The MENA region’s leading mixed-use business incubator, Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC) – a division of Qatar Development Bank (QDB) - has announced the winners of the 14th wave of its LeanStartup program (LSP) during Selection Day.
 

With restrictions in place due to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, this year marked the program’s first hybrid wave, combining both virtual and traditional sessions. Through the hybrid format, QBIC was able to continue supporting entrepreneurs along their growth journey, despite the pandemic-induced challenges.

During the event, 16 local startups competed for incubation, marking the culmination of a new wave of graduates from the transformational LeanStartup Program. Over the course of 2 hours, a panel of specialized judges assessed the up-and-coming entrepreneurs’ ideas, and eventually decided on the 9 winning startups, bringing the total number of LSP graduates to nearly 600. The winning teams will be incubated within the Ooredoo Digital & Beyond incubator, receiving special support over the coming months. The judges were impressed by the quality, innovation, and diversity of the business ideas, which covered a variety of fields.
 

Commenting on the conclusion of the 14th wave of the LSP, Hamad Dashin Al Qahtani, General Manager of QBIC, said: “During these extraordinary circumstances, the participating entrepreneurs demonstrated remarkable distinction and excellence, as we have seen an abundance of distinct and viable ideas. We at QBIC are proud and delighted to support aspiring entrepreneurs, enabling them to reach their full potential and accelerate their businesses. The last few months have proven that we can always find new ways to enable & empower tomorrow’s success stories.”
 

The winning startups will now focus on further developing their products and services as incubated companies, and will be granted access to funding, continuous coaching, and workspaces to grow their businesses. In the upcoming months, the companies will get a chance to accelerate their growth and enhance their investment readiness, in preparation for attracting local, regional, and international investors.
 

QBIC’s LeanStartup Program is one of the most successful programs of its kind in the MENA region, empowering entrepreneurs through business tools, hands-on experience, and expert know-how to successfully bring their ideas to life.

To learn more about QBIC and its newest programs, please visit www.qbic.qa.