Doha, February 03 (QNA) - Qatar's Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI) has announced its support for a new robotics project launched by local technology company Snoonu, as part of efforts to strengthen national capabilities in artificial intelligence and advanced robotics.
The announcement was made during a press conference held on the sidelines of Web Summit Qatar 2026, attended by government officials, industry representatives and technology leaders.
Secretary-General of QRDI, Omar Ali Al Ansari, said the partnership with Snoonu represents a successful model of collaboration between ambitious national companies and government-backed innovation programs. He said the council takes pride in supporting some of the most innovative companies in Qatar and the wider region.
Al Ansari noted that QRDI prioritizes backing companies with an innovation-driven mindset capable of turning challenges into opportunities, in line with Qatar's vision of building a knowledge-based economy. He added that this approach helps deliver sustainable, practical solutions across multiple sectors while enhancing the country's competitiveness in strategically important fields.
He highlighted several funding initiatives offered by the council, including the Technology Development Grant, which operates on a co-funding model with the private sector. The program is designed to help companies develop advanced technologies, build specialized teams and encourage greater private-sector investment in innovation.
According to QRDI, local technology development also contributes to the creation of high-quality jobs, the attraction of national talent, and stronger collaboration between companies and academic and research institutions.
Al Ansari said the launch of Snoonu Robotics supports the development of national capabilities in physical AI, which combines artificial intelligence with physical systems. He added that the project is expected to contribute to the advancement of logistics, mobility, manufacturing and smart supply chains, reinforcing Qatar's position as a regional leader in these areas.
For his part, Founder and Chief Executive of Snoonu, Hamad Mubarak Al Hajri, announced the official launch of the company's robotics arm, describing it as a new milestone in Snoonu's journey since its establishment in 2019.
Originally founded as a local delivery platform, Snoonu has since evolved into an integrated ecosystem of smart services, e-commerce and delivery solutions.
Al Hajri said the new project will focus on developing systems based on drones and autonomous ground vehicles that operate through intelligent integration, enabling them to sense their surroundings and make real-time decisions. He said the technology aims to improve the efficiency of delivery operations and logistics services.
He added that all technical systems for the project will be developed entirely in Qatar by national engineers and local expertise, with support from QRDI. The initiative forms part of a long-term strategy that envisions increased reliance on robotic delivery systems by 2035.
Al Hajri said the project reflects Snoonu's commitment to building an innovative and sustainable ecosystem, strengthening Qatar's position as a global hub for robotics and artificial intelligence, and stimulating investment in advanced technologies across key sectors.
The announcement comes as part of broader efforts by QRDI to enhance Qatar's innovation environment, support emerging national companies, and provide platforms for experimentation and the development of advanced technological solutions in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. (QNA)