Qatar has been making significant strides in fostering innovation across various sectors, with a particular emphasis on nurturing startups and establishing itself as a global technology hub. The nation's strategic initiatives encompass educational programmes, investments and hosting major international tech events, all aimed at creating a vibrant ecosystem conducive to technological advancement and economic diversification. Qatar is steadily cementing its position as a leader in technological innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. A recent step in this regard comes from the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), an initiative of the Qatar Foundation. WISE has launched the 2025/2026 Edtech Accelerator Programme, designed to support early-stage startups in the education technology sector. The programme features two distinct tracks: a Local Track targeting startups within Qatar's burgeoning education market, and an International Track aimed at global startups seeking to scale their impact worldwide. Participants benefit from expert mentorship, networking opportunities, and fast-tracked funding avenues, underscoring Qatar's commitment to revolutionising teaching and learning through technological solutions. Qatar's strategy to become a global technology hub is further evidenced by its hosting of prominent international tech events. The country successfully hosted multiple Web Summits, one of the world's largest technology conferences, attracting startups, investors, and tech enthusiasts from around the globe. This event provided a platform for local innovators to connect with international stakeholders, fostering collaboration and showcasing Qatar's burgeoning tech ecosystem. Building on this success, Qatar is set to host the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Doha, marking the event's expansion into the Middle East. This initiative reflects Qatar's commitment to establishing itself as a global hub for digital innovation. The MWC in Barcelona recently matched its pre-pandemic attendance record, attracting 109,000 participants, and the upcoming Doha edition is expected to further enhance Qatar's position in the global technology arena. Qatar is actively promoting innovation across various spheres. These efforts are integral to the nation's broader strategy of economic diversification, reducing dependence on traditional sectors, and establishing itself as a leader in technological advancement on the global stage.
