The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) today invited entrepreneurs and startups to submit applications for the ‘Make the Deal’ initiative, where they can compete to pitch their business ideas to investors at this year’s Qatar IT Conference and Exhibition (QITCOM 2019). While the last day for registration is 15th October, the application screenings and pre-event mentoring will continue until 20th October.
Driven by MoTC’s Digital Incubation Center (DIC), the third edition of Make the Deal forms an integral part of the Entrepreneurship Zone of QITCOM 2019, scheduled to take place between 29th October and 1st November at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC).
Make the Deal (startup-Investor Matchmaking) aims to promote a climate of entrepreneurship and investment and is an opportunity to connect high-impact technology startups with local, regional and international investors. Before the event, all shortlisted participants will be individually mentored by global experts on pitch presentations and will be invited to participate in pre-event matchmaking. The final business pitch will be made to investors at the Innovation Theatre during the course of QITCOM 2019, and the winners will be awarded with investment deals and incubation offers.
Held under the theme ‘Safe Smart Cities’, QITCOM 2019 has dedicated an Entrepreneurship Zone to boost investor-startup relationships, inviting innovators and professionals learn about digital entrepreneurship. Around 300 entrepreneurs are expected to participate in the Entrepreneurship Zone activities this year, with 100 local, regional and international startups showcasing their products and services across 5 key platforms: Make the Deal, Idea Camp, Code Camp, Startup Hub and the Innovation Theatre.
Her Excellency Reem Al Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary of Digital Society Development Sector, Ministry of Transport and Communications, said: “In its 5th edition, QITCOM 2019 will provide opportunities for businesses to bring real citizen-centric solutions to life. The Entrepreneurship Zone will lead the charge and promote learning and innovation among startups and innovators, while connecting them to potential investors to create a stronger knowledge-based economy. Make the Deal is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs to network and find financial support for their smart solutions”.
“We are delighted to announce the commencement of the application process for Make the Deal this year. Our ‘Make the Deal’ initiative will contribute towards Qatar’s vision of building a diversified knowledge-based economy. This is an amazing chance to meet with investors, build a global network and grow your business. Make the Deal connects startups and investors prior to the actual pitch event in order to make an initial go/no-go decision at Qatar IT Conference & Exhibition”, added Reem Al-Mansoori.
Since its inception, QITCOM has been responsible for bringing together investors, global digital experts and end-users to understand, envision and build Qatar’s digital future. QITCOM 2019 aims to attract 30,000 visitors, sign MoUs, enter strategic sponsorships and showcase many smart solutions to power Qatar’s digital transformation. This year’s event will further contribute towards creating connections across the Smart Cities ecosystem at a national, regional and global level.
About Make the Deal
Make the Deal is a startup-investor matchmaking opportunity that helps participating high-impact technology startups to network with local, regional and international investors. As part of Entrepreneurship Zone, Make the Deal’s third edition connects startups and investors prior to the pitch for a one on one customized mentorship by experts. It is a grand platform for incoming startups and startups already incubated to seal the opportunity to become progressive entrepreneurs with potential future financial growth
About Qatar IT Conference and Exhibition (QITCOM 2019)
Under the patronage of His Highness, the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Ministry of Transport and Communication will hold the Qatar Information Technology Conference & Exhibition – the largest Information and Communication Technology showcase and event in Qatar – from 29th October to 1st November 2019 under the theme “Safe Smart Cities”. Featuring over 90 speakers, 300 technology exhibitors, 100 startups and 300 innovators and entrepreneur, Qatar IT Conference & Exhibition 2019 will be a one-stop-shop for participants to showcase disruptive smart technologies and exchange next-generation knowledge.
About Ministry of Transport and Communication (MoTC)
In recognition of the significant role of transport and ICT in building a robust and vital economy in light of Qatar National Vision 2030, the Ministry of Transport and Communications was established as per Emiri Order No. 1 of 2016.
As per Emiri Decree No. 4 of 2016, the mandates and functions of the Ministry of Transport and Communications are:
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Organizing land and maritime transport businesses;
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Developing and improving transport services, studying their projects, and supervising and following up their implementation in order to achieve the expansion of economic activity and serve the requirements of the national development scale;
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Overseeing and developing the information and communications technology sector to serve the national development requirements;
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Fostering a competitive environment that is conducive to investments;
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Securing and enhancing the efficiency of ICT infrastructure and developing the next generation thereof;
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Raising awareness of the importance of ICT and how to use it safely to improve peoples’ lives, towards building a knowledge community based on digital economy; and
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Implementing and overseeing e-government programs.
