Sidra Medicine and Rasmal Ventures Partner to Drive Digital Health Innovation in Qatar
Reading Time: 2 minutesAdvancing Healthcare Through E-health Innovation and Startup Integration 25 February 2025, Doha, Qatar – Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Rasmal Ventures, Qatar’s first venture capital firm. The strategic partnership, announced at the Web Summit Qatar 2025, marks a significant step in the hospital’s role in supporting and advancing digital health innovation in Qatar and beyond. Rasmal Ventures, with its extensive portfolio of global technology companies, will introduce Sidra Medicine to high-potential e-health startups and provide strategic support to incorporate innovative solutions into Sidra Medicine’s operations. In return, Sidra Medicine will contribute its clinical and research expertise to evaluate and refine the startups’ healthcare technologies, ensuring they are effective, scalable, and patient-focused. Moreover, the two organizations will develop entrepreneurship programs that encourage the development and growth of a Health-Tech sector for Qatar. Prof. Khalid Fakhro, Chief Research Officer at Sidra Medicine said: “This partnership highlights our commitment to establishing Sidra Medicine as a leading healthcare innovation hub in Qatar, in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030. By collaborating with Rasmal Ventures, we are building upon our current strengths in clinical care, genomics and cell and gene therapy, and taking a proactive approach to adopting innovative technologies and transforming Sidra Medicine into a living lab for entrepreneurial ventures from across Qatar and the world.” The MOU establishes a collaborative framework between the two entities to facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices in e-health innovations. Through this partnership, Sidra Medicine and Rasmal Ventures aim to drive advancements in innovation, focusing on digital healthcare solutions such as patient-centric artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, telemedicine platforms, and wearable devices. Alexander Wiedmer, Co-Managing Partner at Rasmal Ventures said: “At Rasmal Ventures, we believe that innovation is key to transforming healthcare. Our partnership with Sidra Medicine represents a unique opportunity to bring the latest digital health technologies to the forefront, empowering Qatar’s healthcare system to deliver smarter, more efficient, and patient-centered care.” As part of the agreement, the two entities will host joint workshops, pilot studies, and discussions to validate the efficacy of emerging technologies and foster an open environment for innovation. This partnership positions Sidra Medicine as a driving force in healthcare innovation, creating valuable opportunities for biotech and healthtech leaders. It also underscores Sidra Medicine’s role as a premier destination for medical education and research, attracting innovators and nurturing the development of next-generation healthcare solutions.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology visits DECC for Final Checks Ahead of Web Summit Qatar 2025
Reading Time: 2 minutesH.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, conducted a visit today to oversee the final preparations for the second edition of Web Summit Qatar 2025, which is set to take place tomorrow, Sunday, February 23. The summit will feature over 1,540 startups, marking a 50% increase from last year’s edition, along with 651 investors from more than 80 countries. On this occasion, H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai expressed his sincere appreciation to the organizing committee and the Web Summit team for their significant efforts in ensuring the success of this global event. During his tour, H.E. emphasized the importance of the summit in solidifying Qatar’s role as a regional hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. He also praised the meticulous preparations made to deliver an exceptional experience for participants through dedicated platforms and networking opportunities. Web Summit Qatar 2025 serves as a strategic platform to discuss the latest advancements in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and tech entrepreneurship, while also highlighting promising investment opportunities in Qatar’s technology sector. The summit plays a crucial role in supporting startups and fostering a dynamic digital innovation ecosystem. This event aligns with national efforts to accelerate digital transformation and enable a knowledge-based economy, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy. The summit is expected to enhance international partnerships and attract technology investments, further strengthening Qatar’s position as a global leader in the digital economy.
MCIT Launches “Scale Now” Program to Empower Digital Entrepreneurs in Qatar
Reading Time: 3 minutesDoha, Qatar – February 10, 2025: As part of its efforts to strengthen the digital ecosystem for entrepreneurs and startups, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has launched the “Scale Now” program, the first of its kind in Qatar to support digital entrepreneurs. The program provides them with the necessary tools and mentorship to accelerate their business growth and expand into local, regional, and international markets. This initiative aligns with the ministry’s strategy to enhance the digital economy, supporting the objectives of the Digital Agenda 2030 by fostering a thriving digital innovation environment and developing startups, positioning Qatar as a leading regional hub for the digital economy. The ” Scale Now” program is built on three core pillars designed to drive startup growth and empower entrepreneurs to achieve sustainable success. First, Capability Building & Mentorship, where participants receive intensive hands-on guidance from a distinguished network of global experts in entrepreneurship, business strategy, and operational management, helping them refine their business models and enhance their competitiveness. Second, Local Go-To-Market Support, which enables direct engagement with local market leaders, facilitating the establishment of strategic relationships and business partnerships to strengthen their presence in the Qatari business landscape. Lastly, Expansion Readiness Support, providing startups with the necessary tools and effective strategies to scale into regional and global markets, unlocking new growth and innovation opportunities on an international scale. In this regard, Mr. Faraj Jassim Abdulla, Director of the Digital Economy Department at MCIT, stated: ” Scale Now program represents a significant step in empowering digital entrepreneurs in Qatar, equipping them with the tools and guidance needed to scale their businesses and expand into local and global markets. This initiative reflects MCIT’s commitment to fostering startups and driving digital innovation, in alignment with the goals of the Digital Agenda 2030. Through Capability Building & Mentorship, Local Go-To-Market Support, and Expansion Readiness Support, “Scale Now” contributes to establishing Qatar as a regional hub for the digital economy and supports economic diversification by enabling startups to achieve long-term sustainability and growth.” The ministry has launched the first cohort of the “Scale Now” program, featuring six digital entrepreneurs from various sectors, reinforcing its commitment to supporting startups and enhancing digital innovation in the entrepreneurship sector. Future cohorts are planned to accommodate 15 entrepreneurs per six-month cycle, providing them with comprehensive support for scaling their businesses. The “Scale Now” program continues to welcome ambitious entrepreneurs, offering them an exceptional opportunity to benefit from a supportive environment that enhances their ability to achieve sustainable growth. The program seeks to attract startups that meet specific criteria, ensuring optimal utilization of its resources while strengthening Qatar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. To qualify for the program, companies must be officially registered in Qatar, have a market-ready product or service, and demonstrate a clear ability to maintain continuous operations throughout the program duration. The initiative also prioritizes companies with a strategic vision for expansion within Qatar and strong readiness for regional and global growth. This initiative is part of MCIT’s broader efforts to promote digital innovation and enhance the digital entrepreneurship landscape, reaffirming its commitment to establishing Qatar as a global leader in the digital economy. The program provides a promising platform for local entrepreneurs to seize expansion opportunities in new markets. It is expected to drive startup growth, enhance their global competitiveness, and contribute to economic diversification, reinforcing the key pillars of the Digital Agenda 2030.
