Doha: Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, concluded the 15th cycle of its XLR8 accelerator program with a Business Pitch Day event, showcasing a new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators in Qatar.
According to Qatar News Agency, the event brought together startup teams presenting their prototypes to a distinguished group of investors, business leaders, and members of Qatar's growing tech innovation ecosystem. After 14 weeks of hands-on mentorship and training, eight teams showcased their innovative solutions tackling real-world challenges across multiple sectors.
The top three winners were Palazzi Instruments, awarded first place for developing an innovative, lightweight device for measuring athletes' speed; Ask Sanad, which secured second place with an AI-driven platform designed to help students in the Middle East and North Africa make informed academic and university choices based on their priorities and future aspirations; and VitalSort AI, which took third place for developing a solution to alleviate overcrowded emergency departments by automating medical claims documentation and coding.
The three winning teams will receive free office space at QSTP for three months, along with tailored mentorship and access to a network of industry experts to support their entrepreneurial journey. Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at QSTP, Hayfa Al Abdulla, emphasized the strategic significance of the Business Pitch Day as a key milestone in shaping the trajectory of startups in Qatar.
With every edition, she said, the program sees a noticeable transformation in the maturity and vibrancy of ideas, adding that this 15th cycle has showcased remarkable passion, determination, and creativity, reflecting the promising potential of rising entrepreneurs in Qatar. She congratulated all participating teams, especially the winners, for their exceptional achievements, reaffirming QSTP's commitment to fostering Qatar's innovation ecosystem and positioning the country as a global leader in technology-driven entrepreneurship.
Head of Digital Products at Qatar Museums, Asma Al Jefairi, underscored the pivotal role such initiatives play in driving innovation across Qatar. Support programs like XLR8, she mentioned, are crucial in fueling innovation, providing ambitious talents and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to transform ideas into real-world projects, backed by a rich network of experts and resources. She further emphasized QSTP's strategic role in creating a thriving tech startup environment, stating that its collaborations and dynamic support structure help build a strong foundation for ambitious projects that not only introduce innovative ideas but also serve Qatari institutions with modern, efficient solutions.