Qatari Companies Awarded Technology Development Grant Programme by QRDI Council

The Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council has recently announced the recipients of the Technology Development Grant (TDG) programme, which includes four local companies: Karty LLC, Qatar Navigation QPSC (Milaha), Cytomate, and Syook.

The TDG programme plays a pivotal role in the QRDI Council’s efforts to establish a robust research and development (R&D) ecosystem as part of their QRDI 2030 strategy. This programme primarily targets for-profit companies operating in Qatar, such as Small & Medium Enterprises, startups, Large Local Enterprises, and multinational corporations to support their R&D-based product development or process innovation projects.

Under this programme, projects are funded with grants of up to QR10mn, aimed at facilitating technology, product, or process development projects that will significantly enhance the competitiveness of these companies in their respective markets. It is a requirement for all development to be carried out locally, and companies are expected to create job opportunities for local tech talent within the scope of their projects. This grant is currently in its pilot phase and is set to be expanded more broadly after its initial soft launch.

Omar Ali al-Ansari, Secretary General of the QRDI Council, expressed the council’s commitment to driving innovation and technological advancement in Qatar through the TDG programme. The aim is to cultivate innovation capacity within the country and elevate the capability for R&D among companies operating in Qatar, with the long-term goal of positioning Qatar as a thriving hub for research, development, and innovation in the Middle East.

Representatives from the awarded companies have also acknowledged the significance of the TDG programme. A spokesperson from Milaha stated that the grant will accelerate their innovation journey, allowing them to develop transformative technologies and products within the maritime industry.

Similarly, Karty LLC’s co-founder and CEO, Mohammed Suleiman, highlighted the invaluable support received from the QRDI Council, emphasizing how crucial such support is for startups like KARTY in their quest to compete at regional and global levels.

Cytomate’s CEO, Hammad Saleh Hadeed, referred to the TDG grant as a significant milestone for their team that will enable them to delve deeper into cybersecurity research with greater resources. Hadeed also commended the clear and well-structured application process and praised the QRDI Council team for their helpful and communicative approach, making the entire process a smooth experience.

Furthermore, Syook CEO Arjun Nagarajan expressed how the TDG grant will significantly accelerate their journey towards innovations in the Industrial Internet of Things, with a specific focus on enhancing safety and operational efficiency in industrial environments not only in Qatar but globally.

The TDG programme is a crucial step towards fostering innovation and technological development within Qatar. By providing substantial support to local companies, the QRDI Council is contributing to the growth and competitiveness of the Qatari business landscape, ultimately positioning the country as a key player in the global innovation arena.