QSTP launches cycle 8 of flagship accelerator program

Doha, Qatar: Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), part of Qatar Foundation Research, Development, and Innovation (QF RDI), has recently launched cycle eight of its flagship accelerator program, XLR8, which aims to help aspiring tech entrepreneurs transform ideas into products with the potential to make a commercial impact.

The eighth cycle of the intensive 10-week training and mentorship program – a key element of QSTP’s mission to foster a dynamic tech innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Qatar – welcomes the contestants of season 11 of Stars of Science, Qatar Foundation’s popular edutainment reality TV show, as part of this cycle’s cohort. Established in 2008, Stars of Science inspires and empowers Arab youth to implement creative solutions to regional problems through science, technology, and innovation.

Hayfa Al-Abdulla, Innovation Director, QSTP, said: “We welcome this cycle’s exceptional group of budding entrepreneurs and we are particularly proud to have aspiring Stars of Science contestants join our program. We look forward to working with these brilliant and innovative young minds, and seeing them take their first steps towards successful entrepreneurial journeys here at QSTP.

“The XLR8 program has had a really positive impact in bolstering the innovation ecosystem in Qatar, as demonstrated by the number of startups who have emerged from the program, some of whom have succeeded in growing their businesses, and are capturing opportunities beyond the local market.”

Under the supervision of a leading network of 30 mentors during the XLR8 program, Stars of Science candidates will join 20 teams – who have qualified for this cycle – to learn how to develop their idea into a prototype, capture customer traction, pitch to investors, and develop their presentation skills. At the end of the program, on the Demo-Day, teams pitch their ideas in front of a live audience that includes potential investors.

The XLR8 program features three modules. The first ‘Product-Market Fit’ module helps participants identify their target market, design an early prototype, and solicit feedback to revise it as needed; while the second ‘Customer Traction’ module enables entrepreneurs to assess whether the market is large enough to sustain a startup. The third and final module, ‘Attracting and Pitching to Investors,’ trains entrepreneurs on how to attract early stage investors and additional investment to grow their startups. 

A total of 20 startups have emerged from XLR8 so far, securing support to launch their startups and enter the commercial market. Several of these have managed to expand beyond Qatar, and have made their mark in international markets such as China and the US.

Since its inception, XLR8 has attracted over 100 teams and more than 300 participants, who have received guidance from mentors and a vast local and global network of entrepreneurs, startup founders, and industry experts with real-life experience.

To learn more about QSTP’s XLR8, please visit: https://qstp.org.qa/qstp-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, 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 

© Press Release 2019