Through a new partnership with The FutureList, Qatar has announced plans to showcase 100 of the most creative early-stage African tech entrepreneurs on a global scale.
This programme is a part of Web Summit Qatar’s effort to bring entrepreneurs from underrepresented areas to the Middle East and provide them with access to resources and opportunities around the world.
Web Summit Qatar is an extension of the internationally recognised Web Summit series, which has been known for its influence and impact on the global tech landscape over the past ten years. It is scheduled to take place at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) on February 26–29, 2024.
Joining the ranks of events that host 140,000 attendees annually, including Web Summit in Lisbon, Web Summit Rio, Collision in Toronto, and RISE in Hong Kong, this new event in Doha is expected to be a turning point for leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs. It will feature a diverse range of speakers, cutting-edge event experiences, and networking opportunities.
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The aims of the Web Summit
With unmatched opportunities, Web Summit Qatar seeks to connect a new generation of founders from the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. More than 7,500 people are anticipated at the event, comprising a wide range of over 600 startups, 300 investors, and numerous speakers and thought leaders. To guarantee that the startup representatives are a diverse global mix, In collaboration with The FutureList, Web Summit Qatar will help select 100 African startups to receive free registration, free exhibit space, and free lodging for the duration of the summit.
With Web Summit Qatar’s partnership with the State of Qatar and the introduction of the Hayya card, all attendees will be able to attend the event without a visa. This is a fantastic opportunity to increase the number of African delegates who were previously underrepresented at Web Summit’s international events because of visa concerns.
With a research team and network of Innovation Scouts located all over the world, The FutureList is a global platform for innovation discovery. They have already profiled and interacted with the founders of thousands of early-stage technology startups that are arising from major hubs throughout the region, including Lagos, Cape Town, Nairobi, and Cairo, among others, demonstrating their strong presence in the African ecosystem.
The gains for the startups
The Web Summit Qatar team and The FutureList have chosen 100 African startups, and these companies will each receive a full benefits package that includes three three-day event passes, one day of exhibition space, company branding on Web Summit platforms, eligibility for startup activations like the PITCH competition, exclusive access to the Startup Lounge, use of the Web Summit apps for scheduling and networking, advice from a startup success manager, and free hotel accommodations from February 26 to 29.
In order to verify which startups will receive these advantages, Web Summit will receive a list curated by The FutureList for final review. Before January 15th, African startups who would like to apply can register and get more information here.