DOHA: “Startup Weekend Doha”, a programme organised by Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and Qatar University’s (QU) Centre for Entrepreneurship at the College of Business and Economics, has concluded its successful activities.
The programme promotes Qatar’s economic diversification by supporting and strengthening the role of SMEs in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and achieving the goals set out in the Qatar National Development Strategy 2011–2016.
The four-day programme in March attracted many participants interested in learning and gaining experiences designed to motivate young Qatari’s to start up their own projects. The programme offered students access to governmental and private sector speakers, mentors and coaches that hosted vital workshops and lectures on creating business plans, assessing viability for potential ideas and pitching to prospective investors and clients.
Ibrahim Al Mannai, Capability Development Manager at QDB, and George Salem, Manager of Advisory Services at QDB, were part of a panel assessing the final projects presented by students, who were all in the running to win QR25,000. At the end of the programme, ”Joud“ team won first place, beside “Tech Aid” and “Better Kids” who were awarded second and third respectively.
Hamad Al Kubaisi, Executive Director of Advisory of Qatar Development Bank, said: “The big number of students who participated in “Startup Weekend Doha” is testament to the success of QDB’s work with partners to educate and excite Qatari’s on the opportunities in entrepreneurship. We provide local entrepreneurs with the tools and learning opportunities to help grow the SME sector in Qatar, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030’s aspirations.”
Al Kubaisi added: “Our strategic partnership with Qatar University shows our belief in the importance of nurturing young expertise to support Qatar’s blossoming knowledge economy and to provide new opportunities for students to turn entrepreneurial ideas into a reality.”The Peninsula
