DOHA: Qatar Development Bank (QDB) announced the launch of the first SportsTech accelerator in MEA region powered by Startup Bootcamp the global player in accelerating Tech Startups, with the goal to become the leading and central point in the region for sports innovation.
The initiative is part of QDB’s leading role in supporting startups, entrepreneurs and innovators in various sectors. The initiative aims to attract the worlds’ most promising Sports technology startups, to further boost the sports industry and contribute towards the accelerated growth shaping up in the Qatar sports business.
The accelerator is now open to startups globally, and the first program will commence in February 2019. Startups can start applying on www.qatarsportstech.com, till December 2018.
QDB has always been a frontrunner in bringing the best local, regional and international expertise to help promote innovators and entrepreneurs’ skills and support their projects.
Moreover, since the 2022 FIFA World Cup is taking place in Qatar with forecasted investments of USD 5bn that represents a great opportunity for technology startups, this initiative will act as a catalyst and hub for sports innovation pushing new boundaries and presenting new opportunities for global startups and entrepreneurs in terms of sports-related technology and engagement.
On the sidelines of the launch, Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Development Bank, said: “Qatar is gearing in full to lead regionally in the Sports Technology entrepreneurship & business scene capitalizing on the big investments happening in Sports Industry for the last 10 years and continuing, we are pleased that Startupbootcamp are keen on grasping this opportunity together with us as we both believe that launching the first SportsTech accelerator in MEA region will create the perfect ecosystem to enhance entrepreneurship in the sports sector regionally.
Combining the entrepreneurial mind and skillset together with our global distribution power will allow for greatness to happen.
Our mandate is to increase the number of successful startups through creating Thematic Technology based Incubation/Acceleration programs. Startupbootcamp will be powering the entire program with a decade of experience in accelerating startups globally with great success.
All in all, it’s a winning proposition for us, for start-ups and for the Qatar economy at large.”
