Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP)
Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) is a home for international technology companies and a startup incubator in Qatar. It was inaugurated in March 2009 as part of the Qatar Foundation, a state-led non-profit organisation founded in 1995 by then Emir (King) Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and his wife Moza bent Nasser Al-Missed.
The Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) was established to promote the development of Qatar’s knowledge economy. It is a free-trade zone that was established by the Qatar Foundation at a cost of over $800 million.
QSTP’s objective is to grow Qatar’s knowledge economy by encouraging companies and institutes from all over the world to develop and commercialise their technology in these sectors in Qatar.
In addition, it has the responsibility and commitment to developing the R&D technology sector, which includes providing high-tech training, supporting new business startups, and enhancing technology management skills. QSTP is a member of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation, a non-governmental organisation with special consultative status with the United Nations.
QSTP is a free zone that brings together the best in design and international expertise to create an international environment for technology development, which aims through sustainable development, to transform Qatar into one of the world’s most advanced economy.
The initial evaluation of potential tenants will be based on their level of investment in the specified Permitted Activities. The ongoing measures that will be applied to determine the “predominant activities” of the tenant will be agreed upon in advance of the issuance of each license on a case-by-case basis. For illustrative purposes, such measures may include:
The following information shall be provided to the Authority:
- The number of staff directly employed in technology (product and/or process) development, technology-related consulting services, or R&D.
- The level of financial investment and resources in technology (product and/or process) development or technology-related consulting services or R&D.
- The number of individuals who are educated and/or trained at the Licensee’s premises at QSTP.