The map·Qatar·Government programmes

Qatar Development Bank

The primary funding and development institution for startups in Qatar.

What
Backing via Startup Qatar, targeting a QAR 1 billion portfolio by 2030.
Status
Active

Checked · September 2026 · qdb.qa · How we check ↗

Website ↗On the map →

In detail

Qatar Development Bank is a development bank in Qatar. The primary funding and development institution for startups in Qatar. Runs the Startup Qatar Investment Program (START and GROW), Ithmar, the ROWAD Awards and QBIC. Its Startup Qatar Investment Program (2024) has backed 40+ startups from 15 countries — most recently joining Multiverse Computing’s €500M Series C (€1.5B valuation), bringing the AI unicorn’s regional HQ to Doha (Aug 2026); target portfolio QAR 1B by 2030. QBIC, a QDB entity, runs a Pre-Accelerator and an Accelerator programme; both take applications via the QBIC application hub.

Amount
More than 40 startups from 15 countries backed via Startup Qatar since 2024 · target portfolio QAR 1 billion by 2030
Services
  • Equity
  • Loans
  • Guarantees
  • Incubation
  • Acceleration
  • Mentoring
Status
Always active

What the source says

“© QDB 2026”

qdb.qa · seen September 2026

“The program's target portfolio is set to reach QAR 1 billion by 2030, reinforcing Qatar’s long-term commitment to building a globally competitive startup and innovation ecosystem.”

qdb.qa/about/news/news/qdb-invests-in-multiverse-computing · seen September 2026

“Since Startup Qatar was launched in 2024, QDB has invested through the initiative in more than 40 startups from 15 countries worldwide.”

qdb.qa/about/news/news/qdb-invests-in-multiverse-computing · seen September 2026

“QDB’s investment forms part of the company’s EUR 500 million Series C funding round, which values Multiverse Computing at EUR 1.5 billion.”

qdb.qa/about/news/news/qdb-invests-in-multiverse-computing · seen September 2026

Closing soon on the map

Cultural Development Fund (CDF)

Grant · Saudi Arabia
Up to SAR 500,000 non-repayable per project, capped at 20 projects total.
No equity — grant
29 Sep 2026closes

Finspire

Accelerator · Saudi Arabia
SAR 100,000 development funding, earmarked rather than paid as cash.
Equity via SAFE, capped at 5%
4 Oct 2026closes

QSTP Incubation

Accelerator · Qatar
In-kind support: Doha workspace and housing for a four-week Sprint, talent and investor access.
Equity — 1.5% deferred SAFE-style stake
1 Nov 2026closes

All published deadlines →

More government programmes in Qatar

Invest Qatar

Government · Qatar
FDI facilitation, government introductions and direct pitching to VC funds via Gateway.
No equity — service or permission
—

Media City Qatar

Government · Qatar
Gaming and screen incentive programmes; licensing with 100% foreign ownership.
No equity — incentives for licensed entities
—

QFC Digital Assets Lab

Government · Qatar
Regulatory pathway only; no capital is deployed.
No equity — regulatory pathway
—

Qatar Financial Centre (QFC)

Government · Qatar
Business licensing; its Feb 2026 package waives registration and renewal fees for three years.
No equity — service or permission
—

All government programmes in Qatar →  ·  Across the Gulf →

Sources

Primary source · qdb.qa · LinkedIn · linkedin.com/company/qatar-development-bank · Checked September 2026