(MENAFN- The Peninsula) joel johnson |
The Peninsula
The Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council, in joint efforts with the Spanish Center for the Development of Technology and Innovation (CDTI), launched yesterday 'Qatar Spain Innovation Programme' (QASIP), a combined funding initiative to support the research and development projects.
The event was graced by the presence of Ambassador of Spain to Qatar H E Javier Carbajosa Sanchez and Secretary General of the QRDI Council Eng. Omar Ali Al Ansari along with other representatives and dignitaries. At the occasion, Ambassador Sanchez said that the good governance seen in countries such as Qatar promoting innovations is going to build a better future.
Speaking to The Peninsula on the sidelines of the event, Ambassador Sanchez said,“These events will enable networking between Qatari friends and Spanish rivals. With two funding agencies that are ready to put forward several economic resources to fund initiatives will not only result in close relations between our economies but they are going to bring layers of innovation and technologies, which is the future of our countries.”
Eng. Al Ansari highlighted that“The programme aims to connect Qatari and Spanish businesses to develop cutting-edge solutions, bringing together the brightest minds and innovative talent from both countries.”
Speaking about the significance of the partnership between CDTI and QRDI, Eng. Al Ansari said that“This is our first bilateral innovation programme in Qatar. It is also the first for CDTI in the region and the first bilateral programme between Qatar and any country. So it's a one-of-a-kind collaboration.”
Commenting on the number of applications expected to apply to the programme, he said:“This year is a pilot year so we are rolling out a limited scale and next year based on the success we will be scaling it to a different level.”
Addressing the gathering, Cristina Gracia, International Programme Manager at CDTI, and Haya Al Ghanim, Director at QRDI Council briefed on the innovative research programme carried out by the two entities in areas that interests the two countries in addition to providing details about the programme.
The officials mentioned that QRDI will offer funds in Qatar and CDTI will be providing them in Spain. In addition to that, QASIP expects to encounter specific market needs and socio-economic challenges that come under the interest of Spain and Qatar. Having stated that, it is open for all R&D projects covering many areas like energy, health, resource sustainability, and digital technology.
In terms of funding, QRDI will offer a grant of up to QR1.5m per project including qualifying capital expenditure, manpower, and SMEs.
On the other hand, CDTI will be providing partial reimbursable aid of up to 85 percent of the approved budget. The minimum budget for these fundable activities will be €175,000 (QR43,877). The proposals to submit applications will commence on May 26 and the deadline is on September 7. The finalists and awardees will be announced by February 2024.