President of UDST, Dr. Salem Al Naemi and Managing Director at Iberdrola Innovation Middle East, Dr. Santiago Bañales-López signing the MoU during the event.
Doha, Qatar: The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iberdrola Innovation Middle East to strengthen academic and research activities in areas of mutual interest, bringing together UDST’s applied education and research expertise with Iberdrola’s experience in the energy sector.
Iberdrola Innovation Middle East is a world-leading innovation centre, located in Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) since 2016, that aims at defining ‘the digital utility’, developing innovative digital solutions for renewable energy integration, smart grids and energy efficiency and conservation. Under the agreement, the two parties will explore joint fundamental, academic, and applied research, research and development projects, and scientific publications. The MoU will also facilitate participation in seminars, conferences, and academic meetings to promote knowledge exchange and professional engagement. Commenting on the collaboration,
President of UDST, Dr. Salem Al Naemi, said: “At UDST, we believe that meaningful partnerships with industry leaders are essential to connecting education and research with the evolving needs of the economy.
Our collaboration with Iberdrola Innovation Middle East will create valuable opportunities for our students and researchers to engage with real-world challenges in the energy sector, while advancing applied research and innovation.
This partnership reflects our commitment to preparing graduates with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to contribute to Qatar’s sustainable development and to emerging industries locally and globally.”
Managing Director at Iberdrola Innovation Middle East, Dr. Santiago Bañales-López, said: Commenting on the “Collaboration between industry and academia is essential to advancing innovation and developing the expertise needed to address the energy challenges of the future. As digitalization and artificial intelligence continue to transform the energy sector, our partnership with the University of Doha for Science and Technology will provide a valuable platform to connect knowledge with real-world applications, support research and innovation, and accelerate the development of AI-driven solutions for a more sustainable and efficient energy system. We look forward to working together to contribute to Qatar’s sustainable development and help develop the next generation of talent leading the digital and energy transition.”
The partnership will provide opportunities for student internships and training, as well as co-supervision and sponsorship of master’s students. UDST and Iberdrola Innovation Middle East will also explore the co-organisation of hackathons and innovation challenges, giving students opportunities to apply their knowledge to practical challenges.
The two parties will further explore support for the development of entrepreneurship on the UDST campus, alongside opportunities to engage with institutions connected to their activities in Spain. The agreement reflects UDST’s commitment to building strong connections with industry and research organisations and creating opportunities that enhance applied learning, research, and innovation.
It also supports the University’s efforts to equip students and researchers with the knowledge and experience needed to contribute to emerging developments in the energy sector.
