Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, has partnered with the TotalEnergies Research Center in Qatar (TRCQ) to launch the QSTP x TRCQ WaterTech Accelerator. Announced during a press conference at Web Summit Qatar 2026, the initiative is a dedicated program designed to support WaterTech and DeepTech startups that utilize artificial intelligence and digital tools to address critical water challenges across the Middle East and North Africa.
Strategic Focus On AI And Water Resilience
The accelerator aims to bridge the gap between innovative digital solutions and the urgent need for sustainable water management in the region. By deploying AI and modern digital capabilities, the program focuses on specific priority areas, including water efficiency, loss reduction, reuse, and infrastructure powered by AI.
President of QSTP Rama Chakaki emphasized the immediacy of the crisis, stating that water scarcity is a “present problem” rather than a future concern. The program is designed to build a comprehensive ecosystem where water solutions are not just conceptualized but actively built and deployed within Qatar for regional impact.
Scaling Startups For Measurable Impact
The WaterTech Accelerator is set to support up to 60 startups at its intake phase. These entities will focus on diverse technological applications such as:
- Generation and Reuse: Innovative methods for water production and treatment.
- Pollution Management: Digital systems to track and mitigate water contamination.
- Data Systems: AI-enabled infrastructure to monitor regional water health and usage.
This launch follows QSTP’s recent introduction of the FemTech Accelerator in partnership with Merck, further solidifying the park’s position as a specialized hub for sector-specific innovation in the MENA region.
Synergy Between Industry And Innovation
TotalEnergies Research Center in Qatar, located within the QSTP precinct, brings technical expertise to the partnership. Managing Director of TotalEnergies EP Qatar and Country Chair, Antoine Delafargue, noted that the initiative aligns with the center’s focus on leveraging cutting-edge technology to make energy and water resources more efficient. The collaboration provides startups with curated mentorship, practical market engagement, and exposure to government stakeholders and investors.
About Qatar Science & Technology Park
Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, is Qatar’s premier hub for applied research, technology innovation, incubation, and entrepreneurship. It operates as a free zone that facilitates the development of new high-tech products and services while supporting the commercialization of market-ready technologies. QSTP focuses on four overarching themes: Energy, Environment, Health Sciences, and Information & Communication Technologies.
Source: The Catalyst
