The Progress of the Qatar Open Innovation Program
The Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council has reported significant progress in the Qatar Open Innovation (QOI) program, launched in 2022, to enhance partnerships between Qatar’s major enterprises and the global innovation ecosystem.
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The initiative saw the launch of 46 Open Innovation Calls in cooperation with 19 local partners across essential sectors such as AI and technology, agriculture, energy and environment, healthcare, and transportation. It attracted a global response, with over 1,000 proposals submitted, making Qatar the second-highest contributor of applications.
With 1,154 innovations proposed globally, 129 of which were from Qatari companies, 11% of the total submissions, the program underscores Qatar’s commitment to fostering innovation.
Eng. Omar Al-Ansari, Secretary-General of the QRDI Council, highlighted the program’s role in creating a dynamic market for the private sector’s innovative technologies, facilitating their development in collaboration with Qatar’s large enterprises and government agencies.
The initiative aims to build technology development teams within Qatar, offering local talent opportunities in the private sector, and drawing international talent to enhance Qatar’s innovation landscape. It also provides access to groundbreaking technologies for Qatar’s key enterprises, aiding them in addressing business challenges and achieving global leadership.
So far, 20 projects have been selected for implementation, showcasing the program’s ability to translate innovative ideas into practical solutions. Among the remarkable projects is the “Digital Port & Marine Services Platform supported by Blockchain Technology,” a collaboration between Milaha and US-based Vendia to enhance maritime operations. Another project, “Smart Tools for Audio Analytics in IoT networks,” is a partnership between Ooredoo and Groundup.ai, aimed at developing a predictive model for asset failure.
These projects are a clear example of the program’s effectiveness in promoting collaborative innovation and its impact on advancing technology and environmental sustainability across vital sectors. The diversity of global and local participation, as well as the range of technical skills and talent showcased, has been praised by large local enterprise partners, who are excited about future collaborations under the Qatar Open Innovation program.
This initiative represents a joint effort to support Qatar’s innovation ecosystem, with the QRDI Council providing support, funding, and access to advanced facilities and services. It enables comprehensive evaluation and enhancement of innovative solutions in partnership with the award winners, contributing to the region’s technological progress.
The Qatar Open Innovation Program serves as a collaborative platform for startups and innovative companies to tackle open innovation challenges, connecting them with industry leaders and facilitating the pilot of novel solutions. It addresses national challenges across five priority areas: energy, health, resource sustainability, society, and digital technology, aligning with the QRDI 2030 Strategy.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
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Saudi Arabia ranked first among countries for the non-oil exports of national origin with BD201 million (22%)
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Bahrain’s non-oil exports of national origin decreased by 6% to BD894 million ($2.37 billion) in Q2 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The top 10 countries accounted for 64% of the total export value.
According to the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) in its Q2 2024 Foreign Trade report, Saudi Arabia was the leading destination for these exports, totaling BD201 million (22%). The US followed with BD75 million (8.4%), and the UAE with BD73 million (8.2%).
Unwrought aluminum alloys were the top exported product in Q2 2024, amounting to BD267 million (30%), followed by agglomerated iron ores and concentrates alloyed at BD159 million (18%) and non-alloyed aluminum wire at BD49 million (5%).
Non-oil re-exports
Non-oil re-exports increased by 4% to reach BD206 million during Q2 2024, compared to BD198 million for same quarter in 2023. The top 10 countries accounted for 86% of the re-exported value. The UAE ranked first with BD58 million (28%) followed by Saudi Arabia with BD39 million (19%) and UK with BD17 million (8%).
As per the report, turbo-jets worth BD65 million (32%) were the top product re-exported from Bahrain, followed by private cars with BD11 million (5%) and four-wheel drive with BD9 million (4%).
The value of non-oil imports has decreased by 4% reaching to BD1.41 billion in Q2 2024 in comparison with BD1.47 billion for same quarter in 2023. The top 10 countries for imports recorded 68% of the total value of imports.
China Bahrain’s biggest importer
China ranked first for imports to Bahrain, with a total of BD191 million (14%), followed by Brazil with BD157 million (11%) and Australia with BD112 million (8%).
Non-agglomerated iron ores and concentrates were the top product imported to Bahrain worth BD200 million (14%), followed by other aluminum oxide with BD101 million (7%) and parts for aircraft engines with BD41 million (3%).
As for the trade balance, which represents the difference between exports and imports, the deficit logged was BD310 million in Q2 2024 compared to BD322 million in Q2 2023.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
