QIC will prioritize home-grown innovations. Pic by Baher Amin / The Peninsula
Qatar Innovation Community (QIC) — a consortium of public and private companies, academia and entrepreneurs aimed at enabling innovation — launched yesterday at QITCOM 2017 at Qatar National Convention Centre.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC), Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) and Ooredoo, along with 15 national stakeholders, have joined forces to launch QIC in an effort to accelerate innovation across Qatar and create solutions for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and beyond.
Through various innovation programmes and initiatives, focusing on different strategic areas, the QIC will support and enable Qatar’s innovation capability and knowledge capital. In addition, it will address national priorities and look to enhance Qatar’s image and global competitiveness. Other stakeholders include Al Jazeera, Aspire Academy, Hamad Bin Khalifa University and Qatar Computing Research Institute, International Chamber of Commerce, Josoor Institute, Qatar Airways, Qatar Business Incubation Centre, Qatar Chamber of Commerce, Qatar Development Bank, Qatar Financial Centre, Qatar Museums Authority, Qatar National Bank, Qatar Rail, Qatar Tourism Authority and Qatar University.
The QIC will prioritise home-grown innovations and create an enabling environment, including effective stakeholder collaboration.
The initiative aims to contribute to Qatar’s socioeconomic development plans through the identification and commercialisation of new businesses and enhance the Qatari brand through innovative solutions in key sectors, including sport and event management industries.
It also seeks to establish enabling mechanisms to support innovation across Qatar and establish stakeholder collaboration framework to enhance Qatar’s innovation ecosystem.
The launch event was attended by H E Jassim Saif Al Sulaiti, Minister of Transport and Communications; H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce; H E Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi, Minister of Municipality and Environment.Also present were Hassan Al Thawadi, SC Secretary-General; Reem Al Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary, MoTC; Dr Hamad Al Ibrahim, QSTP Chairman, and Waleed Al Sayed, Ooredoo CEO, along with representatives from the 15 stakeholders.
Al Thawadi said: “Innovation has been at the heart of our work, from the moment Qatar decided to bid for the 2022 World Cup. Our compact tournament plans, modular stadiums and ambitious legacy initiatives show that innovation is embedded within everything we do.
“Launching Qatar Innovation Community is the next step for the SC and our stakeholders. It shows we’re serious about laying a foundation for our country’s brightest minds to formulate ideas that will make a difference to Qatar, the region and the world.”
Al Mansoori said: “The formation of Qatar Innovation Community will support our vision of implementing smart technologies across the country and region. Qatar is committed to providing the very best innovation infrastructure for both public and private stakeholders, and the QIC will be the flag bearer for ensuring our country remains a hub for new ideas, invention and ground-breaking technology.”
Dr Al Ibrahim said: “Qatar Innovation Community ties in perfectly with QSTP’s vision to become an international hub for scientific and technology innovation, tech-based entrepreneurship and high-tech businesses. We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to leverage the opportunities provided from hosting the 2022 World Cup.”
Al Sayed said, “Ooredoo has been at the forefront of cutting-edge innovation since its founding in 1987. Our vision is to enrich our customers’ daily lives and help fulfil their dreams and aspirations. Through Qatar Innovation Community we will promote this philosophy to current and future innovators as we work with national stakeholders to deliver a bright future for the country, the region and the world.”
