QSTP Gears Up for Third Edition of Arab Innovation Academy

Doha, September 03 (QNA) - Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), part of Qatar Foundation Research, Development, and Innovation, is inviting university students from Qatar and the MENA region to apply for the third edition of its Arab Innovation Academy (AIA) the largest entrepreneurship boot-camp of its kind in the region. The deadline to apply closes on September 30, 2019. The AIA will kick off on January 7, 2020, and will run until January 20, 2020. A collaboration between QSTP and the European Innovation Academy (EIA), the hands-on entrepreneurship program will introduce participants to an accelerated mode of experiential learning, including how to develop and launch a tech startup in a real marketplace with customer feedback. Executive Director of QSTP Yosouf Abdulrahman Saleh, said "The first two editions of the program proved to be outstanding successes, as demonstrated by the high level of participation from 30 countries from across the region. The upcoming edition of the program will provide a new batch of budding entrepreneurs with the opportunity to gain invaluable insights and guidance from leading Silicon Valley mentors and experts from the worlds top corporations, who will help the aspiring participants launch their startups and market their tech products in Qatar and beyond." The first and second editions of the two-week startup boot-camp featured 127 and 196 entrepreneurs, respectively, from Qatar and abroad, making up a total of 34 teams. The second edition of AIA also witnessed even greater participation in the program from young Arab women. Several participants have gone on to launch successful startups after completing the program, which aims to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue technology development and make a positive impact in the world through innovation. President of EIA Alar Kolk, said: "European Innovation Academy is proud to partner with QTSP for the third edition of the Arab Innovation Academy, and to contribute to Qatar's thriving startup ecosystem. With the most innovative technology including Artificial Intelligence and robotics we are teaching entrepreneurship to students and young professionals as we truly believe that a new star will rise from Arab countries to disrupt economies and businesses in the future. The EIA is the world's largest extreme entrepreneurship program, offering aspiring techpreneurs from across the globe the necessary support and mentorship to launch a startup in just 15 days. QSTP is a Free Zone, accelerator, and incubator for tech-product development in Qatar. The park fosters an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Qatar that works to accelerate commercialization of market-ready technologies to realize Qatars national diversification drive. Information & Communication Technologies, in line with the Qatar National Research Strategy announced in 2012. Located in Qatar Foundation's Education City, QSTP has access to the vital resources of a cluster of leading research universities. Members of QSTP's Free Zone include SMEs, international corporations, and research institutions. They are collectively committed to investing in new technology development programs, creating intellectual property, enhancing technology management skills, and developing innovative new products. QSTP supports QF RDIs economic and human development objectives for Qatar and is increasingly recognized as an international hub for applied research, innovation, incubation, and entrepreneurship. (QNA)