QRDI Open Innovation Challenges

R&D funding opportunities OF UP TO $1,000,000

Developed and launched by QRDI Council, the Qatar Open Innovation (QOI) program connects strategic entities within Qatar (Opportunity Owners), such as government agencies and large local enterprises with a global pool of innovators and technical experts.

QRDI Council works with Local Opportunity Owners to identify and frame these opportunities, issue innovation calls, evaluate submitted proposals, and award winners to pilot innovative solutions.

Qatar Open Innovation offers a unique opportunity to develop breakthrough technologies and solutions for priority sectors in Qatar.

Innovators stand to obtain funding of up to $150,000 to develop, pilot, and test their prototypes in collaboration with a strategic entity in Qatar.

Through the program, innovators also gain access to new markets and can obtain support in establishing their business in Qatar or forming official partnerships to help launch or expand their ventures.

Opportunity Owners engaging with the program benefit by obtaining access to a wide pool of innovators and potential innovations that meet their operational or strategic needs, and enjoy a host of support services offered by QRDI Council.

NOTE: The total Open Innovation piloting fund amount in 2022 is $1,000,000 for all innovation calls. The average funds allotted per proposal are up to $150,000 for the first phase of the project.

Challenges

Explore and apply to our open innovation opportunities

Seeking innovative solutions to Automation and optimization of stowage planning
Milaha

Seeking innovative solutions to Automation and optimization of stowage planning

As part of QRDI Open Innovation Program Milaha is looking for technologies, proc...
Milaha
Deadline 07/10/2022
Project size $ 150,000
Seeking innovation for a reliable and close to real-time Carbon Accounting and Reporting in Milaha's maritime transportation of containers
Milaha

Seeking innovation for a reliable and close to real-time Carbon Accounting and Reporting in Milaha's maritime transportation of containers

As part of QRDI Open Innovation Program, Milaha is looking for technologies, pro...
Milaha
Deadline 07/10/2022
Project size $ 150,000
Seeking Innovative Technologies For Energy Storage In Harsh Environments
Kahramaa

Seeking Innovative Technologies For Energy Storage In Harsh Environments

To support in better management of energy fluctuations (e.g. peak shaving), QRDI...
Kahramaa
Deadline 21/04/2022
Project size 50,000 - 250,000 €
Seeking Innovative Technologies To Convert Agricultural Waste Into Products Of Value
Hassad Food

Seeking Innovative Technologies To Convert Agricultural Waste Into Products Of Value

QRDI corporate partner is interested in technology solutions (TRL: 3-8) which ca...
Hassad Food
Deadline 14/04/2022
Project size 50,000 - 250,000 €
Seeking Innovative Technologies To Harvest Water From Air (Humidity) In Harsh Conditions
Hassad Food

Seeking Innovative Technologies To Harvest Water From Air (Humidity) In Harsh Conditions

QRDI corporate partner is inviting proposals from Startups, SMEs, and Corporates...
Hassad Food
Deadline 07/04/2022
Project size 50,000 - 250,000 €
Seeking Sustainable, Cost-Effective Solutions To Reduce The Humidity Of Cooling Air Inside Greenhouses In Qatar
Hassad Food

Seeking Sustainable, Cost-Effective Solutions To Reduce The Humidity Of Cooling Air Inside Greenhouses In Qatar

QRDI corporate partner is requesting sustainable technologies that can reduce re...
Hassad Food
Deadline 31/03/2022
Project size 50,000 - 250,000 €

Opportunity Owners (3)

Through Qatar Open Innovation, Opportunity Owners in Qatar have access to a global talent pool, and can solicit innovations that serve their strategic and operational goals. Find out more about Opportunity Owners featured in the QOI program:

Hassad Food

Hassad Food

Learn more about Hassad Food
Kahramaa

Kahramaa

Learn more about Kahramaa
Milaha

Milaha

Learn more about Milaha

Frequently Askect Questions

What is Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council ( QRDI)?

