| Issue 2
Starting-up in Doha
Encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit and supporting young businessmen
and women is a key component of the Qatar National Vision.
S
tartup Weekend UNI Doha, which took place
between 13 and 15 October 2016, is a prime
example of how Qatar’s institutions are investing in
the next generation by supporting and mentoring
aspiring students.
This particular event – a collaboration between the
Qatar Development Bank, QSTP, INJAZ Qatar and
Hamad Bin Khalifa University – saw 40 participants
from across Qatar form teams to develop viable business
ideas, before pitching them to veteran entrepreneurs
and experts.
| Entrepreneurs
Each team was guided by a specialist, who helped
participants to test and develop their ideas and prepare
for the final presentations to a panel of judges. The
panel consisted of representatives from each of the four
host partners, and the teams’ ideas were judged on their
innovativeness, creativity, and viability.
Prizes of QAR25,000, QAR15,000 and QAR5,000
were awarded to the top three ideas. The winners,
from Georgetown University in Qatar, created a
prototype for an e-commerce website called
AhlanGifts.com, specialising in Arabian-themed gifts
such as fragrances like oud and bukhoor. The idea
simplifies the gift-buying experience, and expands Arab-
themed gifts to a new audience.
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