About

The Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council invites proposals for the inaugural call under the Small Business Innovation Grant (SBIG) to support innovation-driven Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar by providing phased, non-dilutive, competitive funding to accelerate the development and commercialization of novel technologies, products, and processes.

The program contributes to QRDI's mission of strengthening Qatar's innovation ecosystem by enhancing RDI capabilities, translating innovative concepts into impactful solutions, and addressing strategic national challenges. SBIG is aligned with the priority sectors outlined in the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3).

Objectives

• The SBIG program strengthens Qatar's innovation ecosystem by enabling SMEs to drive technology-driven growth. By offering targeted phased support, the program aims to empower high-potential small enterprises to advance from early-stage ideas to commercially viable innovations, contributing to Qatar's broader RDI goals and economic diversification agenda.

Aims

• Specifically, the SBIG program aims to:

  • Stimulate SME innovation and accelerate the commercialization of new technologies.

  • Enhance research, science, and engineering (RSE) capabilities within SMEs and strengthen the national RDI talent base.

  • Promote sustainable economic growth by empowering SMEs operating in strategic priority areas and generating high-skilled employment.

Priority Areas

• To maximize national impact and accelerate the growth of Qatar's innovation economy, the SBIG program targets strategic sectors that align with the country's Third National Development Strategy. These sectors represent key research, innovation, and technology adoption opportunities to generate transformative outcomes for Qatar's economy and society.

  • Medical & Healthcare:

    • This priority area supports innovations to strengthen Qatar's healthcare system, improve patient outcomes, and reduce the national disease burden. Particular emphasis is placed on digital health technologies, such as AI-driven diagnostics, telemedicine, electronic health records, and health informatics, due to their transformative potential to increase efficiency, access, and personalization in healthcare. Medical devices and innovations that address national public health challenges or enable more efficient clinical workflows are also welcomed.

  • Logistics & Transportation

    • This area supports technologies that enhance the resilience, efficiency, and sustainability of Qatar's supply chains and mobility systems. Innovations may include predictive logistics platforms, fleet optimization tools, innovative warehousing systems, intelligent transport infrastructure, and clean mobility solutions. These support the country's expanding infrastructure and global trade ambitions

  • Smart Cities

    • This priority area includes solutions that make urban environments more livable, efficient, and sustainable. Innovations may address energy management, innovative infrastructure, water and waste systems, urban planning, or responsive governance. Projects that promote the use of sensors, data platforms, automation, and other technologies to improve urban service delivery and environmental outcomes are encouraged

  • Creativity, Arts &Tourism

    • This area focuses on applying technology to support Qatar's growing creative economy and cultural sectors. Eligible projects may include virtual museums, immersive tourism experiences, digital archiving of cultural heritage, gamified learning platforms, and interactive storytelling. These innovations help position Qatar as a global hub for arts, culture, and tourism and align with its vision to diversify its economy through soft power sectors

  • Emerging Digital Technologies

    • This cross-cutting area targets innovations leveraging advanced digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), and metaverse platforms. These technologies are expected to serve as enablers across multiple sectors, unlocking productivity gains, enhancing decision-making, and creating disruptive new business models. Projects must demonstrate strong use cases and relevance to national challenges.

Funding Information

• Phase 1:

  • Technology Feasibility:

    • Duration: 6–12 months

    • Funding: Up to QAR 800,000

• Phase II:

  • Technology Development:

    • Duration: 12-24 months

    • Funding: Up to QAR 2,200,000

Eligibility

• To be eligible to apply for the SBIG grant, applicants must: 

  • Be a for-profit private sector organization headquartered in Qatar and

  • Meet the SME definition, i.e

    • Number of employees less than 250

    • Annual revenues not exceeding QAR 100 million; and 

    • Majority-owned by Qatari citizens or residents.

Post Date: June 16, 2025