Qatar is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of GDP per capita. Thanks to investment from both the public and private sectors, Doha’s startup ecosystem has been growing steadily in recent years. To achieve Qatar’s 2030 vision of diversifying the economy away from reliance on hydrocarbons, the Qatari government has invested heavily in founders and innovators. It has been joined by many startup support organizations in nurturing Doha’s ecosystem.

2021 marked the second consecutive year of growth of Qatar’s VC ecosystem. Funding grew by 92% compared to 2020, to reach a record high. Startups graduating from accelerator programs accounted for 46% of the 24 deals in Qatar in 2021.

Qatar Development Bank (QDB) provides financial and advisory services, as well as acceleration and incubation programs through affiliated entities including Qatar Business Incubation Center. In March 2021, QDB launched Scale 7, the first business incubator for fashion, film, and other cultural entrepreneurs. Ithmar, a seed-funding program from QDB, provides entrepreneurs with equity capital and is Shari’a compliant. Qatar University’s QU Innovation & Entrepreneurship Strategy (2018–2023) aims to support the ecosystem’s development. The Qatar Science and Technology Park’s (QSTP) Product Development Fund provides up to 50% of the total budget of local high-tech startups, and has awarded grants to 26 companies.

The Research to Startup program was created by QSTP to support the research community in Qatar by bridging the gap between academia and industry. It provides a pathway to commercialize intellectual property and launch startups. So far 45 startups have participated in the program.