Doha: As part of its efforts to enhance digital innovation and support the growth of startups in the country, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has signed a partnership initiative with Microsoft to promote digital innovation and empower entrepreneurs in the ICT sector.

The partnership initiative was signed by Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Industry Affairs at MCIT Reem Al Mansoori, and General Manager of Microsoft Qatar Lana Khalaf.

This partnership initiative supports startups participating in MCITs key programmes, including TASMU Accelerator, which attracts international growth-stage startups, the Digital Incubation Center, which nurtures early-stage tech startups, and Scale Now Program, which enables digital entrepreneurs and startups to expand locally and internationally. These efforts align with the objectives of the Digital Agenda 2030.

Through this partnership initiative, MCIT and Microsoft will work together to support entrepreneurs by providing essential resources, mentorship, and access to the latest technologies, allowing them to develop their businesses and adapt to the evolving digital economy. The partnership initiative will also foster collaboration to empower startups in Qatar by leveraging Microsoft’s advanced technologies, global resources, and expertise.

Additionally, the initiative includes specialised workshops, in-depth training sessions, and comprehensive mentorship programs that contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of startups and strengthening the digital entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The partnership initiative aims to develop specialised programmes to equip entrepreneurs with essential digital tools, provide strategic guidance, and offer hands-on support. It also grants access to valuable resources such as the Microsoft Founders Hub, which encourages startups to adopt advanced technologies and facilitates access to specialised support from Microsoft’s local experts.

Additionally, structured mentorship sessions will be launched, covering diverse topics such as business strategies, market access, and essential skills development.

The initiative will enable startups to utilise advanced tools such as cloud computing services, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics, enhancing their ability to develop innovative solutions that meet local and global market demands.

Commenting on the initiative, Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Industry Affairs at MCIT Reem Al Mansoori stated: “The partnership initiative with Microsoft marks a significant step toward achieving the goals of the Digital Agenda 2030. Through this initiative, we aim to leverage our expertise and resources to enable startups to innovate and expand, contributing effectively to Qatar’s digital economy”.

She added: “This initiative reflects our continuous commitment to building a competitive and integrated ecosystem that supports the growth of startups and the digital entrepreneurship environment according to the highest global standards, enhancing the national economy’s readiness for the digital future and solidifying Qatar’s position as a global hub for innovation and technology.”

General Manager of Microsoft Qatar Lana Khalaf commented, “We are pleased to partner with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to drive innovation and support the growth of digital natives in Qatar.

“At Microsoft, we are committed to empowering entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and strategic guidance they need to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape”.

She continued: “This partnership exemplifies our dedication to enabling startups to leverage our cutting-edge technologies and expertise to transform their ideas into impactful solutions, fostering further innovation from Qatar to the world.”

This partnership initiative further reinforces MCIT’s commitment to establishing Qatar as a regional leader in technology and innovation.

By supporting digital transformation and accelerating startup growth, the initiative plays a pivotal role in building a knowledge-based economy in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030.

In this regard, MCIT and Microsoft remain dedicated to supporting the startup ecosystem by fostering networking opportunities and facilitating collaboration between entrepreneurs, industry experts, clients, and potential partners.