Hamad Bin Khalifa University at Web Summit Qatar 2026

Through its A-Sense Center of Excellence, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF), has entered into a strategic research and innovation partnership with Xaidi, a leading Swiss AI health tech company, which has created cutting-edge solutions for people in Qatar with autism. The agreement was signed today at Web Summit Qatar 2026 in Doha, by Dr. Mounir Hamdi, Dean of HBKU’s College of Science and Engineering (CSE), and Dr. Peter Owotoki, Co-Founder of Xaidi Ltd.

This partnership between HBKU and Xiadi embodies a shared commitment to developing scientifically grounded and robust digital health solutions, in line with Qatar’s national priorities in the areas of health, education, and innovation. The partnership also comes within the context of the central role that autism occupies within the University’s strategy, as one of the leading research areas to which the University has given particular attention through the establishment of a specialized center dedicated to research and innovation in this field, in alignment with Qatar Foundation’s priorities, and contributing directly to the support and implementation of the National Autism Plan.

Xaidi was built during Google’s inaugural “AI for Health” program. Created with parents of children with autism in Nairobi and young autistic adults in Zurich, Xaidi has expanded its Arab presence with an office in Qatar, based at Qatar Science and Technology Park. This step underscores Xaidi’s commitment to contributing to Qatar’s innovation ecosystem and developing solutions that are culturally relevant and clinically grounded.

According to Dr. Dena Al-Thani, Co-Founder of the A-sense Center of Excellence, and Associate Professor, CSE, HBKU: “The partnership brings together Xaidi’s applied digital health capabilities with HBKU’s academic leadership in sensory research, engineering, and ethical technology development.” 

Recognized for its work on autism sensing technologies and inclusive research methodologies, HBKU’s A-Sense Center of Excellence, will collaborate with Xaidi on research-informed design and validation. For its part, HBKU’s CSEwill contribute engineering expertise and academic insight to support the development of responsible and ethical AI systems for neurodevelopmental health.

“Xaidi is a demonstration of this human first approach to innovation that belongs to all,” noted Dr. Peter Owotoki. “We are pleased to collaborate to translate rigorous research into practical digital tools that will support neurodivergent people and their families, while contributing to Qatar’s long-term national health objectives.”

Beyond product development, the collaboration is expected to contribute to applied research, knowledge exchange, and the advancement of human-centered AI in healthcare, reinforcing Qatar’s role as a regional and global leader in responsible, health tech innovation.