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Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) reinforced its commitment to impact-driven research and innovation at Web Summit Qatar 2026 by showcasing technologies, leading on expert discussions and forging industry collaborations to advance new solutions and promote entrepreneurship. The University’s multi-year strategic partnership with Web Summit reflects its long-term approach to leveraging meaningful industry cooperation, contributing to and shaping technology conversations, while supporting Qatar’s trajectory towards becoming a hub for tech and entrepreneurship.
Over four days, HBKU presented a diverse portfolio of AI-enabled platforms, sustainability-focused tech, and digital healthcare applications. Through live demonstrations, featured startups, and interactive sessions, Summit participants gained insight into the university’s multidisciplinary research output and its ability to translate scientific research into scalable, market-ready products.
HBKU received national-level recognition with three spin-out companies, CircleProcess Technologies, QABY, and acDAC12 LLC, awarded the Small Business Innovation Grant (SBIG – Phase 2) by the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council. Each award affirms the commercial and technological viability of solutions emerging from the university’s research and reinforces its role in advancing high-impact ventures.
Beyond grant recognition, HBKU’s broader entrepreneurial footprint was also prominent across the Summit. Eight HBKU-affiliated ventures were featured at the Startup Islands, while the university’s exhibition booth highlighted flagship technologies, including Doha Solar Cadaster, Mukhtabir AI, and Smart Approaches to New Discoveries (SAND), further demonstrating the depth and maturity of its commercialization pipeline.
On the sidelines of the Summit, HBKU also announced several pivotal collaborations aimed at expanding joint research, commercialization, and talent development, confirming the university’s global reach and partner network. The University’s partnership with qai - Qatar’s national artificial intelligence company established to build resilient digital ecosystems, advance sustainable development, and expand AI infrastructure - will support research and capability-building in alignment with Qatar’s digital transformation strategy.
The University also signed an agreement with QRDI to develop future generations of experts in advanced electronics, semiconductor technologies, and intelligent systems, bolstering national capacity in strategically critical areas. In the digital health space, HBKU entered into a collaboration with leading Swiss AI health tech company, Xaidi to develop scientifically grounded and robust healthcare products.
Extending this momentum locally, HBKU furthered Qatar’s startup landscape through agreements under the QRDI Council-led Knowledge Transfer Program (KTP). The University will work with Rowwad Advisory and Business Solutions to support legal technology innovation and knowledge exchange. An MoU with Enbat Group explores transforming food waste into sustainable bioplastic materials, contributing to circular economy objectives and promoting environmental best practice.