Qatar FinTech Hub (QFTH), supported by Qatar Development Bank (QDB), has concluded its 7th Wave Demo Day, unveiling significant new funding initiatives aimed at accelerating the growth of the nation’s financial technology ecosystem. The event, themed “Fintech Transformed: From Vision to Impact,” showcased 20 graduating startups from its Pre-Acceleration and Acceleration programs and introduced major new support mechanisms in collaboration with the Qatar Central Bank (QCB).
New Grant and Investment Programs Unveiled
In a strategic move to bolster early-stage fintechs, QFTH announced two major financial programs. The “Fintech Development Grant,” provided by the QCB, will offer co-funding of up to QAR 1.5 million per company. This grant is tied to key growth milestones, designed to enhance technical and regulatory readiness, support product development, and facilitate market entry.
Additionally, QDB has updated its “Pre-seed Investment Program” for QFTH graduates and other early-stage companies. The direct investment funding has been increased to QAR 730,000 (USD 200,000) per company, providing crucial capital for startups at their most formative stage.
A New Lab Model for Faster Growth
Alongside the new funding, QFTH announced a redesign of its operating methodology with the introduction of the “Lab Model.” This applied framework provides a practical pathway for startups to advance product development and achieve regulatory readiness more efficiently. The model aims to help companies transition into the regulatory sandbox and begin the licensing process quickly and effectively, streamlining their journey to market.
The 7th cohort of companies demonstrated significant maturity across key sectors including Open Banking, Crowdfunding, InsurTech, and Emerging Technologies, aligning with Qatar’s National FinTech Strategy.
Strengthening Qatar as a Regional Hub
The recent announcements continue QDB’s commitment to establishing Qatar as a leading regional center for fintech. Through QFTH, the bank has now graduated seven cohorts of fintech companies and has provided over QAR 73 million in investments and financing to the sector.
This momentum was recently highlighted by QDB’s participation in the Singapore FinTech Festival, which resulted in a strategic agreement with the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN). The partnership will establish a fintech center of excellence in Qatar—the first of its kind in the region—and bring an international fintech forum to the country, further enhancing its supportive ecosystem.
About Qatar FinTech Hub
Qatar FinTech Hub (QFTH) is a global platform launched by Qatar Development Bank (QDB) in 2020 with support from Qatar Central Bank (QCB). It brings together entrepreneurs, investors, regulators, and industry partners to develop and scale innovative fintech solutions, strengthen Qatar’s fintech ecosystem, and support the country’s economic diversification in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
About Qatar Development Bank
Established in 1997, Qatar Development Bank is a government-affiliated institution focused on strengthening the national business landscape and driving economic diversification. QDB’s strategy is aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, aiming to build a sustainable and prosperous future for businesses by promoting innovation, developing local enterprises, and enabling the export ecosystem.
Source: Zawya
