The Qatari Businessmen Association, in a landmark collaboration with French organizations, has announced the six winners of its inaugural Qatari-French startup competition. The initiative, designed to bolster the digital innovation landscape, saw three Qatari and three French startups recognized for their cutting-edge solutions.
The competition was organized in partnership with the French employers’ organization MEDEF International, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, and HEC Paris in Doha, with support from the French Embassy in Doha.
A Landmark Partnership Forged in Paris
This initiative is the direct outcome of a strategic agreement signed between the Qatari Businessmen Association and its French partners during the official state visit of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, to Paris in February 2024. The competition aims to embody the strengthening ties between the two nations, focusing on technology and innovation as key pillars of future collaboration.
His Excellency Arnaud Béchot, Ambassador of France to Qatar, remarked, “This competition crowns the distinguished relations with the Qatari Businessmen Association… This reflects the interest of major institutions in both countries to support creative ideas that contribute to the development of the artificial intelligence and technology industry, a fundamental pillar in the direction of both countries.”
Ecosystem Leaders Convene on Judging Panel
A distinguished panel of judges from Qatar and France evaluated the finalists, who presented their innovations and business visions. The panel featured prominent figures from the region’s leading enterprises, underscoring the high-level support for the initiative.
The judging committee included Sheikh Mansour bin Jassim Al Thani of the Qatari Businessmen Association, Sheikh Turki bin Faisal Al Thani from Al-Faisal Holding, Sheikh Jassim bin Nawaf bin Nasser Al Thani from Mekdam Holding Group, Mrs. Sara Fahad Alfardan from Alfardan Group, and Mr. Mazen Al-Sabti from Power International Holding (PIH).
From the French side, the panel included Mr. Arnaud Pieton, Chairman of the France-Qatar Business Council at MEDEF International and CEO of Technip Energies, and Mr. Antoine Delafarge, Head of TotalEnergies in Qatar.
Driving Qatar’s Knowledge-Based Economy
The competition aligns directly with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which emphasizes the transition to a diversified, knowledge-based economy. Organizers and sponsors highlighted the event’s role in fostering a local culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Sheikh Mansour bin Jassim Al Thani stated that the Association’s goal is to “support innovation and creativity in the digital space, and to celebrate the companies and institutions that lead digital and technological progress in Qatar.” He added that the initiative encourages the adoption of modern digital technologies to enhance Qatar’s leadership in technology and digital innovation.
Echoing this sentiment, Sheikh Turki bin Faisal Al Thani commented, “Startups in the technology field contribute to shaping the future, and it is inspiring to see this level of talent. Competitions of this kind… highlight the importance of supporting entrepreneurship and promoting innovation.”
Sara Alfardan, Chief of Communications and Public Relations at Alfardan Group, added, “The startup competition between Qatar and France is an important platform for enhancing international cooperation and exchanging expertise and ideas… Alfardan Group works to encourage youth to lead and contribute effectively to the Qatari economy, which enhances Qatar’s pioneering role in the field of innovation.”
About The Qatari-French Startup Competition
The Qatari-French Startup Competition is a collaborative initiative launched by the Qatari Businessmen Association, MEDEF International, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, and HEC Paris in Doha. It aims to identify and reward promising technology startups from both Qatar and France, fostering cross-border collaboration, supporting digital transformation, and contributing to the growth of the innovation ecosystems in both nations in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
Source: Al-Sharq
