Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) is now accepting applications for cycle 14 of its mentorship programme, XLR8. QSTP is a member of Qatar Foundation.
Now in its eighth year, XLR8 is an intensive 10-week programme that helps promising innovators and entrepreneurs determine if their tech-based ideas are commercially viable, providing them with the tools and mentoring needed to assess market fit, secure customer traction and increase investor awareness.
According to Mohammed Zebian, Program Manager – Acceleration at QSTP, QSTP offers a supportive environment for budding innovators and entrepreneurs to build, launch and grow their tech businesses.
He said that the XLR8 programme, which is part of their continuous efforts to strengthen Qatar’s innovation ecosystem, has inspired hundreds of local innovators to pursue their ambitions and develop the necessary skills. Equipped with such knowledge, Zebian said that graduates of the programme are better prepared to begin their journey as a startup.
We invite innovators to apply for the upcoming cycle of XLR8 and benefit from mentorship by industry leaders and an opportunity to learn from successful entrepreneurs.
Converting ideas into prototypes
The XLR8 programme is open to teams of up to five members, all of whom must be residents of Qatar. Over the course of the programme, participating teams will endeavour to convert their tech-based ideas into early prototypes through intensive workshops and hands-on mentorship, which will also put them on track towards developing an entrepreneurial venture. XLR8 is not open to existing private companies.
Mentorship sessions will be organised within QSTP’s Innovation Hub, and teams will have access to co-working spaces.
Thirty-one startups have been launched via the XLR8 programme since its inception, and close to 190 teams with over 460 individuals have benefited from its high-quality mentorship.
Applications are open until 2 December, with the programme launching on 10 December.
For more details about the programme and to apply for this year’s cycle, visit qstp.org.qa.
Check out Marhaba’s FREE e-Guides for everything you need to know about Qatar.