QSTP XLR8 Cycle 15 Demo Day 2025

Doha, Qatar – Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, concluded the 15th cycle of its XLR8 program with a Demo Day that showcased Qatar’s emerging tech innovators. The event took place at QSTP on May 27, 2025, bringing together teams who pitched their ideas and prototypes to investors, business leaders, and key players from Qatar’s growing tech ecosystem.

Winners

• Palazzi Instruments (First Place)
  • Developed a lightweight device that measures an athlete’s speed
  • Provides coaches with real-time performance metrics
• Ask Sanad (Second Place)
  •     AI-powered platform guiding students across the MENA region to choose the right major and university
  • Matches academic interests, personal priorities, and career goals
• VitalSort AI (Third Place)
  • Solution for automating claim documentation and coding in busy emergency department
  • Reduces administrative delays and minimizes billing errors

Judges

• Asma Al Jefairi – Head of Digital Products, Qatar Museums
• Abdullah Al Khenji – Founding Partner, Finjan.VC (Finjan Investments LLC)
• Marcel Dridje – Board Member, European Business Angels Network (EBAN)
• Hissa Al Sulaiti – CEO, Eldhow
• Hamad Hadeed – CEO, Cytomate

These judges evaluated each pitch based on commercial potential, scalability, and real-world applicability, ultimately selecting the top three winners.

Awards and Support

Each of the top three teams will receive:

• Dedicated Office Space at QSTP for three months
• Personalized Mentorship from industry experts
• Access to QSTP’s Network of partners, investors, and corporate collaborators
• MacBook Air Laptop to support ongoing development and prototyping

Fireside Chat Highlights

• Speaker: Hamad Hadeed, CEO of Cytomate (the first proactive cybersecurity firm in the MENA region)
• Topic: “Breaking Barriers: A Startup’s Journey into Uncharted Territory”
• Key Takeaways:
  • Lessons learned while building a pioneering cybersecurity company in Qatar
    
  • Strategies for navigating regulatory and market challenges in the region
  • The importance of resilience, adaptability, and strong mentorship

Ecosystem Impact and Testimonials

• Hayfa Al Abdulla (Innovation & Entrepreneurship Director, QSTP):
    Emphasized Demo Day as a milestone that highlights the passion, drive, and ingenuity of Qatar’s emerging entrepreneurs and reaffirmed QSTP’s commitment to creating a global destination for innovation with real-world impact.
• Asma Al Jefairi (Head of Digital Products, Qatar Museums):
    Noted the vital role XLR8 plays in moving talent from concept to execution by providing mentors and resources. She mentioned using a QSTP startup (Monet) to digitize around 40 collections at Qatar Museums, illustrating how the accelerator contributes to institutional innovation.
• Giuliano Franco Palazzi (Founder, Palazzi Instruments):
    Highlighted how the supportive environment at QSTP—access to expert guidance both inside and outside formal mentoring hours—made a significant difference in their ability to refine and validate their product.

QSTP’s 15th cycle Demo Day reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for Qatar’s technology and innovation ecosystem. By providing structured mentorship, access to high-tech facilities, and a robust network of investors and corporate partners, XLR8 continues to equip entrepreneurs with the tools needed to transform ideas into viable, impactful businesses.