12th cycle of QF RDI's XLR8 program to include workshops on ideation

Doha, Qatar : Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), part of Qatar Foundation Research, Development & Innovation (QF RDI), has announced that applications for the latest edition of its XLR8 program are now open, and that it will be awarding funding for up to three winning teams upon completion. Applications are open from October 20 to November 13, with the program running from November 23, 2021 to March 23, 2022.

QSTP’s flagship accelerator program, XLR8, now in its 12^th cycle, has been revamped. Not only will the program award financial support to the winners, but it has also added a new, value-added ‘Ideation Module’ as part of the training. Under this module, participants will conduct customer interviews to improve or pivot their original idea based on real customer feedback, a vital practice in the process of creating an impactful business.

The program’s robust mentorship and speaker network will also expand this year to include more international experts to guide aspiring entrepreneurs throughout the program.

XLR8 is a pre-startup program that offers intensive training and mentorship for early-stage technology entrepreneurs, and enables them to transform their ideas into commercially viable businesses. It has inspired hundreds of budding entrepreneurs to pursue their ambitions and develop their skills by helping them to refine their business models, build customer traction, and launch a go-to-market strategy.

Qatar-based teams of up to five members from across a broad range of industries are eligible for the program. Successful applicants will be working on impactful solutions to real-life industry problems through technology and innovation.

While the program – which will now take place annually rather than twice-yearly – has been updated, the underlying message stays the same: XLR8 embodies QSTP’s commitment to nurturing local tech entrepreneurship and innovation by supporting the translation of pioneering technology concepts into commercially viable businesses, products, and services that benefit users both in Qatar and beyond, while directly contributing to the national vision of a diversified and sustainable economy.

“QSTP is looking forward to welcoming the latest cohort of entrepreneurs to the 12^th cycle of our XLR8 program,” commented Yosouf Al-Salehi, Executive Director of QSTP. “The creative ideas that our participants bring to the table always carry immense potential to solve real world problems so we take great pride in helping them to understand the commercial viability of their innovative solutions and to create impactful business models.

“Not only can these ventures contribute to Qatar’s booming startup ecosystem, but they also have the potential to positively change the lives of consumers, or transform how businesses operate. I invite Qatar’s finest entrepreneurs to apply for this year’s cycle, which promises to be bigger and better than ever before.”

Since its inception six years ago, almost 30 startups have been launched via XLR8 with more than 150 teams and around 400 individuals participating in the program. Having secured further investment, six startups are now expanding internationally – Meddy, Stellic, MaktApp, Bonocle, WakeCap and EasyBroadcast.

For more details about the XLR8 program and to apply for this year’s cycle, please visit https://qstp.org.qa/xlr8/ 

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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 (ICT), 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 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (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 and healthcare, 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 

© Press Release 2021