Qatar Science and Technology Park

Inaugurated in March 2009, Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) is a home for technology-based companies from around the world, and an incubator of start-up enterprises. The park's support programs provide premises, facilities and services to help organizations develop and commercialize their technology.

The park is located in Qatar Foundation's Education City,  and it is part of a unique ecosystem that comprises a cluster of eight leading international and home-grown universities, primary and secondary schools, research centres and policy institutes, various scholastic and community-focused entities, and much more. This unique ecosystem is designed to leverage synergies across disciplines and sectors to bring new technologies, matured in Qatar, into the global marketplace. Its current members include EADS, ExxonMobil, GE, Microsoft, Shell and Total.

QSTP drives applied R&D by facilitating the development of new high-tech products and services, and supports the commercialization of market-ready technologies – leading to investment, job creation and economic impact.

Facilities

Companies can lease state-of-the-art offices and laboratories or commission their own buildings to be designed and built by QSTP. The two types of facilities available are:

• Innovation Centre’s offices: Ideal for small, start-up companies, the centre provides fully-furnished offices from 45 sq. meters with meeting rooms, business services and expert advice on site. The Innovation Centre is also the science park's communal hub, featuring cafes and open public spaces.
• Tech Building: A pair of two-storey buildings suited for medium and large companies. Tech Centres are able to accommodate both heavily equipped laboratories and modern offices. The customizable spaces are available in increments of 500 sq. meters. 
• Single User Building: A whole building designed and built to the specific requirements of a specific company.
• Incubation Centre: The QSTP Incubation Center is focused on accelerating the establishment and growth of promising tech start-ups through rapid incorporation in the QSTP Free Zone, collaborative co-working space, business facilitation and support services which includes access to a network of mentors, access to funding programs, training and prototyping facilities.

Support Program

QSTP provides a number of support programs to help foster innovation. Those include:

• Proof of Concept Fund: Funding for innovations that are commercially viable.
• New Enterprise Fund: A $30 million fund designed to support start-up technology companies. Investments range from $500,000 to $3 million.
• Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program: Experienced professors and entrepreneurs teach aspiring business leaders how to bring innovations to the market.
• Mentoring Program: one-to-one guidance from experienced technology business innovators. 
• Investor Readiness Program: Training on how to raise capital — from creating cash flow projections to choosing the right investor.

Businesses interested in becoming a member should apply through Qatar Science and Technology Park's website.