- QRDI Council launched the Small Business Innovation Grant at Web Summit Qatar 2025 to support early-stage ventures.
- The grant aims to boost R&D in SMEs, accelerating innovation and economic diversification in key industries.
- QRDI Council continues to drive digital transformation, fostering global partnerships and promoting technological advancement.
Doha, Qatar – The Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council has launched the Small Business Innovation Grant (SBIG) to support early-stage ventures. The announcement was made during the second day of Web Summit Qatar 2025, a global gathering of technology leaders and innovators.
Empowering SMEs Through Innovation
The SBIG program is designed to accelerate research and development (R&D) within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By offering financial support and resources, QRDI aims to enhance innovation-driven projects, fostering economic growth and technological advancement.
Nada Al Olaqi, Senior Program Director-Innovation Development and Piloting Programs at QRDI Council, emphasized the importance of the initiative. “This program provides SMEs and startups with essential resources to drive innovation. Our goal is to create an environment where these companies can thrive, contributing to Qatar’s sustainable economic development,” she stated.
Driving Economic Diversification
The grant aligns with QRDI’s mission to promote economic diversification by reducing investment risks for SMEs developing new technologies. It aims to enhance product and service readiness, support commercialization efforts, and generate R&D-driven revenue for small businesses.
QRDI Council is committed to fostering innovation in key sectors such as healthcare, logistics, smart cities, and creative industries. Through tailored funding and incentives, the Council seeks to position Qatar as a global hub for technological advancements.
How to Apply
Startups and SMEs interested in applying for the grant can find detailed information on the Innolight platform. The application process includes eligibility assessments, proposal evaluations, and funding allocation for selected ventures.
Highlights from Web Summit Qatar 2025
The second day of Web Summit Qatar featured dynamic discussions on digital transformation and innovation. QRDI Council led multiple sessions, including Shaping Qatar’s Digital Future Through Innovation and Qatar-Spain Innovation: B2B Success Stories, highlighting international collaborations and emerging technological trends.
A session led by Ogilvy, Data is Power: Converting Browsers to Brand Lovers, explored strategies for leveraging data in brand engagement. These sessions underscored Qatar’s commitment to fostering a knowledge-based economy.
About QRDI Council
QRDI Council is a government entity dedicated to advancing research, development, and innovation in Qatar. As part of the Qatar National Vision 2030, the Council aims to position Qatar as a leading destination for global R&D talent and innovation-driven enterprises.
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Last Updated on February 26, 2025 by Safiya K
