Qatar Development Bank (QDB)
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Startup Qatar Investment Program – Up to ₹52.25Cr Equity for Tech Startups

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Quick answer

Get up to ₹52.25 crore equity funding and relocation support to grow your tech startup in Qatar through QDB's START and GROW tracks.

Funding amount
₹10.4Cr – ₹52.3Cr (equity)
Funding type
Equity
Provider
Qatar Development Bank (QDB)
Application deadline
Rolling
Eligible stage
Any stage
Location
Open to startups registered in India

Overview

The Startup Qatar Investment Program, delivered by the Qatar Development Bank (QDB), is a flagship initiative aimed at making Qatar a leading hub for technology and innovation. It seeks to attract high-growth tech startups from around the world, encouraging them to establish or significantly expand operations in Qatar. The program offers substantial equity investment, strategic incentives, and a comprehensive support ecosystem, aligning with Qatar's economic diversification strategy under the Qatar National Vision 2030.

The program operates through two tailored tracks: START and GROW. The START track is designed for innovative tech startups that are ready to launch and establish a presence in Qatar, offering seed-stage funding and foundational support. The GROW track targets more established companies aiming to scale existing operations and use Qatar as a gateway to regional and global markets, providing larger investment sums and advanced growth resources. This dual-track approach ensures that companies at different stages can find a fitting environment for innovation and expansion, contributing to job creation, technological advancement, and economic prosperity.

Highlights

  • Equity funding up to ₹52.25 crore (US$5.5M) for GROW-stage, ₹10.45 crore (US$1.1M) for START-stage
  • Two tracks: START for early-stage and GROW for scaling startups
  • Relocation to Qatar required; support for visas and housing provided
  • Comprehensive benefits: licensing, co-working, mentorship, market access, and more
  • Priority sectors include AI, AgriTech, FinTech, HealthTech, and more
  • Rolling applications with milestone-based disbursement

Who can apply

  • Focused on high-growth tech startups with innovative, knowledge-based solutions demonstrating potential for significant value generation.
  • Startups must show a clear contribution to Qatar's economic diversification.
  • START category (up to ₹10.45 crore / US$1.1M): Must address an unmet market need with a clear objective, execution plan, and technology roadmap. Requires a validated concept, market readiness backed by research, a robust business model, and a monetization strategy. Must be led by a committed and dynamic leadership team with relevant experience.
  • GROW category (up to ₹52.25 crore / US$5.5M): Requires established operations for at least three years, a qualified management team, positive growth outlook, financial stability, and adequate funding history.
  • Relocation to Qatar is a core requirement for establishing or expanding operations.

Startup Qatar Investment Program – Up to ₹52.25Cr Equity for Tech Startups is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

Eligible stage
Any stage
Location
Open to startups registered in India

Deadline & timing

Startup Qatar Investment Program – Up to ₹52.25Cr Equity for Tech Startups accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.

What the funding covers

  • Equity investment ranging from up to ₹10.45 crore (US$1.1M) for START-stage companies to up to ₹52.25 crore (US$5.5M) for GROW-stage companies.
  • Funding is disbursed in tranches based on mutually agreed milestones.
  • Full support for company registration and licensing, including waivers for renewal costs.
  • Assistance with flexible work and entrepreneur visa issuance.
  • Subsidized co-working spaces and talent acquisition and internship support.
  • Access to innovation and R&D grants.
  • Market access through adoption of tech solutions by relevant industries in Qatar.
  • Skilling, training, and mentoring support from experienced professionals.
  • Platforms to showcase technologies at major exhibitions and events.
  • Subsidized housing support to ease relocation for founders and teams.

About the provider

Startup Qatar Investment Program – Up to ₹52.25Cr Equity for Tech Startups is offered by Qatar Development Bank (QDB). It is delivered directly by Qatar Development Bank (QDB) as a equity.

How to apply

Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.

