Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, has partnered with global science and technology leader Merck to launch the QSTP x Merck FemTech Accelerator. The new program is designed to support deep tech and impact-driven startups that are addressing critical needs in women’s health across the MENA region.
Fostering Deep Tech Solutions
The accelerator will identify and support up to 30 leading FemTech startups developing innovative solutions across key women’s health domains. The program specifically targets innovations powered by advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and materials science, aiming to foster breakthrough advancements in the sector.
This initiative is set to address the significant underinvestment and research gap in women’s health, which is one of the fastest-growing sectors in global health technology.
A Gateway to the MENA Market
Selected companies will gain access to a comprehensive support system, including advanced scaling assistance, clear market entry pathways, and clinically-aligned pilot opportunities. The primary objective is to facilitate commercial expansion into Qatar, with established pathways to scale operations across the wider MENA region.
By leveraging QSTP’s robust innovation ecosystem and Merck’s global scientific expertise, startups will benefit from curated mentorship, exposure to regional healthcare stakeholders, and opportunities for collaboration within Qatar’s extensive health and research landscape.
A Strategic Partnership For Impact
The collaboration aims to position Qatar as a regional and global hub for women’s health innovation while generating measurable impact that aligns with Qatar Foundation’s mission.
Rama Chakaki, President of QSTP, stated, “At QSTP, we believe that meaningful innovation is inclusive. This accelerator is designed to support high-potential startups and generate measurable, scalable impact on women’s health across multiple markets. Leveraging Qatar’s growing innovation ecosystem alongside Merck’s global scientific leadership, we are creating pathways for FemTech solutions to be piloted, validated, and adopted at regional and global scale.”
Ahmed Aboelfadl, General Manager for the Gulf at Merck, added, “Women’s health remains one of the most under-addressed areas in healthcare innovation globally. Through this partnership with QSTP, Merck is proud to support the growth of FemTech companies developing science- and technology-led solutions that can meaningfully improve health outcomes for women. By combining global scientific expertise with regional collaboration, this initiative will help accelerate innovation, enable real-world impact, and strengthen the ecosystem for women’s health across Qatar and the wider MENA region.”
Immersive Program Structure
The accelerator will kick off with an intensive two-week immersion in Doha. During this period, selected founders will engage with key stakeholders from Qatar’s healthcare ecosystem, including clinicians, regulators, investors, and innovation leaders, to validate market opportunities and prepare for commercialisation.
Following the initial phase, top-performing startups will be invited to pursue pilot projects within Qatar and the broader MENA region. This will provide a platform for real-world testing, clinical validation, and clear pathways to scale in priority markets.
About QSTP x Merck FemTech Accelerator
The QSTP x Merck FemTech Accelerator is a joint initiative dedicated to advancing women’s health by supporting deep tech startups in the FemTech sector. The program provides mentorship, market access, and pilot opportunities to help startups scale their solutions across the MENA region and beyond, aiming to deliver measurable improvements in women’s health outcomes and strengthen the innovation ecosystem. Applications for the program are now open.
Source: Qatar Tribune
