The Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), part of Qatar Foundation, in collaboration with the Young Entrepreneurs Club (YEC) under the Ministry of Sports and Youth, has launched the "QSTP x YEC Summer Bootcamp 2026," a practical programme aimed at transforming innovative ideas into viable startups. The initiative began on July 27 and runs through August 19, attracting 124 participants from across Qatar, with women comprising 60% of the attendees. The cohort includes university students, recent graduates, aspiring entrepreneurs, and technology enthusiasts.
Designed to cover all stages of building a company, the bootcamp consists of 13 sessions. Early modules focus on introducing participants to the startup ecosystem, encouraging them to identify real problems worth solving, and teaching foundational concepts such as business models and revenue generation. The programme also incorporates a structured critique process to rigorously test business ideas.
In subsequent sessions, participants learn how investors evaluate opportunities and gain insight into Qatar’s deep tech landscape. The curriculum further addresses how to develop ventures that deliver measurable impact, followed by practical training in product development, go-to-market strategies, storytelling, and pitching before an audience. The bootcamp concludes with an overview of QSTP’s incubation offerings and a rehearsal presentation in preparation for an upcoming Hackathon scheduled for August 20-21, where teams will present their startup concepts to a live panel of judges. The closing keynote will explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of startup development and scaling.
Sessions are facilitated by founders, investors, and industry professionals from organizations such as Alchemist Doha, TeKnowledge, QLUB, Ibtechar, and HostX, alongside QSTP’s internal programme team. Participants also benefit from an ecosystem tour of QSTP and a rehearsal Demo Day, providing hands-on exposure to Qatar’s innovation environment.
Eng. Ahmed al-Said, QSTP’s business development director, emphasized the programme’s role in harnessing Qatar’s entrepreneurial talent by offering tools, mentorship, and ecosystem access necessary to transform early-stage ideas into established ventures. Abdulrahaman al-Emadi, vice-president of the YEC, noted the initiative reflects the Club’s commitment to empowering youth by delivering a comprehensive experience blending knowledge, practical application, and direct industry engagement. He highlighted the partnership’s goal of preparing a generation equipped to lead future innovation and entrepreneurship efforts in Qatar.
Following the conclusion of the bootcamp, participants will have the opportunity to continue developing their ventures through QSTP’s Incubation Pathway, which provides structured support for early-stage startups beyond the programme.