As the developer and overseer of Qatar’s national research, development and innovation (RDI) strategy, QRDI Council mobilizes partners across government, academia and industry to transform Qatar’s innovation ecosystem. QRDI aims to make Qatar a hub for Innovation as a driver for productivity and growth, as we advance the country’s innovation agenda.

A flagship program developed and launched by Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council connects partners in Qatar, such as government agencies and large local enterprises with a global pool of innovators and technical experts

Who can submit proposals to Qatar Open Innovation Challenges?

The focus of this program is mainly the private sector.The Open Innovation challenge is open to start-ups, SMEs, and Corporates.

Universities can participate through a partnership with the private sector. The lead applicant should be part of the private sector.

We welcome submission to this program for companies and organizations as inside Qatar, as outside Qatar.

This challenge is not open to employees of QRDI and Hassad Food and members of their families.

How can I submit a proposal to Qatar Open Innovation Challenges?

The submission process is already open. You can apply by visiting this linkhttps://qrdi-councilopeninnovation.innoget.com . Choose a challenge which you want to apply to and click the “Write proposal” button and follow the steps to have your proposal submitted.

What are some evaluation criteria?

Evaluation criteria is driven by the information that is required in the submission template.One important criteria for evaluation is innovation which requires further development and initial prototype and pilot engagement with partners.

What is the TRL requirement for the proposed solutions?

We are accepting proposals between TRL 3 – 8

What are the deadlines to submit the proposal?

Deadlines for the projects are the following:

  • Seeking Sustainable, Cost-Effective Solutions To Reduce The Humidity Of Cooling Air Inside Greenhouses In Qatar by Hassad Food - 31/03/2022
  • Seeking Innovative Technologies To Harvest Water From Air (Humidity) In Harsh Conditions by Hassad Food - 07/04/2022
  • Seeking Innovative Technologies To Convert Agricultural Waste Into Products Of Value by Hassad Food - 14/04/2022
  • Seeking Innovative Technologies For Energy Storage In Harsh Environments by Kahramaa - 21/04/2022

The evaluation process will take place as of April 2022 and continue until July 2022.

What is the timeline for cooperation opportunities?

The cooperation project will develop in two phases:

  • Phase 1 – Proof of concept / Pilot implementation / Adaptation (2022-2023)
  • Phase 2 – Collaboration agreement for full scale installations (within 2 years)

How to ensure that our idea remains with us?

You are not allowed to reveal any confidential information nor provide any solution that is not protected at this point. You just have to provide non-confidential information. After submitting your proposal, the posting company will evaluate it and directly connect with you. This is when if there is an interest you would request to sign an NDA with the company to keep the conversation ongoing.

New Intellectual Property rights (if any) will be discussed and agreed on during the evaluation phase and after shortlisting of proposals.

How many proposals can I submit to the Open Innovation Challenge?

Participants can submit more than one proposal.

Can I edit the proposal after sending it?

No, proposals can’t be edited after submission. Please make sure your proposal contains all required information before you submit it .

How can I check the status of my submission?

The status of your submissions can be checked from the “Replies” dashboard on your Innoget.com account.

What is the budget per each challenge?

Qatar Open Innovation Program has up to one million US Dollars ($1,000,000) to invest in the selected participant proposals across its open challenges.

QRDI together with its corporate partners and selected participants will discuss on a one to one basis the funds required to develop the selected pilot in Qatar.

Some solutions might need support on current SOP (Standard operating procedure), frameworks, KPI's, etc. How will be the support model from the respective organizations during the development stages?

Challenge owners will provide the necessary access and data for the selected innovator

Is there a need to attach a startup registration document for the first stage of the application?

No, there is no need to attach a startup registration for the first stage

How many innovation projects can win per project category?

It will not be limited to one.

Must the entities that participate to provide solutions have a physical presence in Qatar? If they are overseas companies, can they choose to set up later after they are selected to be in the program?

The project must be done in Qatar in collaboration with the local partner. They can choose to set up later.

What is the email address to contact for further questions?

If you have any further questions you can contactqrdi@innoget.com