The Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (IPA Qatar) and Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council revealed a new partnership that aims to accelerate the development of the RDI ecosystem in Qatar and bolster new opportunities for foreign investments in this strategic field.

As part of the national strategy to further grow the innovation and research ecosystem in Qatar and boost the country’s international competitiveness, the two organisations have pledged to leverage their experience and synergies to attract innovative businesses to Qatar and support their RDI activities. This joint collaboration also aims to provide investors with more access to Qatar’s lucrative RDI opportunities across different sectors, while fuelling the State’s transformative change towards a knowledge-based economy, characterised by innovation, as outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO, IPA Qatar, said: “Over the last few years, significant strides have been made to revolutionise the RDI sector in Qatar and deepen the ongoing cultivation of a vibrant innovation ecosystem. Backed by future-ready infrastructure, a conducive business environment, and an unwavering commitment to advancing research and innovation, Qatar is spearheading a new legacy in the region.”

Al-Thani added: “We are pleased to embark on this collaboration with QRDI Council, and jointly boost the competitiveness of Qatar’s economy by leveraging the RDI landscape and to enable and support the attraction of foreign businesses in this field.”

Eng. Omar Ali Al-Ansari, Secretary General of QRDI Council said: “We look forward to supporting international, innovation-driven businesses in Qatar, helping to drive strategic connections with government agencies and large local entities that provide the testing grounds for piloting technologies for new products and services. We’re also committed to building important linkages between R&D-intensive businesses and our research and academic institutions, so that private businesses can leverage the world-class infrastructure available in Qatar.”

Al-Ansari added: “Our recently launched QRDI Portal is a testimony to the significant benefits that can be unlocked through greater collaboration. International companies can connect with entities in Qatar housing highly specialised facilities, equipment and services to further develop their innovation and research activities.”

Complementing its role as a key gateway to all investment solutions in Qatar, IPA Qatar will work closely with QRDI Council to connect foreign businesses to relevant government agencies, local businesses, and knowledge institutions, and offer them access to R&D opportunities across different sectors.