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Q & A with Aysha Al-Mudahka , CEO of Qatar Business Incubation Center
Why was Qatar Business Incubation Center ( 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 center , 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 knowledgebased 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 establishment three years ago , we have become one of the largest incubation centers 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 specialized incubator , QBIC Tourism , which focuses on incubating start-ups in the tourism sector . We have also partnered with Ooredoo Qatar to set up the specialized 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 jewelery inspired by the clover flower . They recently exhibited their products at the Doha Jewelery 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 while being mindful of the culture in Qatar and the region .
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