Qatar’s Investment Promotion Agency has won the 2026 United Nations Investment Promotion Award for its efforts to attract and support startups and technology companies through its Start from Qatar initiative.
The award was presented during the ninth World Investment Forum, hosted by Qatar in partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The agency was selected from 48 entries representing 40 countries, based on criteria including investment promotion innovation, facilitation, sustainable foreign direct investment and contributions to digital transformation and sustainable development.
Launched in February 2024, Start from Qatar provides access to funding, incubation programmes, strategic partnerships and tailored business support. The agency said the initiative has helped establish more than 850 startups in Qatar, while its funding programmes have received over 10,000 applications. More than 50 startups have secured funding exceeding $100M.
The initiative also connects founders with 16 venture capital funds through the Invest Qatar Gateway. More than 500 startups have used the service to engage with participating funds, according to the agency.
The programme brings together key institutions across Qatar’s startup ecosystem, including the Qatar Development Bank, Qatar Financial Centre, Qatar Free Zones Authority and Qatar Science and Technology Park.
Source: Qatar News Agency
