The third edition of Web Summit Qatar 2026 concluded on Wednesday after four days of discussions, networking, and collaboration, further cementing Doha’s growing reputation as a leading global platform for technology, innovation, and the digital economy.The event attracted a record turnout of more than 30,000 participants from 127 countries, marking an 18 percent increase compared to last year’s edition. The summit brought together prominent decision-makers, entrepreneurs, investors, and technology experts, including nearly 1,000 investors and 1,637 startups. Notably, 38 percent of the participating startups were founded by women, highlighting increasing diversity within the global innovation ecosystem.HE Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of the Government Communications Office and Chairman of the Standing Committee for Hosting the Web Summit, emphasised the strategic importance of the event for Qatar’s development.“The Web Summit Qatar 2026 confirms that investing in technology and innovation is no longer an option, but a fundamental pillar in our country’s development journey,” he said. “The summit serves as a strategic platform that fosters partnerships, accelerates the transition toward a knowledge-based economy, and strengthens Qatar’s competitiveness regionally and globally.”He also highlighted the strong presence of startups, particularly Qatari companies, as evidence of the country’s maturing entrepreneurship ecosystem. He noted that Qatar’s supportive business environment — driven by enabling legislation, advanced digital infrastructure, and strong public-private sector collaboration — is helping transform the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030 into sustainable economic growth opportunities.For his part, Web Summit Founder and CEO Paddy Cosgrave said that three years after its launch, Web Summit Qatar has grown into one of the world’s largest and most influential technology gatherings, highlighting Qatar’s strong commitment to shaping its technological future.Commenting on investor participation, Cosgrave noted that despite recent global venture capital challenges, investor engagement at Web Summit remains strong.He revealed that this year’s edition recorded a 27 percent increase in participating investors, as they seek opportunities to identify the technology giants of the next decade.During the summit, 77 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between Qatari institutions and leading international technology companies, aimed at strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship within Qatar’s growing digital ecosystem.The summit concluded with the announcement of the winner of the PITCH Startup Competition, held under the sponsorship of Qatari Human Resources Solutions Company (Jusour). The competition showcases promising early-stage startups presenting their innovative ideas and business strategies.The finalists included award-winning Canadian agricultural technology company Plantaform, UAE-based fashion company And Again, and Canadian AI-powered stroller developer Gloxkind. Plantaform was named the winner of this year’s competition. (ICE Doha)

Fonte notizia: QATAR TRIBUNE