Doha, February 11 (QNA) - The Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council announced that 20 companies have been awarded in the Qatar Open Innovation (QOI) program.

With 46 open innovation calls, launched in partnership with 19 local partners across key sectors, including AI and technology, agriculture, energy and environment, healthcare, and transportation, the program has garnered participation from Qatar and countries worldwide.

The QOI program has achieved significant milestones, fostering collaboration between large local enterprises and the global innovation community.

The program received 1154 submissions from innovators worldwide. Qatar became the second-largest source of applications, with 129 applications submitted by Qatari Companies, 11 percent of the total number of applications submitted.

Secretary General of QRDI Council Eng. Omar Al Ansari said: "The QOI program creates a vibrant marketplace for innovative technologies developed by the private sector, to be co-developed in collaboration with Qatar's large local enterprises and government agencies." "The QOI program is dedicated to developing technology development teams locally in Qatar, creating opportunities for local talent in the private sector, and attracting the best international talent to contribute to Qatar's innovation ecosystem. The program also allows Qatar's most important enterprises across various economic sectors to access new-to-market technologies, empowering them to overcome business challenges and achieve global leadership", Eng. Al Ansari added.

He said that 20 innovation opportunities have been awarded to innovative private sector companies, turning into running technology co-development and piloting projects in various implementation stages.

A notable project that was recently completed is titled "Digital Port & Marine Services Platform Supported by Blockchain Technology". This open innovation opportunity saw Milaha collaborating with US data management startup Vendia to optimize maritime functions, said the Secretary General of QRDI.

The large local enterprise partners expressed their happiness with the diversity of participation as companies from across the globe and locally submitted their pioneering solutions to the open innovation opportunities. They praised how the selection process showcased diverse technical skills and talent, affirming the program's role in advancing innovation within Qatar.

The QOI program provides a collaborative platform for startups and innovative companies to engage in open innovation challenges available by potential government and corporate buyers and co-create market-ready solutions. It allows startups and innovative companies to connect with industry leaders, and pilot groundbreaking innovations that address the nation's most pressing challenges in the five national priority areas of energy, health, resource sustainability, society, and digital technology, as outlined in the QRDI 2030 Strategy. (QNA)