Qatar University –A Pioneering Hub for Innovation and Sustainability

Qatar University (QU) will host the Global Innovation Summit 2023 in November this year in the vibrant of Doha, Qatar. Under the theme Shape Tomorrow: Innovate the Sustainable Future, the summit will discuss how businesses and governments can tap into the sustainability opportunity to boost economic prosperity while safeguarding the planet and mitigating the impacts of climate change. We are thrilled to introduce our dynamic institution that embodies the spirit of innovation and sustainability. QU’s commitment to these principles is not just theoretical –it’s a living and breathing part of its everyday operations.

Credit: Qatar University

At the heart of QU’s innovative drive is the Office of Strategic Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Economic Development (SIEED). This office is the powerhouse behind QU’s strategic initiatives, aligning them with the QU Transformation Strategy and Qatar’s National Vision 2030 of building a sustainable knowledge-based economy. SIEED orchestrates a symphony of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development, creating a harmonious ecosystem that nurtures and supports bright ideas and ventures from the QU community.

QU’s commitment to the digital age is evident in its Digital Transformation Strategy. This strategy is about more than just technology. It’s about building digital skills, transforming operations, creating a smart campus infrastructure, and contributing to the national digital transformation ecosystem. Additionally, the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Strategy fosters an entrepreneurial culture within the university community, builds entrepreneurial skills, and accelerates the creation of ventures. SIEED’s hallmark is the KITE startup incubation program, which currently has over 40 incubated teams in advanced stages of training, including five established businesses generating revenue.

Sustainability is not just a buzzword at QU. It’s a core value. The Center for Sustainable Development (CSD) conducts groundbreaking research on sustainability issues in Qatar. They delve into a wide range of topics, from algal technologies to food and water security, waste management, renewable energies, and natural resource management. The CSD’s Human Sustainability Program is a pioneering initiative that explores the challenges and solutions related to natural resource use and economic transformation. The center oversaw the work that resulted in 140 high-impact publications in sustainable development over the past three years.

All these initiatives are further supported by the QU Innovation Office (QUIO), which plays a crucial role in protecting the intellectual property (IP) of all university affiliates. They collaborate with local stakeholders and international law firms to ensure that intellectual property rights are well-protected. QUIO also educates the QU community on IP through workshops, seminars, lectures, and conferences. The office played part in the creation of the QU Innovation Award, which rewards all faculty members and students who created patented innovations while also funding the development of their technology into a functioning startup.

To add to these initiatives, the Technology Innovation and Engineering Education (TIEE) unit at QU acts as a beacon of innovation education. It fosters engineering and technology innovation to solve real-world problems and excel in applied research in engineering education, technology-enhanced learning, and innovation and technology management.

In conclusion, Qatar University is more than just an educational institution. It’s a catalyst for change, a hub for innovation, and a champion of sustainability. As we prepare for the Global Innovation Summit 2023, we are excited to showcase QU’s commitment to fostering a knowledge-based economy, driving digital transformation, and promoting sustainable development. We look forward to welcoming you to this vibrant and forward-thinking institution.

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This article has been edited on 25 October 2023. The title has changed from "Discover our hosts: Qatar University –A Pioneering Hub for Innovation and Sustainability" to "Qatar University –A Pioneering Hub for Innovation and Sustainability".

Attention: Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the GFCC Annual Meeting and Global Innovation Summit in Doha have been postponed to 2025.

The combined GFCC 2023 Annual Meeting and Global Innovation Summit will now take place in London on November 13th to 15th, 2023 and will be hosted by Gallup at its European headquarters located at The Shard.