Selection process

  • Online Application: Complete a detailed application form via the F6S link, providing information about your startup, team, technology, business model, market opportunity, and financial projections.
  • Initial Screening: Applications are screened against eligibility criteria for START and GROW categories, assessing innovation, market potential, and alignment with Qatar's economic objectives.
  • Detailed Submission: Shortlisted candidates may be asked to submit a pitch deck, business plan, financial statements (especially for GROW), and legal incorporation documents.
  • Interview/Pitch Rounds: Promising startups are invited for interviews or virtual pitches with QDB and a panel of experts.
  • Due Diligence: Selected startups undergo a thorough review of financials, legal structure, intellectual property, and operational readiness.
  • Offer and Onboarding: Upon successful due diligence, an investment offer is extended. Accepted startups are onboarded into the Startup Qatar ecosystem, gaining access to the full suite of benefits.

Documents you’ll need

Before you apply to Startup Qatar Investment Program – Up to ₹52.25Cr Equity for Tech Startups, keep the following documents ready:

  • A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
  • Company registration documents and PAN
  • Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
  • Recent financial statements or projections
  • Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available

Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.

Who this is best for

Startup Qatar Investment Program – Up to ₹52.25Cr Equity for Tech Startups is best suited for startups in India seeking an equity investment of ₹10.4Cr – ₹52.3Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of funding does the Startup Qatar Investment Program provide?

The program provides equity investment — up to ₹10.45 crore (US$1.1M) for START-stage companies and up to ₹52.25 crore (US$5.5M) for GROW-stage companies. Funding is disbursed in tranches based on milestones.

Is relocation to Qatar mandatory?

Yes, the program's core objective is to attract tech startups to establish or expand operations in Qatar. Successful applicants are expected to relocate and build their presence, with support for visas and housing.

Which sectors does the program prioritize?

While open to all innovative tech startups, the program prioritizes sectors such as AI & ML, AgriTech, B2B SaaS, Climate Tech, Cybersecurity, EduTech, Energy Tech, FinTech, HealthTech, IoT & Big Data, Marketplaces, PropTech, Robotics & Drones, SportsTech, and Supply Chain Tech.

What is the difference between the START and GROW categories?

The START category is for innovative tech startups ready to launch in Qatar with validated concepts and market readiness, offering up to ₹10.45 crore. The GROW category is for established startups (at least 3 years in operation, with funding history and financial stability) aiming to expand, offering up to ₹52.25 crore.

What non-financial support is offered?

Non-financial support includes assistance with company registration, licensing waivers, flexible work and entrepreneur visas, subsidized co-working spaces, talent and internship support, access to R&D grants, market access initiatives, skilling and mentoring, exhibition opportunities, and subsidized housing support.

Is there a specific application deadline?

No specific deadline is mentioned; applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Interested startups can apply online at any time via the F6S link.

How do I apply for the program?

Complete the online application form on the F6S platform, providing details about your startup, team, technology, business model, and financial projections. Shortlisted candidates may be asked for additional documents and interviews.

How much funding does Startup Qatar Investment Program – Up to ₹52.25Cr Equity for Tech Startups provide?

Startup Qatar Investment Program – Up to ₹52.25Cr Equity for Tech Startups provides ₹10.4Cr – ₹52.3Cr (range) as equity. Always confirm the exact amount and any conditions on the official site, as figures can change between cohorts.

Does Startup Qatar Investment Program – Up to ₹52.25Cr Equity for Tech Startups take equity?

Yes. Startup Qatar Investment Program – Up to ₹52.25Cr Equity for Tech Startups is an equity-based investment, meaning the provider takes an ownership stake in exchange for funding. Review the specific terms before accepting.

Is DPIIT recognition required for Startup Qatar Investment Program – Up to ₹52.25Cr Equity for Tech Startups?

No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Startup Qatar Investment Program – Up to ₹52.25Cr Equity for Tech Startups, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.

Who is eligible to apply for Startup Qatar Investment Program – Up to ₹52.25Cr Equity for Tech Startups?

Startup Qatar Investment Program – Up to ₹52.25Cr Equity for Tech Startups is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

Who offers Startup Qatar Investment Program – Up to ₹52.25Cr Equity for Tech Startups?

Startup Qatar Investment Program – Up to ₹52.25Cr Equity for Tech Startups is offered by Qatar Development Bank (QDB). It is provided as an investment.

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Not sure Startup Qatar Investment Program – Up to ₹52.25Cr Equity for Tech Startups is the right fit, or already applied? These are other equity open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.

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