The map·Qatar·Government programmes

Startup Qatar

One-stop platform for startups in Qatar.

What
One-stop platform routing founders to the QDB-powered Investment Program.
Status
Active

Checked · September 2026 · startupqatar.qa/en · How we check ↗

Website ↗On the map →

In detail

Startup Qatar is a startup one-stop platform · QDB-powered investment program in Qatar. One-stop platform for startups in Qatar. Initiative by Invest Qatar, launched at Web Summit Qatar 2024. Aggregates funding, incubation, visas, fee waivers and office space across QFC, QDB, QFZ, QSTP and others.

Amount
One-stop platform — the investment itself runs through the Startup Qatar Investment Program (own card)
Services
  • Program navigation
  • QDB equity funding
  • QFC registration and renewal fee waiver for the first three years
  • Free office space
  • Entrepreneur visas
Status
  • Active
  • first cohort November 2024: 11 startups from nearly 2,000 applications, QAR 43.8M ($12M) in funding and benefits
  • more than 40 startups from 15 countries backed via the programme since 2024

What the source says

“funding for both seed and growth stage companies, alongside incentives and support services”

startupqatar.qa/en · 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 Development Bank

Government · Qatar
Backing via Startup Qatar, targeting a QAR 1 billion portfolio by 2030.
—

All government programmes in Qatar →  ·  Across the Gulf →

Sources

Primary source · startupqatar.qa/en · LinkedIn · linkedin.com/company/startupqatar · Checked September 2026