Startup Qatar Investment Program — Up to $5.5M for Tech Startups

About this opportunity

The Startup Qatar Investment Program, provided by the Qatar Development Bank (QDB), aims to attract tech startups to establish or expand operations in Qatar. The program offers funding for both seed and growth-stage companies, alongside incentives and support services in line with the available Startup Qatar-offered incentives and subsidies. It welcomes two types of tech startups. START targets entrepreneurs with a Proof of Concept (PoC) or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) who seek funding to establish their operations in the Qatari market, with funding of up to $1.1 million to support the launch. GROW targets already-established startups seeking funding to expand their operations into the Qatari market, with funding of up to $5.5 million to fuel this growth. The amount of funding shall be tranched based on mutually agreed milestones. The program is an initiative by Invest Qatar, delivered with collaborators including Qatar Development Bank's Business Incubation and Acceleration Department, QBIC, the Qatar FinTech Hub, QFC, MCIT, QSTP, DIC, TASMU, QRDI and GCO.

Who can apply

• Tech startups focused on high-growth, innovative business ideas and/or knowledge-based concepts
• START track: startups launching in Qatar with a Proof of Concept (PoC) or Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
• GROW track: already-established startups expanding into the Qatari market
• Must demonstrate potential to generate significant value and contribute to Qatar's economic expansion
• Priority sectors: Climate Tech, AgriTech, B2B SaaS, Energy Tech, HealthTech, FinTech, Marketplaces, EduTech, SportsTech, Supply Chain Tech, Cybersecurity, AI & ML, IoT & Big Data, PropTech, Robotics & Drones
• The sector list is not exhaustive — the program is open to all innovative and disruptive startups

What you get

• Funding of up to $1.1M (START) or up to $5.5M (GROW), tranched against agreed milestones
• Registration and license renewal cost waivers
• Flexible work and entrepreneur visa issuance
• Subsidized co-working spaces
• Talent and internship support
• Access to innovation and R&D grants for product development
• Adoption of tech solutions by respective industries (market access)
• Skilling, training and mentoring support
• Showcasing technologies and products in booths and exhibitions
• Subsidized housing support for relocation

How to apply

1. 1
   Review eligibility

   Check that you meet all criteria before starting your application.

2. 2
   Prepare documents

   Gather transcripts, recommendation letters, and any required essays or statements.

3. 3
   Submit application

   Apply directly through the official link below. Deadline: Rolling. No fixed deadline.