QFZ’s participation in Web Summit Qatar 2024

In it’s first iteration in Qatar, Web Summit Qatar brought leaders, experts, policy makers, investors and global tech giants together from all around the world, to share ideas, engage in constructive dialogue, and shape the future of the global tech industry.

Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) participated in the event and was part of the Startup Qatar initiative, a one-stop online platform catering to all business requirements and providing comprehensive information about Qatar’s startup ecosystem. We were delighted to welcome many potential investors and guests to our booth in the Startup Qatar pavilion, where we highlighted what makes many leaders and global tech giants call the free zones in Qatar home.

Partnering with disruptive and innovative players in the industry

On the sidelines of Web Summit Qatar, QFZ forged new partnerships with ZE-KI e.V, the center for tangible artificial intelligence and digitalization, which is based in Germany, and Ginkgo Bioworks, which is building the leading platform for cell programming and biosecurity and based in the United Sates.

Zentrum für erlebbare Künstliche Intelligenz und Digitalisierung e.V. “ZE-KI e.V”. ZE-KI is the Center for tangible Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization. ZE-KI aims to create instruments and structures for the development and use and proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI). The center works in varied sectors and verticals such mobility, health, cybersecurity and the future of work. The center also works in provision of data, AI models, services and applications.

Ginkgo Bioworks (NYSE: DNA) is the leading horizontal platform for cell programming, providing flexible, end-to-end services that solve challenges for organizations across diverse markets, from food and agriculture to pharmaceuticals to industrial and specialty chemicals. Ginkgo’s is building global infrastructure for biosecurity to empower governments, communities, and public health leaders to prevent, detect and respond to a wide variety of biological threats.

Zeki Doha Center
MoU: between QFZ and ZE-KI

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between QFZ and ZE-KI aims to establish an applied research center of artificial intelligence (AI) within QFZ. The “Zeki Doha Center” will concentrate on developing innovative solutions in focus areas such as; smart, data driven IT solutions for the operation of Qatar’s logistics which includes automation of processes, conception and digitalization of vehicles, improving workflow with the support of data intelligence, IoT, big data and machine learning. In addition, the center will offer training to professionals in all these fields.

The MoU was signed by HE Dr. Ahmad Al-Sayed, Minister of State and Chairman of QFZ, and Prof Dr. Sahin Albayrak, Chairman of the Board of ZE-KI e.V, in a ceremony attended by HE Lothar Freischlader, the Ambassador of Germany in Doha.

HE Ahmad Al-Sayed, and Prof Dr. Sahin Albayrak sign MoU between QFZ and ZEKI.

CUBE-D
Agreement: QFZ, DVC and Ginkgo Bioworks

QFZ, Doha Venture Capital (DVC) and Ginkgo Bioworks to build the first Center for Unified Biosecurity Excellence in Doha (CUBE-D) within the free zones in Qatar.

CUBE-D’s advanced platform is expected to serve as a nucleus for global pathogen monitoring efforts and be a key hub in Ginkgo’s bioradar network. CUBE-D will be a foundational piece of biosecurity and health security infrastructure in Ginkgo’s multi-continent, integrated early warning system for biological threats. The center plans to support analysis of data collected from pathogen monitoring stations in both Qatar and partner countries, such as airports, municipalities, and agricultural sites by leveraging cutting-edge analytical platforms powered by artificial intelligence and developed by Ginkgo.

Sheikh Mohammed H. F. Al-Thani, Mr. Mohammed Al Abdulla, and Matthew McKnight signed the agreement, witnessed by HE Ahmad Al-Sayed.

The signing ceremony was attended by HE. Dr. Ahmad Al-Sayed, Minister of State and Chairman of QFZ. The agreement was signed by Sheikh Mohammed H. F. Al-Thani, CEO of QFZ, Mr. Mohammed Al Abdulla, CEO of DVC, and Matthew McKnight, General Manager for Biosecurity, Ginkgo Bioworks.

Highlighting innovative companies in QFZ’s emerging tech sector

NextNorth Air Mobility
Advanced Mobility

An urban air mobility technology platform that connects people and places with flying taxis, reducing travel times through a sustainable and innovative alternative.

iTransfers
Transport software solutions

iTransfers Technology Solutions is passionate about making it easy to manage a fleet so organizations can spend more time focusing on what matters.

D4A
Computer software & IT consultancy

D4A helps SMBs and enterprises in streamlining and transforming their complex business processes while connecting to their customers.

YMarinas Technologies
Port & yacht services

The berth booking platform integrates yacht owners, captains and international ports, enhanced by IoT technology for seamless port management.

Nagdah
Automotive services & products

An intermediary for automotive services and products, with the aim of facilitating purchases for consumers and increasing sales to suppliers.