Program Overview
The Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) Incubation Program supports science and technology-driven founders building impactful solutions with the potential to scale across WANA and beyond.
Designed for founders addressing complex scientific and technological challenges, the program provides a structured pathway, access to Qatar Foundation’s research and innovation ecosystem, and a strong founder community. QSTP supports startups from early insight to execution, with Qatar as a launchpad for regional and international growth.
The program consists of two stages: Sprint and Incubation, guiding founders step by step from an early-stage idea to an investable, scalable startup. Completion of the Sprint is required to advance to the Incubation stage.
Sprint applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with new cohorts starting three times a year.
Sprint
Who It’s For
Sprint is designed for early-stage founders building a science- and technology-based product or solution, looking for their next launchpad to create outlier financial returns and meaningful impact.
This track provides an intensive, immersive environment in Doha where founders challenge their assumptions, sharpen their ideas, and strengthen their business model as they turn their venture into an investable, scalable startup ready to grow across WANA and beyond.
Program Structure
Duration: 4 weeks (in-person in Doha)
Cohort Structure
The QSTP Sprint Program operates through three cohorts annually:
- January Cohort
- May Cohort
- September Cohort
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and considered for the next available cohort.
Application Deadlines
- Apply before November 1 for the January Cohort
- Apply before March 1 for the May Cohort
- Apply before July 1 for the September Cohort
Founders can expect:
- Structured onboarding with hands-on workshops
- Sessions led by world-class experts and successful founders from Qatar and abroad
- Connections with key ecosystem leaders and QSTP industry partners
- An intensive experience designed to compress months of learning and growth
- Access to a diverse community of founders who have built in Qatar and used it as a launchpad to grow across WANA and beyond
By the end of Sprint, founders will have:
- A sharpened idea and strengthened business model
- The skills, knowledge, foundations, and connections needed to become investable
- Stronger relationships across the QSTP ecosystem and industry partners
- A clear path to using Qatar as a launchpad for regional and global growth
- The readiness to move forward, with select startups invited to continue into Incubation
Benefits:
- Hands-on intensive workshops led by world-class experts and founders
- Direct connections with ecosystem leaders and industry partners
- Access to a diverse, driven community of founders
- Opportunities to engage in events and networking activities
- Accommodation and workspace in Doha for the duration of the Sprint
Eligibility:
- Local or international science and technology companies
- Committed to conducting R&D and product development at QSTP
- Equipped with a capable team and strong execution skills
- Addressing a validated market need
- Operating with a clearly defined and scalable business model
- Possessing a prototype, MVP, or technically validated product direction
- Offering a technically feasible solution aligned with QSTP’s strategic priorities
Incubation
Who It’s For
Incubation is designed for startups that have completed the Sprint and are ready to move from investable to ready for scale.
Following the four-week Sprint in Doha, a selected number of startups will be invited to continue into this eight-week stage, receiving deeper support and resources to move from strategy to execution.
Program Structure
Duration: 8 weeks (following the 4-week Sprint)
Focus: Pilot plans, market entry preparation, and a clear roadmap for expansion across WANA and beyond
Cohort Structure & Application Timeline
The QSTP Incubation Program operates through three cohorts annually:
- February Cohort
- June Cohort
- October Cohort
Benefits
- Access to world-class talent from local universities across machine learning, software development, business development, and marketing
- Investor and partner introductions
- Company registration support
- Support to secure funding and close investment and commercial opportunities by the end of the incubation period
- Continued access to the QSTP founder community and ecosystem
Eligibility
- Startups that have completed the Sprint
- Selected by QSTP to continue into Incubation based on Sprint performance and readiness
Growing Together
QSTP takes 1.5% equity from each startup entering the Incubation stage, in exchange for the in-kind services we provide. The equity is structured in a deferred, SAFE-style model. That means we appear on your cap table under the same mechanics as when a SAFE agreement converts.
The value goes both ways: we’re incentivized to help our startups raise capital, even after they graduate from our program, and our startups benefit from having an institutional player like QSTP on their cap tables.
Application Process
Step 1: Submit an online application
Step 2: Screening and evaluation
Step 3: Acceptance into Sprint — 4 weeks in Doha
Step 4: Selection of top-performing startups to continue into Incubation
Step 5: Incubation — 8 weeks of deeper execution support
Step 6: Graduation, with continued access to the QSTP ecosystem as alumni
Beyond the Program
Graduation does not mean leaving the QSTP ecosystem. As alumni, founders continue to have access to selected ecosystem benefits, including workspace, community events, networks, and ongoing opportunities to connect with partners and investors.