Doha: The Digital Incubation Center (DIC) at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has successfully invested about QR235m of total funding to its incubated startups over the past 10 years, an official has said.
Addressing the virtual Qatar XR Tech Summit 2021 ‘Transforming Digital Business & Services to the Next Level’ hosted by The Rendezvous Experts (TREX) recently, Duha Al Buhendi, Manager of Digital Incubation Center (DIC) at MCIT spoke about ‘Digital Incubation Center Fosters Startups in Qatar’.
Al Buhendi explained that through its more than 10 years of activity, DIC has made a huge impact on the tech innovation scene in Qatar. “Our startups have received a total investment of QR235m over their incubation period, and we have more than 100 startups successfully graduated from DIC,” she said.
Al Buhendi added that startups have huge potential and opportunities to grow in the Qatari market. Qatar with its futuristic international ICT development initiatives has always been a leader in attracting emerging technology talents, developing various IT trainings, fundings and conducting many research programs which are important in fostering a world class technology ecosystem. The development of digital networks, smart cities and many other technological milestones are high in the agenda of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and Digital Incubation Center (DIC).
In 2021, DIC and its startups have participated in some of the most impactful local and international events, Al Buhendi said.
“DIC is on a constant look out for partners to better support the growth of its incubated startups and partners get direct access to the potential unicorns of tomorrow. We are bringing startups funding through our partners from different entities in Qatar who offer funds and also angel investors and VC’s around the world. Our partners are supporting us to deliver our mission to Qatar and at the same time to help our startups. We have partners offering us access to resources – cloud equipment, tools and enablers, infrastructure; access to knowledge and expertise; and access to funds and opportunities,” she added.
In her presentation, Al Buhendi shed light on the role played by DIC in supporting digital startups in Qatar. She said: “Since 2011 we have been supporting digital startups. Our mission is to offer full support for their growth, leading towards a mature ecosystem through well designed programs and events. We have sectors and technology areas that we are focusing on to build the digital ecosystem in Qatar and be part of building the smart cities Qatar which is aligned with Tasmu strategy”.
She added: “The main sectors to focus are healthcare, transport, logistics, environment, and there are also other sectors we are looking for startups to come from such as education, retail and ICT. We are looking at startups and entrepreneurs capable of harnessing emerging technologies to create innovative products, solutions, or services that will contribute to Qatar’s digital economy and support in building sectors including Internet of Things (IoT), social and mobile solutions, AI, blockchain and analytics. We are also offering some value elements for companies such as training and mentoring, access to markets, and infrastructure support”.
DIC covers a large spectrum of industries while aligning with the major directions of Tasmu Smart Qatar program. Al Buhendi noted that DIC provides its startups with access to talents and professional services including customised services according to their needs.
Speaking about the current startups at DIC, she said: “We have currently 60 startups from different sectors which cover large spectrum of industries such as fintech, e-commerce, healthcare, transport, logistics, environment, education, real estate, and retail”.
The virtual event brought together top 100 business, marketing, customer experience, innovation, and technology heads together to serve the community.
The Digital Incubation Center (DIC) was created to boost ICT innovation in Qatar, particularly among young people at the critical early stages of starting or growing a technology-related business.
