(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Scale7, the first fashion and design business incubator in Qatar, was officially inaugurated in the presence of HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, chairperson of Qatar Museums. Founded by Qatar Development bank (QDB), in partnership with M7, the official launch ceremony was graced by Abdulrahman Hesham al-Sowaidi, QDB's acting CEO; Ahmad Musa al-Namla, CEO of Qatar Museums; Aysha Khalifa al-Romaihi, project manager of Scale7; and other dignitaries.
During the opening tour, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa was briefed on Scale7's manifold attributes by providing a full and detailed explanation of the incubator's mission, its unique facilities, and the cutting-edge machinery and tools that were embedded within. In addition to the most prominent programmes, courses, and workshops have been conducted since the soft opening of the incubator earlier this year.
The team also highlighted to HE Sheikha Al Mayassa how Scale7, in a record timeframe, had been able to establish several partnerships with prominent brands, including the pioneers of the global fashion and design sectors, such as FTA, Lone Design Club, Ecole des Vetements, and Rome University of Fine Arts, in addition to new, upscale partners, which will be announced within the coming weeks. It was also confirmed that there are currently more than 20 lecturers and mentors working across the incubator's programs and courses.
HE Sheikha Al Mayassa toured the digital fabrication laboratories, which include a space dedicated to introducing entrepreneurs to new age technology tools and the methods of using them, such as laser cutting techniques, 3D printing, and numerous other devices highlighting the advanced technology within this industry, in addition to the stage area that is specifically designated for fashion shows.
She concluded the tour by inspecting the digital photography studio, which incorporates the latest professional equipment essential to capture enhanced shots of high-quality products.
Al-Sowaidi said,“Today, we are honoured by the presence of HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, chairperson of Qatar Museums, to officially inaugurate Scale7, the first business incubator for aspiring creatives and designers in the fashion and design industry in Qatar.
“Scale7 focuses on supporting and empowering entrepreneurs with the aim of enriching the fashion industry by promoting innovative spirits to reshape the future of this vibrant creative industry. Our specialised programmes running under the Scale7 umbrella are poised to offer entrepreneurs a perfect mix of highly-curated local and global experience.”
Al-Namla said,“Today, we are witnessing the culmination of a joint effort with QDB, with the aim of enhancing the role of creative entrepreneurs and aspiring designers in empowering Qatari brands in the field of fashion, design and related technology, locally and globally.
“This initiative comes in line with Qatar Museums' main objective of launching 'M7', Qatar's epicentre for innovation and entrepreneurship in design fashion and tech, which is concerned with creating a distinguished work environment to hone the skills of entrepreneurs, and enhance the spirit of innovation and creativity, which supports the acceleration of their business growth and augment its value.”
It is worth noting that Scale7, located in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha, has been and continues to receive applications from local entrepreneurs, and is already working towards attracting global startups.
Scale7 has recently launched two intensive digital fabrication courses under its digital fabrication programme, with the aim of empowering creative and innovative entrepreneurs in the fashion and design ecosystem with new-age technology tools.
In addition, Scale7 is advancing leaps and bounds with Wave 1 of its incubation programme and Wave 2 of its acceleration programme. Moreover, Scale7 has set plans to host five future workshops that fall under the incubation programme that will focus on various topics related to the fashion and design industry and will revolve around sustainability, intellectual property rights, legal matters and pitching, while the accelerator programme will focus on topics such as e-commerce management, international retail, and legal matters.
Scale7 also contributed to the recently concluded 'Rowad Qatar' with workshops and sessions that focused on aspects and strategies of cooperation between investors and startups in the fashion industry and how to link them with each other to create investment opportunities that benefit both parties and lead to global growth.
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