| Issue 2
Q&A with Aysha Al-Mudahka,
CEO of Qatar Business
Incubation Centre
Why was Qatar Business Incubation Centre
(QBIC) established?
QBIC was established in order to provide all the
necessary means that will help Qatari entrepreneurship
to thrive and flourish – including funding, office space,
mentorship, and guidance.
Today, it has grown into a leading mixed-use business
incubation centre providing business support services
to help entrepreneurs and companies who either have
an idea to start a business, or want to grow an existing
scalable company.
It is backed by respected government institutions that
are seen as leaders in promoting entrepreneurship in
Qatar: Qatar Development Bank and Nama.
Why is QBIC’s work important as Qatar
moves forward to become a knowledge-
based economy?
The Government of Qatar is keen on developing and
heavily investing in the private sector, as in the long run
this diversification is what aids Qatar in transforming
into a knowledge-based economy. This is also the vision
of one of our founders, Qatar Development Bank,
which strives to diversify the market by supporting and
creating a strong SME sector. QBIC supports that vision
by providing incubation opportunities. We support
innovative start-ups and provide them with the tools that
they need in order to grow their businesses.
QBIC’s goal is to foster innovative ideas and help create
the next business leaders of the country. Since our
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establishment three years ago, we have become one of
the largest incubation centres in the region. We have
aligned our strategy with Qatar National Vision 2030,
and are therefore focused on carefully targeted sectors.
For example, we have partnered with Qatar Tourism
Authority (QTA) to set up a specialised incubator, QBIC
Tourism, which focuses on incubating start-ups in the
tourism sector. We have also partnered with Ooredoo
Qatar to set up the specialised incubator “Digital and
Beyond,” which focuses on supporting start-ups which
will provide digital solutions.
Of which QBIC achievements are you most
proud?
Here at QBIC, we’re particularly proud of all our
incubated start-ups’ achievements. Their success is our
success and nothing makes us happier than to see them
prosper and grow.
Some of our start-ups have reached new heights this year
that are particularly noteworthy, including Trifoglio, a
local brand which aspired to reach international markets.
Trifoglio produces fine leather bags and jewellery
inspired by the clover flower. They recently exhibited
their products at the Doha Jewellery and Watches
Exhibition alongside globally-renowned brands. Their
booth was visited by members of the royal family
including His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin
Hamad Al-Thani.
Oola Sports is another example: a brand that designs
comfortable and trendy sportswear for women whilst