Qatar has launched a new FemTech accelerator to advance innovation in women’s health across the MENA region. The initiative, a partnership between Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) and global science company Merck, will support startups developing technology-driven solutions for critical health challenges affecting women.
Through this program, up to 30 high-potential FemTech startups will be selected. They will focus on breakthrough solutions powered by artificial intelligence, robotics, and materials science. Additionally, startups will gain access to clinical pilot opportunities, market entry pathways, and advanced scaling support to expand commercially in Qatar and beyond.
The accelerator aims to generate measurable impact at scale. Therefore, it aligns with Qatar Foundation’s mission to improve health outcomes for women regionally. Moreover, through multi-country piloting, startups will validate and adopt their solutions across multiple markets. This approach ensures innovations address women’s health challenges both regionally and globally.
Selected startups will also benefit from curated mentorship, exposure to healthcare stakeholders, and collaboration opportunities within Qatar’s research and innovation ecosystem. Furthermore, the program will facilitate engagement with national institutions and ecosystem partners to strengthen startups’ regional presence.
QSTP President Rama Chakaki said, “At QSTP, we believe that meaningful innovation is inclusive. Consequently, this accelerator supports startups with high growth potential and generates scalable impact on women’s health. By leveraging Qatar’s innovation ecosystem and Merck’s global expertise, we are creating pathways for FemTech solutions to be piloted, validated, and adopted at regional and global scale.”
Merck’s Gulf General Manager, Ahmed Aboelfadl, added, “Women’s health remains under-addressed in global healthcare innovation. Therefore, this partnership will help FemTech companies develop technology-led solutions that improve health outcomes. By combining global scientific leadership with regional collaboration, we will accelerate innovation and strengthen Qatar’s ecosystem for women’s health.”
The accelerator will include a two-week intensive immersion in Doha. During this period, selected founders will meet clinicians, regulators, investors, and innovation leaders. These interactions will allow startups to validate market opportunities and prepare for commercialisation.
Experts note that FemTech is among the fastest-growing sectors in health technology. With this initiative, Qatar positions itself as a regional and global hub for women’s health innovation. As a result, the program attracts investment, research, and commercial activity in this emerging market.
