The Research to Startup program was created to support the research community in Qatar by providing a complementary pathway to commercialize intellectual property and launch new tech startups.
The program aims to bridge the divide between industry and academia by facilitating interactions between serial tech entrepreneurs and research institutes, creating new tech ventures with the ability to attract investors and license intellectual property developed in Qatar.
Research to Startup Program (RTS)
The Research to Startup Program (RTS) is the premier QSTP program designated to create spinouts based on high-potential technologies that are developed by the research community in Qatar. The RTS program offers a unique approach and aims to:
- recruit experienced entrepreneurs and match them with high-potential technologies that have been created in Qatar and;
- aspires to merge these vetted matches to derive fundable startup ventures.
Objectives
Among the core objectives of the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) is to create an environment that advances innovation and collaboration by attracting and supporting technology-based startups and entrepreneurs that are focused on the development of tech-based products and services and the commercialization of scientific research.
QSTP has developed the Research to Startup (RTS) program to direct this notable initiative in an effort to support both researchers and entrepreneurs. RTS drives innovation and encourages novel technologies to enter the marketplace through enterprise creation.
In the upcoming cycle of the RTS Program, selected entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to explore new market applications for technologies developed by:
What’s in it for you
- Make use of an alternative pathway to commercialize new technologies developed in Qatar
- Have the ability to secure an IP license from QF
- Seek seed-investment from the QSTP Tech Venture Fund
- Gain opportunities to discuss and get exposed to new technologies developed by leading research institutions based in Qatar
- Be supported by top tech mentors
Eligibility
Intellectual Property (IP)
- IP developed with high commercial potential
- IP protected and ready to be licensed
- Accessible and interested research team
- Relevant background as a senior tech professional skilled at taking new products and companies to market
Supporting Researchers
Supporting Entrepreneurs
- receiving initial entrepreneurial investment from the QSTP Technology Venture Fund (TVF), to propel an actual startup business opportunity;
- gaining the ability to leverage the developed IP, and work with mentors to develop a go-to-market strategy;
Spinouts
Research institutes, universities, and spinouts represent a key pathway for value creation, especially in Qatar. This understanding has led QSTP to develop the Research-to-Startup Program as a mechanism to systematically support spinout creation in consideration of local context and purpose.
The RTS program features two predominant goals:
- To advance technologies and achieve impact from their usages;
- To form new spinouts as a means for the RTS program to translate research into economic opportunities.
Spinouts comprise complex enterprises within the entrepreneurship research ecosystem. They are companies that evolve from universities through commercialization of intellectual property and transfer of technology developed within academic institutions.
Despite their importance as possible sources of wealth creation and job opportunities in the economy, spinouts are of particular benefit to researchers, their institutions, and offer significant socio-economic benefits as well.
Research Insights & RTS Program
- Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI)
- Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI)
- Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI)
Qatar has a rapidly growing research community and the amount of formidable research generated in the past decade has reached respectable levels and played a pivotal role in providing opportunities for researchers and students to conduct research alongside experts in their field as well as with the specialists from Qatar’s research institutes.
Due to supply constraint on tech-entrepreneurs, the RTS program was developed to offer the quintessential model to attract and increase the number of entrepreneurs who recognize Qatar as a highly differentiated research destination—one that has the resources, capabilities, and capacity to be a beacon of hope for global researchers and entrepreneurs who are seeking a comprehensive and innovative approach to delivering astounding initiatives that can be transformative.
How to Apply
Applications are now closed. Stay tuned for the next round!
Sign up using below form to get notified when new dates are announced. For further questions about the program, please email us at: [email protected]