Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has signed a memorandum of understanding with talabat, the region’s leading local tech company that will enable students to apply industry-relevant knowledge to benefit their career development.
The one-year agreement is particularly aimed at students in the College of Science and Engineering (CSE)’s multidisciplinary programmes in logistics and supply chain management, sustainable energy, and sustainable environment, at both the Masters and PhD levels.
A signing ceremony was held in the presence of Dr Mounir Hamdi, CSE founding dean and talabat Qatar’s Mary Ann Umali, manager of people operations, alongside other representatives.
The agreement reflects their mutual intent to give HBKU students and alumni opportunities to apply their learning and pursue career development. One such initiative will be for talabat to share case studies or business problems, including those facing the q-commerce (quick commerce) sector. HBKU students will apply their subject matter expertise to generate innovative solutions. The two organisations will work to support student research projects, internships, shadowing, and employability opportunities for alumni, with talabat set to participate in HBKU’s career fairs and employer relations events.
Dr Hamdi said: “This agreement is an excellent opportunity for both sides and we’re excited to cooperate with a company that embodies impactful entrepreneurship. The outcomes tie into CSE’s efforts to strengthen the link between education and societal or economic needs through support for the private sector, from a research and education perspective. A robust, skilled workforce is in the best interests of Qatar’s economic diversification goals and we look forward to cooperating with talabat to apply our students’ capabilities to contribute innovations that support this growing sector.”
CSE supports the country’s endeavours in science, engineering, and technology, aiming to build high-quality academic and entrepreneurial capacities. The college has a track record of innovative research from world-leading experts across its Divisions of Engineering Management and Decision Sciences, Sustainable Development, and Information and Computing Technology.
Francisco De Sousa, managing director of talabat Qatar, said: “We are thrilled to be working with HBKU to provide students with the opportunity to apply industry-relevant knowledge in their academic journey and learning process. As a company that is passionate about making a positive impact in our communities, we want to be able to provide first-hand experience to all students - helping them understand and gain first-hand innovation experience.”