Startup Grind Doha has partnered with Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, to strengthen resources and connections available to early-stage founders in Qatar
Quick Summary
- QSTP joins as a Strategic Partner for Startup Grind Doha.
- Collaboration will combine institutional support with grassroots community networks.
- The partnership aims to expand mentorship, visibility, and events for local startups.
Partnership Focus
The Doha chapter of Startup Grind has confirmed a new partnership with Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP). As a Strategic Partner, QSTP will support Startup Grind Doha’s initiatives over the year, combining its structured innovation programs with Startup Grind’s community-driven activities.
The collaboration will include joint events, mentoring opportunities, and increased visibility for startups incubated or accelerated at QSTP. It reflects a broader effort to bring together community-based energy with established institutional resources.
QSTP’s Role in the Ecosystem
QSTP is a central part of Qatar’s innovation landscape, hosting research and development facilities for multinational companies and providing incubation and acceleration programs for local startups. Its focus areas include energy, environment, health sciences, and information and communication technologies.
Through this partnership, QSTP will extend access to its facilities and experts, while also engaging more directly with founders active in Startup Grind’s community network.
Community Engagement Through Startup Grind
Startup Grind is a global startup community, with more than 600 chapters worldwide. The Doha chapter has organised regular fireside chats, panel discussions, and networking events to connect founders, investors, and ecosystem stakeholders.
In September, Startup Grind Doha hosted the All Star Pitch Battle, part of Startup Grind’s global competition, which drew support from organisations including the Youth Entrepreneurship Club (YEC). YEC is a non-profit youth organisation dedicated to providing entrepreneurs in Qatar with investment knowledge and access to networks.
What Stakeholders Said
Hayfa Al Abdulla, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Director at QSTP, said the collaboration connects institutional support with grassroots networks:
“Our role is to connect ambitious founders with the programs, funding, and expertise that can take their ideas from concepts to global scale. Partnering with Startup Grind Doha brings us closer to the vibrant energy of the startup community.”
Indica Amarasinghe, Director of Startup Grind Doha added:
“This collaboration unites the community-driven reach of Startup Grind with the innovation infrastructure of QSTP. Together, we will amplify opportunities for founders and contribute to the growth of Qatar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
Impact of Community Activities
Community-led initiatives such as Startup Grind’s events play a role in strengthening startup ecosystems by creating informal spaces for founders and investors to meet, share experiences, and build trust. While formal accelerators and funding programs provide structure, these interactions often help entrepreneurs refine their ideas, understand market needs, and develop practical connections.
In Qatar, where the ecosystem is evolving, such activities can complement institutional efforts by widening participation, encouraging youth involvement, and creating entry points for first-time founders. By linking with QSTP, these community-driven activities may gain additional depth, offering startups a clearer pathway from networking to structured support.
Outlook
The agreement illustrates Qatar’s ongoing efforts to develop a more connected startup ecosystem, combining global networks with local institutions. For entrepreneurs, the partnership may provide greater access to mentorship, exposure, and facilities, while also supporting the country’s wider push to expand its innovation economy.
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Last Updated on October 3, 2025 by Safiya K
