Doha: Secretary General of the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI) Eng. Omar Ali Al Ansari stated that during the ongoing Web Summit Qatar 2026, the QRDI is focusing on empowering startups, creating high-quality investment opportunities, and expanding cooperation with major international institutions in sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, and health.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al Ansari emphasized that these initiatives demonstrate QRDI's commitment to connecting Qatar's innovation ecosystem with global platforms, propelling the nation towards a prosperous future. He highlighted the partnership between QRDI and the Web Summit as a strategic bridge linking innovators in Qatar with global platforms, which contributes to strengthening the national innovation ecosystem.
Al Ansari elaborated that QRDI, a strategic partner of Web Summit Qatar since 2024, leverages this platform to expand cooperation and create high-quality opportunities. The partnership has transformed the Summit into a platform for launching strategic projects and bringing together local and international experts in research and innovation, alongside government and industry leaders and startup founders.
QRDI plays a significant role in the Corporate Innovation Summit, a high-level event that precedes the Web Summit, bringing together business executives, decision-makers, and innovators globally. Al Ansari noted that QRDI has evolved from merely supporting research and innovation funding to becoming a vital link connecting public and private sectors, as well as universities and research centers, contributing to building an integrated system for Qatar's knowledge-based future.
QRDI has established a broad network of partnerships with key national institutions, such as Hamad International Airport, Hassad Food, Ooredoo Qatar, and Milaha, along with Hamad Medical Corporation's Itqan Center and Qatar Media City. These partnerships are strengthened through joint initiatives with the Ministry of Labor, Qatari Diar, and other state institutions supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.
Internationally, QRDI has expanded its presence by partnering with leading research institutions and innovation networks to exchange expertise and build strategic partnerships. Notable international collaborations include partnerships with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Qatar-Spain Innovation Program (QASIP), and Alchemist Doha, as well as collaborations with institutions in Sweden, Denmark, and Singapore.
Established in 2018, QRDI aims to bolster Qatar's status as a global leader in scientific research and innovation, building a competitive knowledge-based economy. The Council focuses on empowering researchers and entrepreneurs through funding programs, coordinating national innovation agendas, and maintaining communication to strengthen ties within the innovation ecosystem.
QRDI has launched several pioneering national initiatives, including the Qatar Open Innovation Program and the Small and Medium Enterprises Innovation Grant (SBIG), along with the Rising Innovators Award (RIA) and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP-Q). These efforts align with Qatar National Vision 2030, driving economic diversification and establishing a thriving knowledge economy.
The Corporate Innovation Summit complements QRDI's efforts by bringing together innovators to discuss business challenges and offering networking experiences and training sessions to engage with pioneers shaping the future of business.
The Web Summit is a leading global event in technology and innovation, with the Qatar edition aiming to establish the nation as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. QRDI Secretary General Al Ansari highlighted QRDI's role in transforming research ideas into sustainable solutions, building innovation communities, and developing a comprehensive national strategy involving multiple organizations and sectors.
QRDI also focuses on talent development through specialized training programs and student support initiatives, with significant participation in programs such as the NSRIE 2025 exhibition and the FameLab program. In collaboration with WIPO, QRDI established the first Intellectual Property Management Clinic for SMEs in Qatar.
QRDI's mission is to narrow the gap between innovation and societal needs, enabling the transformation of discoveries into practical industries and solutions. Internationally, the Council aims to enhance research cooperation, attract talent, and solidify Qatar's presence in the global research landscape.
According to those interested in digital and research fields, the strategic partnership between QRDI and the Web Summit Qatar 2026 serves as a strong platform for promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in Qatar, positioning the nation as a key player in technology and scientific research worldwide.