This year, the winning team will be awarded QR150,000 and QR100,000 to the second-place winners, allowing entrepreneurs to fund the development of their businesses. The teams will also be provided workspace in QSTP’s Innovation Hub, as well as ongoing mentoring as they proceed with commercialising their innovative products or services.
XLR8 is a five-month programme that helps promising innovators and entrepreneurs determine if their tech-based ideas have commercial viability by giving entrepreneurs the tools needed to assess market fit, customer traction, and investor awareness.
“At QSTP, we have a longstanding commitment to nurturing local innovators throughout their journey to transform tech-based ideas into commercially viable businesses. As a result of the funding and support we provide to entrepreneurs to help their businesses grow, we are able to strengthen Qatar’s private sector and promote the development of cutting-edge products and services that address national and global market needs. I invite Qatar’s most innovative entrepreneurs to apply for this year’s programme, which promises to be our most dynamic and rewarding cycle yet,” said Hayfa al-Abdulla, innovation director at QSTP.
Qatar-based teams of up to five members are eligible for the programme. Successful applicants will be working on impactful solutions to real-life industry problems through technology and innovation. Throughout the programme, teams will have access to world-class working spaces, mentoring and networking opportunities with other successful entrepreneurs.
Through its flagship accelerator programme, QSTP, a member of Qatar Foundation, equips ambitious entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and mentorship to transform their tech-based ideas into validated prototypes.
It has inspired hundreds of local innovators to pursue their ambitions and develop their skills by helping them to refine their business models and launch a go-to-market strategy.
XLR8 was created seven years ago, and since then, 30 startups have been launched via the program, with more than 170 teams and around 430 individuals participating. Having secured further investment, a number of XLR8 graduated startups, such as Stellic, WakeCap, and EasyBroadcast are now expanding internationally.
For more details about the XLR8 programme and to apply for this year’s cycle, visit https://qstp.org.qa/xlr8/
