted projects must reflect the competition's goals by showcasing innovative and high-quality digital transformation, and must have been produced within two years prior to the submission date. All entries must adhere to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ensuring they contain no content that promotes violence, war, or racial discrimination. Furthermore, projects must not infringe upon internationally recognized copyright and intellectual property rights. The jury reserves the right to reject any project that violates these guidelines. In this context, Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Industry Affairs at MCIT, Reem Mohammed Al Mansoori, said: "The World Summit Awards represent an extension of our ongoing efforts to drive digital transformation and strengthen the digital economy ecosystem in the State of Qatar. This global competition serves as a platform to showcase impactful digital innovations that align with our priorities in supporting entrepreneurs and technology-driven projects aimed at improving quality of life. We view this initiative as a strategic opportunity to highlight national talents and promising Qatari projects on the global stage, reflecting the significant progress achieved under the Digital Agenda 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030." The competition progresses through several stages, beginning with a pre-selection process at the local level from each country, where the submitted projects are evaluated and the best eight projects are selected - one for each category, followed by the evaluation and the nomination of the eight projects by an online jury, then the final evaluation of the projects submitted by the participating countries is carried out by a grand jury of experts in this field, where in this phase the best 40 projects are selected - five for each category. The final phase will include holding the World Summit Awards events and celebrating international digital innovation by displaying the winning projects in the presence of representatives from the participating countries and specialists in the field of communications and information technology. The World Summit Awards aim to raise awareness of high-quality digital content and its ability to drive positive societal change. The competition promotes emerging digital projects and innovative applications that contribute to the development of advanced digital infrastructure. Moreover, the competition facilitates international forums that bring together startups, decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and IT experts. These platforms foster idea exchange and strategic partnerships, empowering communities to fully leverage modern technologies for a more prosperous and inclusive digital future.


Qatar Tribune
21-07-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
MCIT invites individuals, organisations to participate in WSA 2025
QNA Doha The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has announced the opening of local nominations for the World Summit Awards 2025 (WSA 2025) competition, with applications open until 28 August 2025. MCIT invites individuals, companies, and local institutions to submit their most innovative digital projects and applications to represent the State of Qatar globally. The WSA supports national efforts in digital transformation and encourages local digital innovation, enhancing Qatar's global standing in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Digital Agenda 2030. Held annually, the World Summit Awards aim to honour and promote innovative digital projects that harness cutting-edge technologies to address social challenges and improve the quality of daily life. The Awards serve as an effective tool to advance digital innovation and expand its potential, contributing to building a better future for all. The competition features eight categories: Government & Citizens; Health & Well-being; Learning & Education; Environment & Green Energy; Culture & Heritage; Smart Settlements & Urbanization; Business & Commerce; and Inclusion & Empowerment. The evaluation of Qatar's submitted projects is conducted by a local jury composed of distinguished experts and specialists, appointed by Reem Mohammed Al Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Industry Affairs at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, in her capacity as Qatar's national expert for the award. The jury will select one nominee per category to represent the State of Qatar on the global stage. Projects must meet stringent evaluation criteria, necessitating full implementation on the ground; prototypes or drafts are not eligible for consideration. The submitted projects must reflect the competition's goals by showcasing innovative and high-quality digital transformation, and must have been produced within two years prior to the submission date. All entries must adhere to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ensuring they contain no content that promotes violence, war, or racial discrimination. Furthermore, projects must not infringe upon internationally recognized copyright and intellectual property rights. The jury reserves the right to reject any project that violates these guidelines. In this context, Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Industry Affairs at MCIT, Reem Mohammed Al Mansoori said: 'The World Summit Awards represent an extension of our ongoing efforts to drive digital transformation and strengthen the digital economy ecosystem in the State of Qatar. 'This global competition serves as a platform to showcase impactful digital innovations that align with our priorities in supporting entrepreneurs and technology-driven projects aimed at improving quality of life. We view this initiative as a strategic opportunity to highlight national talents and promising Qatari projects on the global stage, reflecting the significant progress achieved under the Digital Agenda 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030.' The competition progresses through several stages, beginning with a pre-selection process at the local level from each country, where the submitted projects are evaluated and the best eight projects are selected - one for each category, followed by the evaluation and the nomination of the eight projects by an online jury, then the final evaluation of the projects submitted by the participating countries is carried out by a grand jury of experts in this field, where in this phase the best 40 projects are selected - five for each category. The final phase will include holding the World Summit Awards events and celebrating international digital innovation by displaying the winning projects in the presence of representatives from the participating countries and specialists in the field of communications and information technology. The World Summit Awards aim to raise awareness of high-quality digital content and its ability to drive positive societal change. The competition promotes emerging digital projects and innovative applications that contribute to the development of advanced digital infrastructure. Moreover, the competition facilitates international forums that bring together startups, decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and IT experts. These platforms foster idea exchange and strategic partnerships, empowering communities to fully leverage modern technologies for a more prosperous and inclusive digital future.