Latest news with #QSTP
Qatar Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QSTP XLR8 Demo Day 2025 encourages new generation of Qatar's tech innovators
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), member of Qatar Foundation, concluded the 15th cycle of its XLR8 program with a Demo Day that showcased Qatar's emerging tech innovators. Held at QSTP, the event brought together teams that pitched their ideas and prototypes to investors, business leaders, and key players from Qatar's growing tech ecosystem. After 14 weeks of hands-on mentorship and training, eight teams stepped up to share their innovative solutions tackling real-world challenges across different industries. Palazzi Instruments took home first place with an innovative, lightweight device that measures an athlete's speed — an effective solution coaches can use to boost performance. Ask Sanad came in second, offering an AI-powered platform that helps students across the MENA region navigate the tricky process of choosing the right major and university based on what truly matters to them. Meanwhile, VitalSort AI earned third place by easing the pressure on busy emergency departments, automating claim documentation and coding to cut down delays and errors. The top three teams will gain access to dedicated office space at QSTP for three months, personalized mentorship, and a strong network of industry experts to support their growth. To further accelerate their progress, each team will also be awarded a MacBook Air laptop. Hayfa Al Abdulla, innovation and entrepreneurship director at QSTP, emphasized the importance of Demo Day as a milestone for aspiring entrepreneurs. She said, 'Every cycle of the XLR8 program brings forward fresh energy and sharper ideas, and the fifteenth cycle was no exception. The passion, drive, and ingenuity on display today reflect the remarkable potential of Qatar's emerging entrepreneurs and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the teams, especially the winners, for their achievements. As we look ahead, we remain committed to advancing a science and tech ecosystem that is rapidly becoming a global destination for innovation with real-world impact.' The Demo Day also featured a fireside chat, 'Breaking Barriers: A Startup's Journey into Uncharted Territory,' with Hamad Hadeed, CEO of Cytomate – the first proactive cybersecurity company in the MENA region and a success story from QSTP's ecosystem. Commenting on the impact of XLR8 on Qatar's entrepreneurial ecosystem, Asma Al Jefairi, Head of Digital at Qatar Museums, said: 'Programs such as XLR8 play a huge role in the Qatari ecosystem, especially in supporting talent and entrepreneurs to move from concept to execution, and providing them with the right network of mentors and resources. QSTP is a major contributor to partnerships and ecosystem development, helping ensure that there is a pool of tech companies that not only provide unique ideas but also support entities within Qatar in a creative and innovative way. I have used one of QSTP's startups, Monet, in one of my own projects where they helped us digitize around 40 collections at Qatar Museums.' This collaborative and supportive environment was echoed by the winning team. Giuliano Franco Palazzi, representing Palazzi Instruments, said: 'We are really happy to have gotten first place. The environment at QSTP really helped us; people were always willing to support us, including outside formal hours. We received valuable expert guidance and even people not directly involved in mentoring were happy to share advice and feedback and the kind of support we received made a big difference.' An expert panel representing Qatar Museums, European Business Angels Network, and tech startup Eldhow, evaluated the pitches based on their commercial potential.
Qatar Tribune
07-05-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
Ashghal announces design, construction of veterinary & agricultural research labs
Tribune News Network Doha Within the framework of the constant collaboration with the Ministry of Municipality, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced the commencement of the design and implementation project for Animal and Agricultural Research Laboratories, in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipality. This initiative aims to advance the research infrastructure in the veterinary and agricultural sectors and enhance national capabilities in this vital field. Three new labs Engineer Ahmed Saleh, the project manager, confirmed that the new laboratories will provide a state-of-the-art working environment in line with the highest international standards for veterinary and agricultural research. The project covers three main locations: the renovation of the veterinary laboratories building in the Old Airport area, the construction of a new agricultural research laboratory in Al Sheehaniya, and the setup of advanced laboratories at Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP). Comprehensive upgrade of veterinary lab in Old Airport Engineer Asmaa Al Musallmani, deputy head of Health Projects Section, noted that, in coordination with the Ministry of Municipality, work on the project has already begun and is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2026. She added that the project heavily relies on local materials, with approximately 55 percent of the materials to be sourced domestically, including steel, iron, mechanical and electrical equipment, glass, aluminum, and woodworks. She also emphasised the Buildings Projects Department's commitment to the highest standards of quality, health and safety, and modern technologies to help realise Qatar's vision of building an advanced research infrastructure. Engineer Al Musallmani added that one of the targeted projects includes the redevelopment of the veterinary laboratory in the Old Airport area. The project aims to