New partnership between QSTP and M7 targets fashion & design sectors
QF’s technology hub and Qatar Museums collaborate to develop innovation and boost entrepreneurship in Qatar
A NEW partnership between Qatar Museums and Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), part of Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation (QF RDI), will see Qatar Museums’ M7 creative start-up hub joining forces with QSTP to strengthen the development of the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Qatar primarily in the fiercely competitive world of fashion and design.
Over the next two years, QSTP and M7 will identify the needs of ambitious start-ups in the fashion and design sectors and create a unique environment in which they can grow and thrive. To cater to the increased interest in the use of innovation in design and the business of fashion in Qatar, QSTP will offer full
idea-to-business’ support. These start-ups should aim to attract investment from both local and international investors and ultimately serve customers in Qatar and beyond.
The partnership will see QSTP and M7 collaborate on a series of incubator events, specialised workshops and bootcamps, as well as pitching events. Start-ups in this sector will be introduced to the various programmes, funding and investment opportunities offered by both parties.
Applicants will also be given access to workspace, machinery, infrastructure as well as industry-leading mentoring and professional support.
Commenting on the partnership, QSTP’s Executive Director Yosouf Al-Salehi said: “We view our partnership with M7 as a seamless alignment between two organisations that are fully committed to supporting innovation and entrepreneurial activity in Qatar.
“Stepping into the world of the creative arts is an exciting, though not unusual, new chapter for QSTP. Globally, the fashion and design sectors operate at the forefront of and contribute significantly to technological development. Prime examples of this include wearable tech, smart materials and sustainable design, all contributing strongly to the tech economy worldwide. As Qatar’s premier hub for technology development, innovation, and entrepreneurship, this collaboration is not only a perfect fit but will also prove to be a platform for real value creation in the country. We see this partnership opening up new frontiers for Qatar’s highly capable and innovative tech entrepreneurs, while also benefiting our economy and wider society.”
Ahmad Musa Al-Namla, CEO of Qatar Museums, said: “M7 joining hands with an established incubator such as QSTP means we are able to advance our shared vision to further nurture an entrepreneurial spirit in Qatar. As a creative hub, M7 is dedicated to supporting the country’s burgeoning fashion and design industries, and we have no doubt that this partnership will go a long way to mentoring aspiring and established creatives to realise their business ambitions.”