Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and Microsoft will provide entrepreneurs and innovators in Qatar with an extensive array of technologies and resources to drive their success.
The partnership aims to expedite the digital transformation of startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), while fostering innovation as part of QDB’s comprehensive initiatives to strengthen the local entrepreneurship ecosystem, talent pool, and Qatar’s role as a regional hub for innovation and technology.
Through this partnership, SMEs will have the opportunity to capitalise on emerging technologies by leveraging Microsoft Cloud, leading to enhanced performance, increased productivity, cost reduction, and the development of innovative solutions.
Additionally, the initiative will empower SMEs to enhance their digital skills through the utilisation of the Microsoft Learn platform. This platform equips entrepreneurs, leaders, and employees with the necessary knowledge and skills to leverage cloud technology for accelerated digital transformation and growth in a knowledge-based economy.
Startups affiliated with QDB will gain access to Microsoft’s Founders Hub, a platform that brings together expertise, knowledge, and technology to assist founders in overcoming challenges at every stage of their ambitious journey.
Moreover, Microsoft will provide learning resources to entrepreneurs and startups, enabling them to harness cloud technology such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and the Internet of Things to launch successful businesses.
Abdulrahman Hesham al-Sowaidi, the acting Chief Executive Officer of QDB, expressed that this collaboration grants entrepreneurs and startups access to a comprehensive range of cutting-edge digital platforms.
He added that the partnership “guarantees the readiness of our innovators and startups to pursue aspirations that fall in line with our goals of developing Qatar’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and strengthening the country’s position as a centre for innovation and technological excellence.”
Lana Khalaf, General Manager, Microsoft Qatar, said the partnership with QDB aligns with the company’s investments to empower in the startups and SMEs ecosystem in Qatar.
“Startups and SMEs play a pivotal role in accelerating Qatar’s digital economy and its position as an innovation hub for investment. Through this initiative, businesses will have access to the latest cloud technologies and digital skills needed to achieve their business goals and contribute to Qatar’s economic growth and development. This partnership supports our efforts to be the preferred and trusted partner for cloud innovation for all sectors of the economy in Qatar.”
The collaboration between QDB and Microsoft represents a recent addition to a series of endeavours aimed at strengthening capacity development and cultivating a diverse entrepreneurship ecosystem that plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth.
