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Support Programs
QSTP programs that support technology commercialisation...
QSTP's Proof of Concept Fund provides grants for Qatar researchers to demonstrate the technical and commercial viability of their innovations. It helps them to move their technology from the lab bench to the point that commercial investors are ready to back it.
The program is open to universities, research institutes and small-to-medium companies that have a technological innovation with market potential. Applicants can be from overseas but their projects must be undertaken in Qatar. Applications cannot be made by individuals.
The candidate completes an application form and, if successful, receives a funding commitment from QSTP for $100,000 to $500,000. The recipient draws down the funds over the life of the project, usually 6 to 18 months, as he achieves agreed milestones.
Grants can be used to develop and test prototypes, undertake market research and planning, protect and manage intellectual property, and prepare a business plan. They can also be used to hire outside experts for these activities. At the end of the project the technology should be ready for commercialisation, for example by licensing or starting a new business.
Proof of Concept Funds are grants, so they do not need to be repaid and QSTP does not gain any ownership over the intellectual property.
> For more information on the Proof of Concept Fund please see the FAQ or e-mail programs@qstp.org.qa
The New Enterprise Fund will provide capital for start-up technology companies locating at Qatar Science & Technology Park. It is planned to commence in 2008.
The $30 million fund is designed to support research institutes, corporations and entrepreneurs from around the world to commercialise their technology in Qatar. It will make equity investments in start-up companies at the science park, from the seed stage through to the early growth stage. Investments will range from $500,000 to $3 million.
While companies can be in any technology sector, preference will be given to those that relate to the local economy and institutes. Oil and gas remain the backbone of Qatar's economy but there is also strong growth in medicine, information and communication technologies, the environment, water and aviation. The fund will not invest in companies located outside Qatar, and will not fund research projects.
The New Enterprise Fund will be managed and delivered by Qatar Science & Technology Park. Applications will involve the submission of a business plan, which will be reviewed by the science park's investment committee. The management team may also syndicate investments with other investors.
Once your business plan is received, QSTP will perform a preliminary review and provide feedback with suggestions as necessary for further development of the plan.
> When submitting a business plan, please follow these guidelines.
> Your plan will be reviewed by QSTP using this criteria document.
Qatar Science & Technology Park offers an attractive environment for nascent technology companies. As part of the renowned Qatar Foundation, it is co-located with campuses of top research universities such as Carnegie Mellon, Texas A&M and Weill Cornell Medical College. In addition to the New Enterprise Fund, the science park offers proof-of-concept grants, mentoring assistance and entrepreneurship training. In early 2008 it opens a world-class business incubator within its free zone.
> For more information on QSTP's investment parameters, please see the FAQ or e-mail programs@qstp.org.qa
Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program
The Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program teaches the process of how great business ideas are generated, evaluated, and put into practice in the real world. Experienced professors and entrepreneurs teach the skills and processes necessary for bringing innovations to market via practical, real-world projects. The program also teaches the personal skills that are critical to business success such as networking, sales presentations, and leading teams.
The program is designed for aspiring business leaders and innovators in the Gulf region that seek to create new technology business - either within their current company or by starting their own company.
By the end of the course, students will have created a fully developed project plan supporting their innovation in their existing corporation or in a new venture.
The nine month part-time course is presented in Doha by Carnegie Mellon University, a worldwide leader in business education, in partnership with Qatar Science & Technology Park.
The next program starts October 2008. For more information and to apply, visit www.qatar.cmu.edu/exed.
QSTP's Mentoring Program provides leaders of start-up companies at the science park with intensive, one-to-one guidance from experienced builders of technology businesses.
In particular it helps start-ups establish themselves in new markets: Qatari mentors will often work with companies originating overseas, while overseas mentors assist Qatar-born companies to venture abroad.
Managers at small-to-medium companies at QSTP are offered the guidance of a professional mentor for 12 months (note that it is the individual manager that is mentored, not the company). At the start of the relationship a formal, documented work plan and milestones are agreed. The mentor spends 30 days over the next year working directly with the manager in Qatar, with ongoing contact in between.
The mentor aims to transfer his or her skills and experience to the manager, rather than solve problems on the manager's behalf. Examples of such skills are building teams, raising capital and introducing new technologies to a marketplace.
The Mentoring Program is available to small-to-medium companies (roughly: fewer than 250 staff and sales under $50 m) that locate at the science park. QSTP covers all costs of the program.
QSTP's mentors are passionate and expert builders of technology businesses, drawn from the senior management of large and small companies in Qatar and around the world. The mentor pool spans a variety of industries and functional expertise, ensuring the right mentor for each start-up can be found. QSTP is constantly on the lookout for mentors and experts to join this pool, known as the QSTP Guru Group.
Further information on the Mentoring Program can be found in our FAQ.
> If you are interested in applying or have further questions please e-mail programs@qstp.org.qa
QSTP's Investor Readiness Program helps entrepreneurs raise capital by giving them the skills to prepare winning business plans and investment proposals. In the process they learn key steps in the creation of new technology business such as project selection, team building and gaining early customers.
The program focuses in particular on the finance step: Creating cashflow projections, selecting the best form of finance, and choosing the right investor.
At the end of the program the entrepreneur will be able to create robust business plans that stand up to scrutiny by professional investors.
The program has three streams, depending on the timing and intensity of support required:
Workshops and Seminars
QSTP hosts regular seminars and workshops on becoming investor ready, covering topics such as project development, commercial evaluation, building a management team, business planning and accessing finance. The events are free and open to anyone in Doha considering starting a technology business.
> Find out more about the Investor Readiness Program seminars
> See our Events Calendar for details of the next seminar series
Structured Investor Readiness Support
Designed for entrepreneurs imminently seeking investment, and requiring intensive support to get there. An expert is assigned for up to 30 days to provide one-to-one coaching, with the cost covered by QSTP. At the end of this stream the entrepreneur is fully ready and intent on presenting to investors. Open to entrepreneurs and small-to-medium companies that intend to establish a tech start-up at QSTP. More...
Informal Investor Readiness Support
Designed for entrepreneurs requiring guidance from an investor-readiness expert, but at a level that is less intensive and formal than under the "structured" stream. Up to five days of one-to-one coaching is provided, the cost covered by QSTP. Open to entrepreneurs and small-to-medium companies that intend to establish a tech start-up at QSTP. More...
Additional information is provided in the FAQ