DOHA: Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), a centre of Qatar Foundation Research and Development (QF R&D), is launching a funding programme for entrepreneurs looking to make a positive impact on the national economy.
Envisioned as a catalyst to develop new and creative inventions, the Qatar Innovation Promotion Award (QIPA) will fund individuals from all sectors and at all levels.
Citizens and residents should submit proposals through QNRF’s online submission channel QGrants before August 11. Proposals will be evaluated for technical feasibility, social impact, market potential and overall competitiveness of the team and ideas presented.
Over 12 months, successful applicants will receive support of up to $100,000 to develop models or prototypes of their ideas to demonstrate their feasibility.
Those awarded will also receive post-award, non-financial mentoring to strengthen their plans, in addition to gaining access to further business development, logistical support, and investment opportunities.
Dr Abdul Sattar Al Taie, Executive Director, QNRF, said, “In the short-term, we believe this new programme will encourage innovation, which in the long run will help Qatar achieve its Vision 2030 of a knowledge-based economy and increase the nation’s productivity through economic diversification.”
Elaborating on benefits of the new scheme, Dr Abdulnasser Al Ansari, Deputy Executive Director, QNRF, said, “This programme will help individuals develop their knowledge and build on creativity to turn fundamental understanding into engines of innovation.”
The Peninsula
