HBKU Partners with QDB on Innovative Entrepreneurship Program

Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Innovation Center and Qatar Development Bank (QDB) recently launched a partnership to deliver the 2nd cycle of the Education City Innovative Entrepreneurship Program.

Held annually, the 18-month program is a long-term initiative that gives entrepreneurial-minded members of the Qatar Foundation community the support they need to commercialize business ideas that address the priority ideas outlined in the Qatar Strategic Development Strategy. Each participant will be offered capacity building training, one-to-one consultations, eligibility to apply for QR100,000 seed funding exclusive to the Program, and mentoring sessions.

Under the partnership, five of the most promising participants will be awarded the opportunity to join QDB’s flagship Lean Startup program – delivered by Qatar Business Incubation Center – enabling them to transform their ideas into innovative startups. The program also gives entrepreneurs access to seasoned mentors and the chance to pitch their ideas to investors. 

“The HBKU community is home to talented minds that aspire to affect positive change in their communities. Partnering with QDB enables us to help them find their entrepreneurial spirit and provide them the support necessary to embark on fulfilling careers as entrepreneurs at the head of locally grown businesses,” said Abeer Salman Al Hammadi, HBKU’s Director of Innovation Center and Economic Development.

“Our collaboration with HBKU’s Innovation Center enables us to extend our backing to an increasing number of budding entrepreneurs and SMEs, further advancing our mission of  fostering Qatar’s knowledge-based economy and strengthening its position as a regional entrepreneurship hub where aspiring innovators find the necessary support to deliver on their ambitions,” said Dr. Hamad Salem Mejegheer, Executive Director of Advisory and Incubation at QDB. 

Through multidisciplinary academic programs and national research capabilities, HBKU prepares future leaders with an entrepreneurial mindset to shape novel solutions for positive, global impact. The University inspires a mindset of continuous growth and participation in an environment of lifelong self-development.