The Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Investment Day 2025 successfully demonstrated the increasing depth of research-driven innovation emerging from Qatar’s ecosystem. Hosted by the HBKU Office of Innovation and Industrial Relations (OIIR), the flagship event served to strengthen the bridge between academic research, innovation, and venture investment. The day featured founders, investors, and innovators engaging in thoughtful discussions on the future of deep-tech, commercialization, and venture building, reinforcing the momentum for technology transfer in the region.
Investors Discuss Research-to-Market Translation
A key component of the event was a panel discussion among venture capitalists, which focused on the critical topic of translating breakthrough academic research into scalable commercial companies. Builders VC Partner Tarik Sultan joined a distinguished group of investors—including Pradeep Desu of Human Capital, Ahmad Nazzal of Utopia, and Alexander Wiedmer of Rasmal—for a productive dialogue moderated by Gachoucha Kretz of HEC Paris. The discussion highlighted the regional VC community’s enthusiasm for supporting the momentum around deep-tech and venture building in Qatar.
HBKU Spinouts Showcase High-Impact Innovation
The Investment Day provided a crucial platform for three Hamad Bin Khalifa University spinouts to present their high-quality, mission-driven innovations with real commercial potential. These ventures, born from university research, represent the future of deep-tech originating from Qatar.
- CircleProcess Technologies: Presented by Ma’moun Al-Rawashdeh, this clean-tech venture is focused on carbon capture and hydrogen generation, offering pathways for industrial decarbonization.
- QABY: Dr. Juan Jose Perez Villar showcased this biotech startup specializing in ultra-sensitive early diagnostics for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s.
- QASR: Dr. Ahmad Abushaikha presented this digital health and biotech venture, which develops advanced SaaS solutions for the medical and life science fields.
About HBKU Office of Innovation and Industrial Relations (OIIR)
The HBKU Office of Innovation and Industrial Relations (OIIR) is a leading entity at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, driving innovation and entrepreneurial growth in line with Qatar’s National Vision. Its mission is to design, develop, and implement mechanisms required for the acceleration of innovative entrepreneurship and intellectual knowledge and technology transfer between the university, industry, and the government. The OIIR achieves this through various departments and programs, fostering a local innovation environment that converts academic research into market-ready solutions and impactful commercial ventures.
Source: Builders | VC MENA
