Doha: Qatar Foundation has announced the renewal of its partnership with Carnegie Mellon University for an additional 10 years. This extension builds upon a collaboration that began two decades ago, as Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), a partner university, celebrates its 20th anniversary amidst Qatar Foundation's 30-year milestone since its inception. The agreement was signed by HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, and Farnam Jahanian, President of Carnegie Mellon University, at a ceremony in Education City attended by HE US Ambassador to Qatar, Timmy Davis.
According to Qatar News Agency, CMU-Q has produced over 1,400 graduates from its programs in biological sciences, business administration, computer science, and information systems. In the recent academic year, the university hosted more than 450 students from 61 countries, with a significant representation of Qatari nationals and female students. Alumni have emerged as influential figures in diverse sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, technology, science, and finance, contributing to global companies like Amazon, Google, IBM, and Microsoft.
This renewal marks the third partnership extension for Qatar Foundation with international universities in the past six months, following agreements with HEC Paris in November 2024 and Georgetown University in April 2025. These agreements underscore the thriving educational ecosystem fostered by Qatar Foundation.
HE Sheikha Hind remarked on the significance of these partnerships, emphasizing Carnegie Mellon University's contribution to Qatar's educational landscape by delivering high-quality programs and fostering an environment of curiosity and knowledge beyond academia. She highlighted the university's role in equipping future leaders, particularly in the field of Artificial Intelligence, and expressed optimism about the continued collaboration.
Farnam Jahanian praised the longstanding partnership, citing mutual trust and a shared mission to use education as a catalyst for global involvement and economic growth. He acknowledged the support from the Qatari government and Qatar Foundation, which has been instrumental in advancing Education City's vision as a hub for transformative opportunities.
Carnegie Mellon University stands among the top global institutions for its programs, ranking in the top 25 by Times Higher Education and excelling in fields such as Artificial Intelligence and business administration. CMU-Q maintains the same graduation standards as its main campus in Pittsburgh, preparing students with a strong foundation in analytics and leadership to address real-world challenges.
Francisco Marmolejo, President of Higher Education at Qatar Foundation, highlighted the transformative potential of knowledge-based partnerships. He praised the collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar as a testament to a visionary educational ecosystem dedicated to meeting Qatar's needs and expanding global opportunities for young people.
Dean Michael Trick of CMU-Q emphasized the shared vision of impactful education that has characterized the partnership, celebrating over 1,400 graduates since the campus's inception. He expressed enthusiasm for the renewed decade-long partnership, aimed at guiding students through technological advancements with a focus on analytical, compassionate, and innovative solutions.
CMU-Q's integration within Qatar Foundation's educational ecosystem, which includes seven international partner universities and Hamad Bin Khalifa University, offers unique opportunities for academic and research collaboration. The environment encourages cultural and intellectual exchange, providing students with a platform to explore science, technology, and community engagement within a global context.