Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), part of Qatar Foundation Research, Development & Innovation (QF RDI), has today announced a significant new partnership with Microsoft that will enhance the working environment for startups in Qatar and enable them to supercharge their productivity levels.
Through the partnership, startups that are incubated at QSTP are now eligible for the acclaimed Microsoft for Startups program. The program provides cloud resources and industry mentorship needed by these businesses in their journey from idea to exit, and it offers a host of benefits tailored to the individual developmental stage of the participating company.
These benefits include the use of Microsoft’s industry leading Azure platform, which has a strong track record in helping fledgling firms thrive. Azure enables entrepreneurs to accelerate innovation and build projects through an easy-to-use portal experience that provides the cloud services they need most. Azure has strict security protocols in place while empowering its user to protect their data and mission-critical applications.
Qatar-based startups will also be granted use of the suite of Office 365 programs and software support system GitHub, as well as access to global Microsoft events including Microsoft Reactor sessions and workshops with strategic partners and industry experts.
The partnership will see QSTP and Microsoft host workshops once a month on a range of relevant topics, either virtually or in-person at QSTP. Topics will include “Advanced Analytics on Azure”, “Azure Blockchain Services”, and “Artificial Intelligence on Azure”. QSTP will also play host to experts from the Microsoft for Startups program through virtual panels or sessions to engage with the QSTP-based startup community and share their experiences and expertise.
The collaboration between QSTP and Microsoft will contribute to the ongoing development of Qatar’s startup ecosystem, in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030, which places emphasis on self-determined RDI, as well as the priorities outlined in the National Development Strategy.
