The Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), part of Qatar Foundation, has officially opened applications for the 15th cycle of its flagship accelerator programme, XLR8.
Now in its 10th year, the rigorous 14-week programme is designed to help innovative thinkers and aspiring entrepreneurs evaluate the commercial potential of their technology-driven ideas with the ultimate goal of assisting them to launch a startup.
Participants will receive boot-camp-style training workshops, mentorship sessions and other resources needed to explore market demand, gain customer traction, and attract investor interest.
Mohammed Zebian, Programme Manager for Acceleration at QSTP, said: “At QSTP, we are committed to empowering innovators and entrepreneurs by providing them with the resources and guidance needed to succeed in the tech industry. Through the XLR8 programme, participants gain access to an exceptional network of mentors and coaches specialising in the commercialisation of tech-based innovation.
“They will receive hands-on support to develop their prototypes, refine business models, build customer traction, and craft effective go-to-market strategies. In addition, participants will benefit from the valuable opportunity to network with successful entrepreneurs, creating a solid foundation for their startup journey. We encourage innovators to apply for the upcoming cycle of XLR8 and take advantage of this transformative experience.”
The XLR8 programme is open to teams of up to five members, all of whom must be residents of Qatar. Throughout the programme, participants will focus on transforming their tech-based concepts into commercially viable, early prototypes through hands-on mentorship and intensive workshops, paving the way for entrepreneurial success.
The programme is not open to already established private companies. Mentorship sessions will take place at QSTP’s Innovation Centre, where participants will also have access to co-working spaces to support their progress.
Additionally, QSTP announced special rewards for the top three winning teams of the cycle: incorporation of their startup at QSTP, providing them with a strategic platform to grow and scale their business; a paid intern (up to 20 hours per week) to assist with product development and accelerate the journey from prototype to market-ready solutions. These rewards are designed to ensure the winning teams have the critical support they need to continue their entrepreneurial journey and succeed in bringing their innovative ideas to life.
Forty startups have been launched via the QSTP XLR8 programme since its inception, and over 200 teams with nearly 500 individuals have benefited from its high-quality mentorship.
Applications are open until January 23, 2025. The programme will be launched on February 5 and will culminate in Demo Day, scheduled slated at the end of May, where all participants will pitch their startup ideas to the public and to potential investors, followed by the announcement of winners.
The Qatar Science & Technology Park. Now in its 10th year, the rigorous 14-week programme is designed to help innovative thinkers and aspiring entrepreneurs evaluate the commercial potential of their technology-driven ideas with the ultimate goal of assisting them to launch a startup.
