Alice Chambers |
Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and Microsoft Qatar will work together to foster innovation and digital transformation in the country by providing startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)with access to technology and skills.
The partnership will enable SMEs to benefit from emerging technologies and leverage Microsoft Cloud to improve performance, boost productivity, reduce costs and develop innovative solutions. They will also be able to build digital skills through the Microsoft Learn platform
Startups supported by QDB will also now have access to Microsoft’s Founders Hub, a platform that connects people, knowledge and technology
Lana Khalaf of Microsoft Qatar and QDB’s Abdulrahman Hesham Al-Sowaidi at a press conference to announce the initiative (image credit: Microsoft Qatar)
“This partnership provides access to an advanced set of digital platforms, and guarantees the readiness of our innovators and startups to pursue aspirations that fall in line with our goals of developing Qatar’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and strengthening the country’s position as a centre for innovation and technological excellence,” said Abdulrahman Hesham Al Sowaidi, acting CEO of QDB.
Lana Khalaf, general manager of Microsoft Qatar, said: “Startups and SMEs play a pivotal role in accelerating Qatar’s digital economy and its position as an innovation hub for investment. Through this initiative, businesses will have access to the latest cloud technologies and digital skills needed to achieve their business goals and contribute to Qatar’s economic growth and development. This partnership supports our efforts to be the preferred and trusted partner for cloud innovation for all sectors of the economy in Qatar.”