Doha — The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), Qatar Development Bank (QDB), Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council, and Invest Qatar, has announced a new strategic partnership under the “Scale Now” program — a national initiative to empower Qatari startups and enhance their global competitiveness.
Unveiled during a joint press conference in Doha, the collaboration underscores Qatar’s unified national effort to advance the objectives of the Digital Agenda 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030, strengthening the country’s role as a regional hub for digital innovation and entrepreneurship.
The partnership expands the Scale Now program to provide integrated financing, mentorship, and training support for Qatari scale-ups in high-growth sectors including artificial intelligence, HealthTech, EdTech, and cybersecurity. It aims to bridge gaps within Qatar’s scale-up ecosystem by connecting entrepreneurs with funding entities, innovation partners, and regulatory support, enabling them to grow sustainably and compete regionally and globally.
“This partnership represents a model of integration between government entities and the private sector,” said Faraj Jassim Abdullah, Director of the Digital Economy Department at MCIT. “It will transform ideas into scalable products through clear implementation pathways, specialized mentorship, and alignment with national digital policies.”
Ali Al Mawlawi, Director of Business Development at MOCI, emphasized the ministry’s role in supporting capacity building, go-to-market strategies, and regulatory guidance. QDB’s Executive Director, Mohammed Al-Emadi, noted that Qatar ranked fourth in the MENA region for venture capital deals last year, reflecting the success of national initiatives like Scale Now in driving startup growth.
Nada Al-Olaqi of QRDI Council highlighted the collaboration’s contribution to strengthening Qatar’s innovation ecosystem through funding and empowerment tools aligned with the Third National Development Strategy, while Dr. Hamad Al Naimi of Invest Qatar stressed the importance of elevating Qatari scale-ups on the global stage through international partnerships.
The first cycle of the Scale Now program achieved over USD 7.2 million in deals, USD 5.7 million in raised investments, and more than 50% revenue growth among participating startups, with one company expanding into new international markets. The second cycle now includes 14 companies across more than 10 sectors within the digital economy.
By 2030, the initiative is expected to contribute to the creation of over 26,000 jobs in Qatar’s ICT sector, reinforcing the country’s transition toward a sustainable, innovation-driven digital economy.
