Qatar’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Gateway: Opportunities for Global Collaborators
As part of the ongoing strategic collaboration between QRDI and QDB, this joint masterclass proposes a new session aimed at introducing Qatar’s dynamic innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem to a global audience. The session will provide practical guidance to international startups, SMEs, investors, and ecosystem enablers on how to access and thrive within Qatar’s innovation landscape.
Participants will learn how to:
- Navigate available funding opportunities throughout the innovation journey
- Leverage Qatar’s programs for product development and market scaling
- Build strategic partnerships with Qatar’s academic, industry, and government sectors
📅 Tuesday 10 June 2025
🕐 16:30pm-17:30pm
📍 London Olympia, Room: Henley 4
Mohammed Al-Emadi is a seasoned investment leader at Qatar Development Bank, playing a pivotal role in Qatar's economic diversification efforts.
He manages a substantial portfolio exceeding $100 million though QDB investment arm, encompassing both venture capital and private equity investments. He also oversees the Qatar Fintech Hub, the Creative and Culture Industry Hub, and the Incubation Enablement functions within QDB. Mohammed's expertise spans across portfolio management, deal structuring, navigating mergers and acquisitions, and spearheading special projects and strategic initiatives. His commitment extends beyond his core role. He has actively participated in shaping Qatar's development strategy, spearheaded the National Venture Capital Strategy, and played an instrumental role in establishing the nation's first private venture capital investment management firm.
Prior to his tenure at the bank, Mohammed's diverse background encompassed roles at Shell and Qatar Energy LNG (previously Qatargas). He also holds board positions within the private sector. Mohammed's dedication to lifelong learning is reflected in his academic credentials. He holds an MBA, a Master of Law in International Law and Foreign Affairs, alongside an Accounting & Finance degree. Additionally, he has completed executive programs in leadership and investment from institutions like Harvard Business School, London Business School, and the University of Oxford.
Ms. Nada Al-Olaqi is the Senior Director for Innovation Development and Piloting Programs at the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council. She leads the design and implementation of strategic programs and initiatives in alignment with QRDI 2030, engaging key RDI stakeholders to address insights, challenges, and requirements that shape the prioritization, development, and execution of QRDI 2030 innovation programs and objectives.
Her role also includes supporting large local enterprises and government entities in adopting innovative technologies, incentivizing the growth of the R&D-based private sector, advancing technology commercialization, and contributing to building the capabilities and culture of innovation to strengthen Qatar’s RDI ecosystem.
Nada is a three-time recipient of the “Thanaa Award,” a distinguished recognition from Qatar Foundation, and a graduate of the Qatar Leadership Program with outstanding accolades. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences from Qatar University and a Master's degree in Strategic Business Unit Management from HEC Paris. Additionally, she is a skilled research management professional with certifications from world-renowned institutions such as Harvard and INSEAD.
Rosena is a Senior Policy Expert at Qatar’s Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council, where she leads the Council’s work on intellectual property policy, strategy, and commercialization, with a strong focus on capacity building and ecosystem development. An Admitted Solicitor of England and Wales and a Registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP), Rosena holds an LLM in International Economic Law from the University of Warwick and has over a decade of experience bridging legal frameworks, IP management, policy development, and innovation strategy.
She is the architect of IP Mumaken, QRDI’s flagship IP training platform for researchers, innovators, and IP professionals, and leads the Qatar IP Champions Community, a peer-learning initiative supporting national IP ecosystem growth. A frequent speaker at regional and international conferences, Rosena’s work has been recognized in the region. She was named Best Author for IP in the Middle East and she also received the Legal Services Innovator of the Year award by LexisNexis Middle East for her contributions to innovation policy and IP system reform.
Rosena also authors policy papers on innovation and IP to inform national strategy, legal reform, and evidence-based policymaking. Her professional interests include IP strategy, institutional policy, innovation program design, and research on IP’s role in emerging innovation economies.