Dr. Ahmad M Hasnah, President of HBKU, with other officials during the launch of the ‘Makerspace’ initiative at HBKU yesterday. Pic: Baher Amin / The Peninsula
DOHA: To support industrial sector of the country by inventing scientific solutions for their problems, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) will launch an Innovation Center.
Talking to media persons on the event of launch of ‘Makerspace’ initiative, President of HBKU, Dr. Ahmad M Hasnah, said that among other initiatives to be launched by the university was the establishment of an “Innovation Center” where university’s faculty researchers will present solutions to problems being faced by the industries.
To a question about future initiatives of the university, Dr Hasnah, said, “The university will launch an Innovation Centre where industry will bring problems for our faculty researchers.” He did not specify by when the centre would be launched.
To promote a greater understanding of ethics and practices of green economies across the broader community, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) yesterday inaugurated its “Makerspace” initiative titled ‘Green Economy, Business, and Entrepreneurship in Qatar’.
The initiative brought together organisations and the wider community for a series of exhibitions, workshops, and short talks discussing environmentally-friendly and ethical industrial practices.
The opening ceremony of the two-day event included a tour of the exhibition space, which involved HBKU’s top officials, including President Dr. Ahmad M Hasnah; Vice-President for Student Affairs, Maryam Hamad Al Mannai; Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, Dr. Mounir Hamdi; and Dean of the College of Islamic Studies (CIS) Dr. Emad El Din Shahin.
Commenting on the Makerspace initiative, HBKU President said that sustainable development was the “key” and building more and more green solutions to economic problems was the way forward to the future.
“HBKU has brought together experts, academicians, companies so that they can share their economic, social expertise regarding green economy at one place. It is not only an awareness activity but also meant to present possible solutions to the problems being faced by Qatar, region and the world.”
Dr Hasnah observed that Makerspace exhibition was also a great place for students to be able to learn from practitioners and get their knowledge into action.
He said that for Qatar, food security was among major strategic decisions for which green and sustainable solutions were required. “Makespace is presenting new and novel solutions for food security related issues from green perspective in agriculture to organic farming, recycling etc.”
HBKU President noted that the initiative had been designed to bring knowledge into action. He said that it was the first initiative in that direction and “HBKU will organize other activities inviting industry, government, students, faculty and other stakeholders at one place.”
Taking to media persons, Dr. Emad El-Din Shahin, Dean of the College of Islamic Studies (CIS), said that through the initiative HBKU intended to integrate community and students with the concept of green economy.
To a question, he said that Qatar had dealt with blockade in an extremely proactive and positive way. “It is time to think strategically, implement strategically.”
He said that Qatar was doing futuristic planning for food security and sustainable development. “Qatar is still an attractive destination for education, entrepreneurship, investment,” he said.
Dr Shahin said that HBKU had an emphasis on practical side, integration, innovation, entrepreneurship, original-thinking and practicality.
He said Makerspace was not merely an exhibit rather it was a concept to derive a new culture of preservation, dealing efficiently with resources and paving way for futuristic, green, knowledge-based economy.
Elaborating upon the development of the initiative, how it impacts the community, Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean For Innovation and Community Advancement at CIS Dr. Mohamed Evren Tok, said, “In the months preceding the Makerspace Initiative, our team members worked dedicatedly to develop a collaborative space that could bring together diverse individuals and organizations alike to learn more about green economies, business and entrepreneurship.”
For this initiative, HBKU has partnered with a number of experts, supporters, and partners, including Qatar Development Bank, the Qur’anic Botanic Garden, Qatar Green Building Council, Qatar National Research Fund and Al Jaber Green Construction.
Prominent business startups and entrepreneurs practicing ecological models are showcasing their work, which remains on display at various outlets across the Education City Student Center until tomorrow.
Exhibitors include the Green Maasai Troupe, Rozy Fashion, Papercut, Q-e Waste, Safe-Q, Qatar Behavioral Insights Unit, Agrico, Global Farm for Agricultural Supplies, and IbTECHar.
