In a significant move to enhance Qatar’s technological capabilities, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council have announced a strategic partnership aimed at developing a national talent pipeline in advanced electronics, semiconductor technologies, and intelligent systems. The collaboration was formalized through a funding agreement signed at Web Summit Qatar 2026.
A Strategic $1M Investment in Future Talent
Under the new agreement, the QRDI Council will provide up to $1 million in funding for HBKU’s newly launched master’s program in Integrated Circuits and Intelligent Systems Design. This investment combines HBKU’s academic and research excellence with QRDI’s mission to advance Qatar’s RDI ecosystem, creating a highly skilled workforce that aligns with national priorities in emerging technologies.
Eng. Omar Al-Ansari, Secretary General of the QRDI Council, highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration. “This partnership reflects QRDI Council’s focus on building deep technical capability in areas where advanced skills are critical to long-term competitiveness. We are supporting engineers with practical experience in semiconductor design, intelligent hardware, and system-level integration by funding HBKU’s master’s program in Integrated Circuits and Intelligent Systems Design.”
Building a World-Class Curriculum
The new master’s program, led by renowned faculty in electronic and computer engineering, is designed to provide students with rigorous theoretical knowledge and applied training. The curriculum focuses on integrated circuits, embedded systems, intelligent hardware architectures, and hardware-to-software co-design. With an emphasis on experiential learning and industry-relevant projects, the program aims to prepare graduates for high-tech industries and national research initiatives.
Dr. Amine Bermak, Distinguished Professor and Associate Dean at HBKU’s College of Science and Engineering, stated: “This master’s degree underscores HBKU’s commitment to strengthening Qatar’s knowledge economy through world-class education and research in advanced integrated circuits and AI-enabled hardware. Enabled by strategic collaboration with QRDI and Invest Qatar, this initiative translates academic excellence into practical capability.”
Aligning Academia with National Vision
This partnership is a direct reflection of a shared commitment to positioning Qatar as a leader in key technological fields. By fostering homegrown expertise, the initiative supports the nation’s transition toward a knowledge-based economy and enhances its global competitiveness.
Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah, President of Hamad Bin Khalifa University, commented on the agreement, saying, “This funding agreement with QRDI reflects a shared commitment to advancing Qatar’s capabilities in semiconductor and intelligent systems technologies. Through this partnership, we are preparing a new generation of highly skilled talent equipped with the expertise and innovation mindset required to lead in critical fields that will shape Qatar’s knowledge based economy and global competitiveness.”
About Hamad Bin Khalifa University
Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF), is a leading, innovation-centric university committed to advancing education and research to address critical challenges facing Qatar and beyond. HBKU develops multidisciplinary academic programs and national research capabilities that drive collaboration with leading global institutions. The university is dedicated to equipping future leaders with an entrepreneurial mindset and advancing innovative solutions that create a positive global impact.
About QRDI Council
QRDI Council is a national entity with the mission to support research, development and innovation (RDI) activities as well as to develop RDI talent in Qatar. The Council strives to make Qatar a top destination for global talent and a pioneering research, innovation, and development hub with its motto “locally empowered, globally connected”. Playing a pivotal role within the Qatar National Development Strategy, the QRDI Council is actively shaping the Innovation component of the Economic Diversification goal.
Source: Zawya
