Doha: The Business Year (TBY), in collaboration with Msheireb Properties, has announced the launch of the AI for Good Qatar Challenge, in partnership with AI for Good YAILs Qatar. This initiative will be part of the Qatar Investment and Innovation Conference: Driving GCC Entrepreneurial Growth, set to take place on November 3, 2025, at Barahat Msheireb, Doha.
According to Qatar News Agency, the competition aims to bring together promising GCC-based pre-seed and seed-stage startups that utilize artificial intelligence to tackle global challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By highlighting AI-native solutions with real-world societal impact, the AI for Good Qatar Challenge emphasizes Qatar's dedication to innovation-driven growth, entrepreneurship, and its leadership role in the regional digital economy.
Participating startups will have the opportunity to present live in Doha before a panel of expert judges. The evaluation criteria will focus on aspects such as team and founder quality, product and technology, business model, impact, and communication. The format will include 3-minute pitches from shortlisted startups, with the winner announced during the conference's closing session.
Startups entering the competition will benefit from mentorship, exposure to global investors, integration into the UN innovation ecosystem, and media visibility through official partner channels. While the challenge does not offer a cash prize, it provides access to global opportunities.
Supported by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and international venture capital firms like Rasmal Ventures, Builders VC, The Alchemist, and Plug and Play, the competition gives pre-seed startups direct exposure to international investors. It also allows them to present their solutions to a C-level audience and gain access to global mentorship programs and accelerators.
The Qatar Investment and Innovation Conference, co-organized by TBY and Msheireb Properties, will function as a high-level platform connecting policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators from the Gulf region. By hosting the AI for Good Qatar Challenge, the event reinforces Qatar's position as a regional hub for AI, innovation, and sustainable entrepreneurship.