Qatar Expands Startup and AI Ecosystem at Web Summit 2025

Doha, Qatar - Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, opened Web Summit Qatar 2025 on Sunday at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. The event marks the second edition of the Middle East and North Africa’s largest technology gathering.  

In his address, the Prime Minister emphasized Qatar’s ongoing efforts to become a global hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and private sector growth. He highlighted the country’s regulatory reforms and strategic investments aimed at creating new economic opportunities.  

$1 Billion Investment in Startups

 A major announcement during the summit was the Qatar Investment Authority’s (QIA) fulfillment of its Web Summit Qatar 2024 commitment—a $1 billion fund of funds to support startups. Nearly half of this fund has already been allocated to attract international venture capital firms to Qatar.  

Six globally recognized investment firms, including Builders VC and B Capital, have established offices in the country, reinforcing Qatar’s ambition to lead in digital health, fintech, AI, clean energy, and manufacturing.  

AI-Powered Government Services

To strengthen its AI ecosystem, Qatar has signed a five-year agreement with Scale AI, a leading artificial intelligence firm. This collaboration aims to develop more than 50 AI-driven solutions for government services, utilizing predictive analytics and advanced data analysis.  

The initiative positions Qatar as a competitive player in AI adoption, helping streamline government operations and enhance public service efficiency.  

Expansion of Startup Qatar Initiative

The Startup Qatar initiative, launched last year, has gained momentum, attracting over 2,000 applications from 60 countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Turkey, and India.  

The government has announced an expansion of the program, which will provide additional support through: 

• Establishing R&D offices
• Collaborating with local universities
• Enhancing Qatar’s AI and machine learning ecosystem

Web Summit Qatar’s Growing Impact

Web Summit Qatar has seen remarkable growth, with attendance surpassing expectations. According to Web Summit CEO Paddy Cosgrave, more than 25,000 attendees from 124 countries have gathered in Doha for this year’s event.  

The summit features:  

• 1,520 startups
• Over 600 investors
• More than 380 speakers
• 180 industry partners
• 600+ media representatives 

Cosgrave also noted that 148 companies from last year’s summit have collectively raised nearly $30 billion in investments since attending the event.  

Qatar’s Vision for a Tech-Driven Future

By attracting top venture capital firms, expanding startup initiatives, and integrating AI into government operations, Qatar is cementing its position as a leading innovation hub in the region. Web Summit Qatar continues to serve as a platform for global partnerships, reinforcing the country’s ambition to shape a tech-driven and prosperous future.