The Business Year (TBY), in partnership with Msheireb
Properties and AI for Good YAILs Qatar, has launched the AI for Good Qatar
Challenge to highlight GCC-based pre-seed and seed-stage AI startups addressing
the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The competition will
take place during the Qatar Investment and Innovation Conference on 3 November
2025, offering startups mentorship, global exposure, and access to
international investors without a cash prize.
AI for Good Qatar Challenge Overview
As reported by Vanessa Rameix, Regional Director at The
Business Year in Entrepreneur Middle East, the AI for Good Qatar
Challenge aims to bring together the most promising artificial intelligence
startups from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region that are innovating
around global challenges in line with the UN SDGs. The challenge is part of the
Qatar Investment and Innovation Conference: Driving GCC Entrepreneurial Growth,
scheduled on 3 November 2025 at Barahat Msheireb in Doha.
Organisers and Partners
The competition is a collaboration between The Business
Year, Msheireb Properties, and AI for Good YAILs Qatar. Dr. Hafiz Ali Abdulla,
Senior Director of Corporate Communication at Msheireb Properties, told GlobeNewswire that
Msheireb Downtown Doha has been committed to supporting innovation and
providing a platform to transform ideas into impactful solutions. He
highlighted that hosting the competition at Barahat Msheireb is part of their
vision to support entrepreneurs using technology for a more sustainable and
prosperous region.
Vanessa Rameix also stated the significance of the challenge
in connecting Qatar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem with global innovation
networks, underscoring the potential for startups to access mentorship,
capital, and partnerships needed to scale across the GCC and beyond.
Competition Format and Evaluation Criteria
Participants will compete live in Doha before a panel of
expert judges, pitching their AI solutions in 3-minute presentations. The
judging criteria will focus on several aspects including the quality of the
founding team, product and technology viability, business model, societal
impact, and communication effectiveness.
The final winner will be announced during the closing session
of the conference, adding a competitive highlight to the event.
Benefits for Startups
Although the competition does not include a cash prize,
startups will benefit from mentorship, exposure to global investors,
integration into the United Nations innovation ecosystem, and media visibility
via official partner channels. This combination opens avenues to unparalleled
global opportunities and scale potential for AI solutions.
Support and Strategic Backing
The challenge receives key support from the Ministry of
Communications and Information Technology of Qatar. Additionally, several
international venture capital firms such as Rasmal Ventures, Builders VC, The
Alchemist, and Plug and Play are backing the competition. These investors
provide critical access to global funding networks and mentorship programs,
emphasising the high-level ecosystem the competition aims to integrate GCC
startups into.
Importance in Regional AI Development
According to a report by Boston Consulting Group cited
in April 2025, Qatar stands actively among GCC nations developing strong AI
ecosystems. The country is advancing its position as an innovation hub with
national strategies and projects, ensuring AI solutions align with local
culture, language, and regional market needs. The AI for Good Qatar Challenge
fits into this broader strategy to foster innovation-driven growth and AI
talent development.
Broader AI for Good Context
The AI for Good Qatar Challenge echoes the global efforts
spearheaded by initiatives such as the AI for Good Innovation Factory organized
by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). These platforms aim at
scaling AI-powered solutions to tackle global challenges, promote sustainable
development, offer expert mentorship, and provide pitching opportunities
worldwide.
The AI for Good Qatar Challenge offers a significant
platform for promising tech startups within the GCC to showcase their potential
in leveraging artificial intelligence for social good. Through strategic
partnerships and support from governmental and international entities, this
competition reinforces Qatar’s commitment to nurturing an innovative digital
economy aligned with sustainable development goals.
The event on 3 November 2025 will not only spotlight the
region's emerging AI talent but will also foster connections that could scale
AI innovation impacting the GCC and the global community.