Indian startups are making waves globally, and their latest venture at Web Summit Qatar 2025 is a testament to the country’s growing dominance in the innovation landscape. The event, hosted at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) from February 23 to 26, has turned into a prime stage for Indian entrepreneurs to showcase their cutting-edge solutions across diverse industries. Here TICE brings you highlights from Web Summit Qatar 2025.

Spearheaded by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Startup India initiative has once again proven its commitment to driving entrepreneurship and fostering global partnerships. This year, India’s delegation comprises some of the country’s most promising startups, spanning sectors such as wastewater treatment, AI-driven SaaS, travel technology, business automation, and STEM education.

But beyond just participation, India’s presence at Web Summit Qatar 2025 marks a significant milestone in India-Qatar startup collaborations, paving the way for strategic investments, cross-border partnerships, and a stronger foothold in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

India-Qatar: Strengthening Innovation & Economic Ties

The Indian Country Pavilion at Web Summit Qatar was inaugurated by Ambassador of India to Qatar, Vipul, who highlighted the robust synergies between India and Qatar in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. In his address, he underscored the immense potential for bilateral cooperation, particularly in high-growth areas like CleanTech, Enterprise SaaS, IoT, and education.

This collaboration is not just about investment but about creating a shared ecosystem where startups from both nations can thrive. With Qatar emerging as a key gateway to the GCC, Indian startups now have a unique opportunity to expand their footprint in one of the world’s most dynamic business hubs.

Key Highlights from Web Summit Qatar 2025

1. Strategic Investment Dialogues

One of the biggest takeaways from the event has been the keen interest of Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) in Indian startups. Abdulla Al Kuwari, Head of QIA Advisory (Asia Pacific), engaged in high-level discussions with Indian entrepreneurs, exploring potential investment opportunities in sustainable technology, AI-driven enterprise solutions, and education tech.

The discussions signal a growing recognition of India’s tech prowess and its potential to drive impactful solutions in the Middle East market.

2. Panel Discussion: ‘Gateway to GCC Growth for Indian Startups’

A much-anticipated session at the summit, this panel featured industry experts, policymakers, and entrepreneurs discussing how Indian startups can leverage Qatar’s business environment to scale in the GCC.

Ambassador Vipul, who delivered a keynote at the event, emphasized how technology and innovation form a critical pillar of India-Qatar ties. With India being home to some of the world’s most disruptive startups, this platform has opened doors for Indian founders to tap into Qatar’s capital-rich and innovation-focused ecosystem.

3. Institutional Collaborations & Cross-Border Expansion

Beyond investment discussions, another highlight of Web Summit Qatar 2025 was the emphasis on institutional partnerships. Indian startups were encouraged to collaborate with Qatari incubators and accelerators, gaining access to mentorship, funding, and a ready market for scaling their businesses.

Similarly, Qatari institutions were urged to tap into India’s deep reservoir of tech talent and startup innovation, setting the stage for stronger cross-border cooperation.

India: A Startup Powerhouse on the Global Stage

India’s participation at Web Summit Qatar 2025 isn’t just about expanding to the Middle East; it’s about reinforcing its position as a global startup leader. The numbers speak for themselves:

• 1.64 lakh startups recognized by DPIIT – making India the third-largest startup ecosystem globally.
• 120+ unicorns – showcasing the country’s ability to scale businesses and drive industry disruption.
• Unmatched tech talent – with Indian entrepreneurs leading innovations in AI, fintech, edtech, healthtech, and sustainability.

With such a thriving ecosystem, it’s no surprise that India is rapidly becoming the go-to destination for investors, policymakers, and tech leaders worldwide.

What’s Next? Deeper India-Qatar Cooperation

While the event has provided networking and visibility, Indian startups aren’t stopping at showcasing their products. They are actively engaging in:

• B2B Meetings: Connecting with potential business partners in Qatar and the GCC.
• Investor Interactions: Securing funding from venture capitalists, institutional investors, and Qatari government-backed funds.
• Panel Discussions: Sharing insights on the future of AI, sustainability, and enterprise solutions.

India’s participation in Web Summit Qatar 2025 reaffirms its global commitment to fostering technological advancements, building strategic partnerships, and strengthening economic ties with innovation-driven economies like Qatar.

As Indian entrepreneurs continue to break barriers and expand globally, their journey at Web Summit Qatar 2025 is just the beginning of a new wave of cross-border startup success stories.