enhance the facility's infrastructure and research capacity through comprehensive structural renovations, lab unit upgrades, and the construction of a fully equipped facility for veterinary autopsy operations. New agricultural research facility in Al Sheehaniya Engineer Omar Abdulaziz Al Mahmoud, project engineer, explained that a new agricultural research lab will be constructed in Al Sheehaniya over an area of 1,191 square metres to serve as an integrated centre for agricultural research. The facility will include specialised laboratories such as sample reception and preparation rooms, physical and chemical processing labs, spectroscopy and soil extraction labs, along with supporting facilities including administrative offices, meeting rooms, and storage areas for chemicals and glassware. Advanced labs at Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) Engineer Fahad Al Abdullah, the project engineer, highlighted that the project includes equipping three units (104, 105, and 106) at QSTP and transforming them into advanced research labs using the latest technologies. He added that the laboratories will include a pesticide lab, a biotechnology and plant pathology lab, and a herbs and seeds lab, along with auxiliary spaces such as sample storage, researcher offices, meeting rooms, and support facilities. The work will be carried out in accordance with Qatar Foundation's guidelines to ensure the highest standards of quality and innovation. Sustainable design reflecting Qatari identity The veterinary lab in the Old Airport area, the Sheehaniya lab, and the QSTP facilities have been developed in accordance with the highest local and international standards, while preserving Qatar's cultural identity and heritage. The project incorporates modern sustainability practices such as energy and water efficiency, the use of locally produced and eco-friendly materials, advanced fire safety measures, and low-emission, non-toxic construction elements. This project reflects Qatar's ongoing commitment to advancing scientific research in the livestock and agricultural sectors and establishing leadership in veterinary and agricultural studies through state-of-the-art infrastructure that supports sustainable development and the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.
Qatar Tribune
07-05-2025
- Science
- Qatar Tribune
Ashghal launches project to design, construct veterinary and agricultural laboratories
DOHA: The Public Works Authority (Ashghal), in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipality, has announced the launch of a project to design and construct veterinary and agricultural laboratories - an initiative aimed at enhancing research infrastructure in both sectors and developing national capabilities in this vital field. The project involves the development of three primary research facilities: the Veterinary Laboratory in the Old Airport area, the Agricultural Laboratory in Al Sheehaniyya, and the Agricultural Laboratory at Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP). Project Manager Eng Ahmad Saleh explained that the new laboratories will provide a modern research environment aligned with the highest international standards in agricultural and veterinary sciences. He noted that the project aims to empower national laboratories to efficiently support Qatar's food security and animal health systems. Deputy Head of the Health Projects Section Eng Asma Al Maslamani stated that work on the project has already begun in coordination with the Ministry of Municipality and is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2026. Al Maslamani highlighted that approximately 55 percent of the materials used -such as steel, electrical and mechanical tools, glass, aluminum, and carpentry- are manufactured locally, underscoring the project's support for the national economy. She also noted that the veterinary laboratory in the Old Airport area will undergo a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade, including structural repairs, the development of laboratory units, and the construction of modern support facilities. These will include a fully equipped veterinary autopsy building, which will enhance the effectiveness of diagnostic and scientific research operations. Project Engineer Eng Omar Abdulaziz Al Mahmoud revealed that the integrated Agricultural Laboratory in Al Sheehaniyya will cover a total area of 1,191 square meters. It will serve as a research hub housing specialized laboratories for sample preparation, physical and chemical processing, spectroscopic analysis, and soil extraction. The facility will also include administrative offices, meeting rooms, and dedicated storage areas for chemicals and glassware. Meanwhile, Project Engineer Eng Fahad Al Abdullah stated that three research units (104, 105, 106) at QSTP will be outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and technologies to support advanced research. These will include a pesticide lab, a biotechnology and plant disease lab, and a herbs and seeds lab. The facility will also feature support spaces such as sample storage, researcher offices, and meeting rooms, all designed according to quality and innovation standards set by the Qatar Foundation (QF). Ashghal emphasized that the project has been designed to meet the highest environmental and sustainability standards, while also incorporating elements of Qatari cultural identity. The project includes energy and water conservation technologies, the use of eco-friendly and locally sourced materials, stringent fire safety protocols, and carbon emission reduction measures. Aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, the project marks a significant step in strengthening the country's scientific research ecosystem in the fields of agriculture and animal resources. It also contributes to sustainable development and the pursuit of national self-sufficiency.
