(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Ibtechar has announced the launch of the eighth edition of the 'Sanea Competition', under the sponsorship of Ras Laffan Industrial City Community Outreach Programme (COP).
The launch ceremony brought together key figures from the education, energy, and technology sectors, along with participating students and teachers, to mark the opening of the Sanea Northern Area 2025–2026 edition.
This year, 17 teams from 10 schools across northern Qatar will participate in a six-month programme that inspires creativity through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Guided by 15 teachers, who will also receive advanced training from the Sanea Programme powered by Ibtechar, students will learn how to translate innovative ideas into working prototypes.
The Sanea Competition focuses on empowering Qatari youth with the STEM skills required to enable innovation and drive impact in society. Throughout the competition, participants will progress from identifying real-world challenges to developing practical, technology-driven solutions. Projects will be assessed by an expert panel of judges based on criteria such as design process, product functionality, teamwork, and presentation skills.
Nayef al-Ibrahim, co-founder and CEO of Ibtechar, said:“With every edition of Sanea, we continue to expand the programme's reach and deepen its impact, empowering young people across Qatar with the tools, resources and guidance to unlock their creativity and transform ideas into actions.
“This year marks an exciting milestone as we introduce dedicated makerspaces to participating schools, dynamic innovation labs that enable students to ideate, experiment, and design real-world solutions using cutting-edge technologies.”
He added:“Through this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to cultivating innovation mindsets and supporting Qatar's transition towards a diversified, knowledge-based economy in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030.”
Since its inception in 2016, the Sanea Competition has empowered more than 500 Qatari youth to explore innovation through hands-on discovery and creative problem-solving. Ibtechar has also trained over 180 teachers to provide technical and mentorship support, resulting in more than 200 project submissions to date.
For more information about the Sanea Competition, visit

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