IdeaCamp kicks off its first workshop with 200 innovative ideas

01 September, Doha, Qatar: The third edition of the Digital Incubation Center’s (DIC) IdeaCamp workshop was held on Saturday at Hilton Hotel Doha with the shortlisted top 200 innovative ideas, out of several hundreds of applications received, participating.

IdeaCamp is a unique and innovative program held under the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC)'s Digital Incubation Center (DIC). During a course of five weeks, the camp offers candidates’ workshops, trainings and mentorship programs by 20 global experts to incubate the best pitches. The first workshop witnessed entrepreneurs generating business ideas with their mentors. The final ideas will be pitched during the Qatar IT Conference and Exhibition (QITCOM 2019) from 29th October – 1st November 2019.

As part of the Entrepreneurship Zone at QITCOM 2019, IdeaCamp features entrepreneurs, developers, and designers, enabling them to harness emerging technologies. Participants will create innovative products or services with a focus on Advanced Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to find contemporary digital solutions; simultaneously, contribute to the advancement of Qatar’s digital economy.

On the occasion Duha Ali Al-Buhendi, the Digital Incubation Centre Manager said, “Following the success of the previous IdeaCamp editions, we are excited to welcome this year’s most innovative startup ideas from different sectors. IdeaCamp is a unique program that involves intense competitions and training sessions to identify the most exceptional startup pitches.”

IdeaCamp coincides with QITCOM’s mission to showcase innovative technologies by creating a platform for technology providers, policymakers, industry experts, and thought leaders. In the second edition of IdeaCamp 25 new startups were incubated. The program mentors’ startups through the exchange of information and knowledge to assist them in creating theoretical and practical pitches to be showcased at the final stage. It is an excellent chance for entrepreneurs to connect with potential businesses. IdeaCamp finalists will also be provided with technical and operating support as well as free workspace to transform their digital ideas into reality.

The differentiating factor in this year’s QITCOM is that the winners will be incubated under the supervision and support of MOTC to ensure the implementation of the concept with the Use Case owners. Winners will be chosen at the final pitch day on 30th October, based on the concept, design, development and presentation; and the awards will include mentoring offers, incubation and projects.

Under the theme "Safe, Smart Cities", QITCOM 2019 will feature over 90 speakers, 300 technology exhibitors, 100 startups and 300 innovators and entrepreneur. The event will be a one-stop-shop for participants to showcase disruptive smart technologies and exchange next-generation knowledge.

Entrepreneurship Zone is an integral part of QITCOM 2019 and is divided into five primary activities; Startup Hub, CodeCamp, Make the Deal, IdeaCamp and Innovation Theatre, that work together in developing the most innovative and disruptive technologies.