Microsoft Qatar partners with QBIC to deliver world-class training opportunities for start-ups

Microsoft Qatar and the Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC) have signed an ambitious Memorandum of Understanding to provide unprecedented training and business opportunities for promising start-ups, entrepreneurs and students. QBIC is one of the largest specialized mixed-use business incubators in the MENA region, tasked with fostering Qatar’s next QAR 100 million companies through training, networking, investment and administrative support. Microsoft Qatar has supported the nation’s rapidly growing economy since its establishment in Qatar in 2003, providing specialist technical services from its offices at Qatar Science & Technology Park.

Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa, Chairman of QBIC, said: “QBIC’s mission is a vital part of our national journey towards a strong, balanced and sustainable economy. Providing access to training and support from Microsoft Qatar is an enormous boost to the package we can offer entrepreneurs, and we can’t wait to get started.” QBIC is set to become part of Microsoft’s BizSpark scheme, which provides free software and support for start-ups, as well as access to a global online community. Entrepreneurs will also benefit from online and offline training guidance from Microsoft DirectX specialists, including the App Academy, Ask the Expert sessions, and Microsoft’s Virtual Academy.

Aysha Al Mudahka, QBIC CEO said: “We are looking forward to witness the outcome of this valuable partnership, as I am positive that our entrepreneurs will find the services offered by Microsoft worthy in terms of essence and quality; startups that particularly rely on technology, such as apps or websites, can hugely benefit from the software and thus enhance their services.” She added: “We are living in an era where technology plays a central role in the functioning of businesses. Unfortunately, such advanced technological assistance is not readily available in the region, but with Microsoft BizSpark, we can ensure that our startups are progressing and moving in the right direction.” 

QBIC will host the Microsoft Campus roadshow and Student Partner Bootcamps, encouraging tech students to take advantage of the many opportunities on offer and participate in Microsoft’s signature student technology annual event; Imagine Cup. Naim Yazbeck, Microsoft Qatar General Manager, said: “Microsoft is proud to support Qatar’s unique national vision and contribute to one of the most dynamic economies in the world. We are pleased to be able to support QBIC in the great work they are doing around entrepreneurship and startups, and this new agreement makes sense from every angle: By working together to deliver unprecedented training and other opportunities for entrepreneurs, we are also supporting the growth of our future clients and partners.”

The agreement commits both organizations to now begin developing a formal framework for long-term collaboration.