Qatar Foundation's Innovation Academy Announces Three Winning Teams

DOHA, Qatar, Jan. 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The third 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 an intensive day of pitching by 30 teams from across the MENA region, followed by a graduation ceremony at QSTP on January 20. Ten teams were shortlisted out of which three winners were announced.

Salamtak, a company that developed an online system for the management of chronic diseases, like diabetes and hypertension, and provides both patients and healthcare professionals with a real-time interface to monitor vital data, won the first place. While Hamza, for their development of the program, which assists with Arabic writing, automatically correcting grammatical errors, just like Grammarly in English, came second; and the third place was secured by Go Star, who created a platform for parents to create gamified daily life tasks for their children such as cleaning their room or feeding the pet.

Representing third-place winner, Go Star, Sara Ait Hak from Morocco, said: "From AIA, I learned that you can turn any idea into a business if you work hard enough. I'd advise fellow young entrepreneurs to always listen to the mentors and to all the advice you get, and you will definitely be able to make your dream a reality."

A number of teams won special awards including Doctorle, a consultation service for diabetic patients that provides them with guidance in helping them manage their lifestyles.  The Doctorle team will get a chance to showcase their innovation at the upcoming edition of the World Innovation Summit for Health. The LimPap team was also recognized for their innovation that aims to produce paper by using completely sustainable sources instead of paper. The team will get an expedited interview with XLR8 – QSTP's flagship Accelerator Program. 

Ten days earlier, 190 university students had convened from all over the pan-Arab region to start this year's AIA program. These students were selected for their innovative tech-based ideas and entrepreneurial mindset, and came from diverse backgrounds and academic fields.

The fast-paced innovation academy, that took place from January 7-20, gave aspiring techpreneurs ample exposure to real-life experiences and experiments on how to develop and launch new tech ventures, in a real marketplace with real customer feedback.