Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) has partnered with Microsoft to bring the Microsoft for Startups program into its support for founders, giving eligible companies up to $200,000 in Azure cloud credits, Qatar News Agency reported on Monday.
QSTP, a member of Qatar Foundation, said 105 of its incubated companies had been nominated for the program. Of these, 47 have started using its offerings, up from 32 in August.
The package includes $100,000 in Microsoft Azure credits, which can rise to $200,000 over two years depending on usage.
Startups also get access to AI infrastructure, GitHub Enterprise and Visual Studio Enterprise, working sessions with Microsoft engineers, and support to reach customers and investors.
The potential value of Azure credits for the 47 participating companies ranges from $4.7 million to $9.4 million, depending on usage and eligibility, QSTP said. The figures are maximum aggregate amounts, not a guaranteed commitment.
Ahmed Al Saeed, Director of Business Development at QSTP, said the partnership would let founders in Qatar develop products and compete in global markets from day one. He said it supports the goals of Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy.
Ahmed Al Dandashi, General Manager of Microsoft Qatar, said the partnership brings the program closer to entrepreneurs and gives them practical tools to build, test and scale their products.
QSTP supports startups in artificial intelligence, healthcare and biomedical technology, financial technology, sustainability, education and cybersecurity.
