Qatar Science & Technology Park Awards Young 'Techpreneurs' at Finale of the Arab Innovation Academy

DOHA, Qatar, January 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

Talented young minds introduce innovative solutions to global problems   

The second edition of the Arab Innovation Academy (AIA), a collaboration between Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) - part of Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation (QF RDI) - and the European Innovation Academy (EIA), concluded with a grand pitching and graduation ceremony at QSTP on Tuesday, January 15.

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AIA is the first and largest entrepreneurship program in the region, aimed at equipping entrepreneurs in Qatar, the MENA region, and the global community with the skillset to build their start-up in just 10 days. The accelerated mode of experiential learning introduced participants to cutting-edge methods and tools in entrepreneurship, from team formation and idea creation to pitching to venture capitalists and angel investors. During the competition, participants developed and launched new tech ventures in a real marketplace, with genuine customer feedback.

The program, which began on January 2, brought together world-renowned technology collaborators; more than 160 participants selected from a pool of over 900 applicants; 25 speakers; and 37 mentors and investors, representing 30 different nationalities. The second edition of AIA also witnessed even greater participation in the program from Arab women.

Commenting on the success of the event, Yosouf Abdulrahman Saleh, Executive Director, QSTP, said: "I'm very proud of what we've achieved in the second edition of AIA, with the majority of the teams completing their projects throughout their journey with us.

"Arab Innovation Academy is one of QSTP's flagship initiatives, by which we follow through on our commitment to support tech-based entrepreneurship ventures in Qatar - through incubation, funding, training, mentorship, and connections to regional and global tech innovation ecosystems. We believe that this program contributes enormously to expanding the economic diversity of Qatar, and in developing its human capital.

"We look forward to educating the public and raising further awareness about the substantial benefits of the AIA program, while encouraging greater participation from the youth of Qatar and the region in our third edition of AIA next year.