Interview : Rama Chakaki, President, Qatar Science and Technology Park, on scaling technology ventures, digital transformation and future-ready production systems
How is Qatar fostering innovation and technology development within its industrial sector?
CHAKAKI: Qatar is taking a long-term approach to embedding advanced technology into its industrial base, shifting from a resource-driven model to a more knowledge-driven one. That means integrating digitalisation, advanced materials, automation and clean technologies across various sectors. A key enabler has been stronger policy alignment around diversification, productivity and local value creation. We are seeing more structured collaboration between industry and technology developers to address operational challenges, including predictive maintenance, advanced supply chain analytics and carbon management.
Which measures are in place to support the growth of technology start-ups in Qatar?
CHAKAKI: Support framework has matured significantly. It now includes early-stage funding, incubation and acceleration programmes and structured industry engagement that enables start-ups to pilot solutions in live environments. Support is available through research infrastructure within the Qatar Foundation ecosystem through the Qatar Science and Technology Park. Access to capital has improved, particularly in priority sectors. Regulatory processes have become more streamlined, making it easier to establish and scale ventures. Startups are moving beyond proof of concept into paid pilots and operational deployments with larger enterprises. We are seeing locally developed solutions in industrial internet of things, asset optimisation, autonomous systems, cybersecurity and environmental monitoring.
In what ways are international partnerships influencing technological and industrial advancements?
CHAKAKI: Qatar has positioned itself as a platform where global technology firms and research institutions collaborate with local stakeholders in a structured way. These partnerships bring advanced expertise, access to global research and development networks, and international market exposure. Across the energy value chain, renewables, advanced materials, digital infrastructure and collaboration ensures emerging technologies are adapted locally. The economic benefits are clear: knowledge transfer, high-skilled employment, supplier development and, in some cases, the anchoring of regional R&D and innovation activity in Qatar.
To what extent are sustainability and environmental considerations affecting industrial development?
CHAKAKI: There is a strong emphasis on decarbonisation technologies, including carbon capture and storage, energy efficiency, process optimisation and hydrogen development. Major projects increasingly incorporate emissions management at the design stage. Sustainability requirements are also being reflected more clearly in licensing processes, standards and project design. Circular economy principles, water management, waste reduction and digital environmental monitoring are gaining prominence. Climate and sustainability solutions are among the fastest-growing segments in technology. Innovations in emissions monitoring, energy optimisation, advanced materials and resource efficiency are gaining traction.
What are the emerging trends and future directions for Qatar’s industrial sector?
CHAKAKI: Advanced digitalisation – including artificial intelligence, robotics and data-driven optimisation – is transforming the sector. The energy transition is creating adjacent opportunities in carbon management, hydrogen value chains and advanced materials. Qatar is leveraging its infrastructure and technical expertise to remain competitive. There is also greater emphasis on higher-value downstream manufacturing, particularly in chemicals, specialised materials and food processing. Finally, supply chain resilience and localisation remain priorities, reflecting lessons from global disruptions.
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