Zawya
14-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar: HIA's autonomous vehicle project to ensure safety, address climatic challenges
DOHA: Marking a regional first, Qatar Aviation Services (QAS), in partnership with MATAR and Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), recently introduced an initiative to pilot the latest autonomous transportation solutions at Hamad International Airport (HIA) within its airside operations. Central to this initiative is UISEE, the company developing these autonomous vehicles, which operates out of QSTP. As Qatar's leading hub for applied research and technology development, QSTP plays a crucial role in driving technological innovation and enabling groundbreaking solutions like the Eye of the Pearl to address real-world challenges. Speaking to The Peninsula, executives noted how this project was initiated to solve key obstacles in maintaining the reliability of radar and optical systems in the face of harsh environmental factors—particularly sandstorms, which significantly degrade the performance of autonomous vehicles. Qatar experiences around six sandstorms per year, creating conditions that conventional autonomous technologies are not typically designed to handle. The Eye of the Pearl project is focused on developing solutions that enhance system resilience in such extreme environments. UISEE CEO Gansha Wu said: 'When we talk about the safety of autonomous vehicles, the expectation is 10 times safer than human drivers because these AI drivers are never tired of traffic laws, regulations, and rules and can work much safer in a more efficient way.' Wu remarked that the aim is to set up a global benchmark for airport autonomy by ensuring 'reliable operations' at HIA in addition to nurturing local innovation. 'We can also integrate autonomous vehicles into the whole ecosystem to build a seamlessly smart airport and also deliver tangible value like reducing costs, improving operational efficiency, and maximising resource utilisation.' One key scenario being studied is the operation of emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, on the tarmac during a sandstorm—a situation made even more challenging by the presence of autonomous buses and other vehicles. Dr Jack Lau, President of QSTP said, 'Unlike in many other parts of the world, autonomous systems deployed in Qatar must adapt to these uniquely demanding conditions.' He stressed that the research team remains confident that, through ongoing development, they will uncover patterns and innovations that enable autonomous technologies to operate effectively, even in extreme weather conditions. At present, two autonomous vehicles are being tested at the airport. The first is the 'luggage lorry,' which traditionally required human drivers to transport luggage from aircraft to the cargo bay. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
21-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Runway to Web Summit Qatar 2025 addresses key challenges in tech
DOHA: Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), in partnership with Web Summit and the Government Communications Office, hosted 'Runway to Web Summit Qatar 2025', yesterday in anticipation of the Web Summit Qatar 2025 next week. The event, which brought together prominent industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators witnessed the participation of Paddy Cosgrave, CEO of Web Summit; Dr. Jack Lau, President of QSTP; Hayfa Al Abdullah, Innovation Director, Qatar Science & Technology Park; Amna Khalid Al Kaabi, Head of Emerging Technologies, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT); and Dr. Ahmed K. Elmagarmid – Executive Director, Qatar Computing Research Institute. The event provided an opportunity for the participants to hear valuable insights during a fireside chat with Cosgrave and Dr. Lau. The CEO and Founder of Web Summit highlighted the challenges and early days of establishing the technology event in 2009, which grew from 150 participants to over 60,000 in 2024, with the attendance of Chinese entrepreneurs and VCs in the later years. 'It was clear that this trend would accumulate over time, and about five years ago, in the fields of machine learning and AI, Chinese academics were already producing more high-quality citations than their Western counterparts, Cosgrave said. He mentioned that Chinese dominance in every tech sector was inevitable for a long period of time. The Web Summit CEO said 'It wasn't fully believable until recently, though, when DeepSeek's progress became undeniable just a few weeks ago. Other sectors have also been heading in this direction, where the realisation has set in that the model-based approach to innovation far surpasses anything that existed before.' Cosgrave further emphasised 'Looking forward, I believe the outlook is incredibly positive. The current driving force is likely the faster-than-expected decline in the West, accompanied by the realisation that the West will need to adapt to survive in a rapidly changing world.' 'This shift isn't just about US foreign policy; it also involves the way innovation is created, and products are developed. 'The world is changing in a way it hasn't for around 500 years, and it's hard to ignore that the landscape is evolving drastically,' he added. Runway to Web Summit 2025 also included a panel discussion on 'Building the Future of Technology in the Middle East' with leading industry figures, as well as startup success stories from QSTP alumni and Web Summit attendees. In addition to that, participants witnessed a startup showcase and networking session, offering a unique chance to connect with key players in Qatar's entrepreneurial ecosystem. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
