Silicon Valley has become a global byword for high technology and the archetype of a tech innovation ecosystem that supplies everything a startup can’t succeed without. So, the fact is that every country wants its own version.

Qatar Silicon Valley

For Qatar, Silicon Valley is a source of inspiration as it prepares for a post-petrochemical economy – but not a cause for imitation. Instead, it is blending the essence of the U.S.

West Coast’s tech landscape with its own unique approach, characteristics, and advantages. Leading the way in developing this Middle East ecosystem for technology and innovation is the Qatar Foundation (QF). It’s a nonprofit organization supporting Qatar’s development through its education, research, and community development initiatives.

QF and EIA

The European Innovation Academy – one of the world’s top entrepreneurship education providers – partners with QSTP to run the Arab Innovation Academy, the Middle East, and North Africa (MENA) region’s largest entrepreneurship “boot camp,” where young innovators develop a startup from scratch in just two weeks. QF’s five-year deal with venture seed capital fund 500 Startups is providing funding, training, and mentorship to MENA startups, and has brought the fund’s 500 Distro Dojo accelerator program to the region.

Feeling interested in the topic? So, read the Harvard Business Review article here.