Doha, October 26 (QNA) - Invest Qatar received the 2026 United Nations Investment Promotion Award in recognition of its efforts to attract and support high-potential startups and technology companies through its flagship Startup Qatar initiative, a transformative national initiative accelerating Qatar’s emergence as a leading global destination for innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in the digital economy.

In a statement issued on Monday, Invest Qatar explained that it was selected from 48 entries representing 40 countries, with recipients assessed on their innovative approaches to investment promotion and facilitation, effectiveness in mobilizing sustainable foreign direct investment, and contributions to digital transformation and sustainable development.

Chief Strategy Officer at Invest Qatar Dr. Hamad Rashid Al Naimi said: “Receiving the 2026 United Nations Investment Promotion Award is an important recognition of Qatar’s collective efforts to build a connected, accessible and globally competitive startup ecosystem. Through Startup Qatar, we are helping high-potential companies access the information, funding, partnerships and support they need to establish, grow and scale from Qatar. This award also reflects the progress achieved through close collaboration across Qatar’s startup ecosystem."

Launched in February 2024, Startup Qatar provides an integrated ecosystem that facilitates access to funding, incubation programs, strategic partnerships, and tailored support services, enabling innovative businesses to establish, grow, and scale their operations in Qatar.

Through a comprehensive suite of world-class incentives, including free and expedited business registration, AI Compute Credits, and tailored residency programs, the initiative has facilitated the establishment of over 850 startups in Qatar. In parallel, its funding programs have attracted significant international interest, contributing to over 10,000 applications across the initiative’s various programs and enabling over 50 startups to secure more than US$100 million in funding.

Beyond its dedicated funding programs, Startup Qatar also expands founders’ access to potential sources of capital through the Invest Qatar Gateway. Through the platform, entrepreneurs can connect with 16 venture capital funds that have established in Qatar through Qatar Investment Authority’s Fund of Funds program. To date, more than 500 startups have used this facility to engage with participating funds.

Startup Qatar brings together key stakeholders from across Qatar’s startup ecosystem, including the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Government Communications Office, Qatar Investment Authority, Qatar Development Bank, Qatar Financial Centre, Qatar Free Zones Authority, Qatar Science & Technology Park, Media City Qatar, Qatar Manpower Solutions (Jusour), Visit Qatar and Hayya.

This collaborative approach provides startups with direct access to the institutions, programs and services supporting business establishment and growth in Qatar. It also reflects a broader national effort to create a coordinated and accessible environment in which entrepreneurs can connect with funding, infrastructure, market opportunities and specialized support. (QNA)