Innovative and Globally Leading FinTechs to Showcase their Products on 18 January
Dukhan Bank announced as Demo Day Sponsor The Qatar Fintech Hub Programs are backed by Qatar’s financial ecosystem and developed by Qatar Development Bank in collaboration with a host of esteemed partners and stakeholders.
Doha, Qatar – 13 January 2021: Qatar FinTech Hub (QFTH), co-founded by Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and established to support the growth of the FinTech industry in Qatar, has announced that Demo Day for Wave 1 of its flagship Incubator and Accelerator Programs will take place virtually on 18 January 2021.
The QFTH Demo Day, which is sponsored by Dukhan Bank, will be one of the biggest FinTech events in the region hosting key players from the local financial services ecosystem, as well as investors, global startups, international FinTech hubs, aspiring entrepreneurs and FinTech enthusiasts.
Catering to FinTech entrepreneurs and startups worldwide who are looking for a launchpad and a hub in the Middle East to accelerate their growth, the QFTH Programs comprise of an Incubator for early-stage startups and an Accelerator for mature FinTechs. The programs have received tremendous traction during Wave 1 with over 750 applications from 72 countries.
Through the Incubator and Accelerator Programs, participating FinTechs took part in more than 300 business development sessions with over 15 financial institutions and completed a series of high-level Masterclasses conducted by QFTH partners and renowned speakers from across the world.
As they prepare for Demo Day, Wave 1 FinTechs are well on their way to launch a host of new and empowering services to accelerate the digital transformation of global markets.
Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Development Bank and FinTech Task Force Chairman said: “Through QFTH, we aim to develop FinTechs and support entrepreneurs and innovators to make an impact in the region. Our efforts are built upon the robust and sturdy Qatari financial sector and powered by the support of our partners who play a great role in the success of the program.”
“I look forward to welcoming the international community to our first virtual Demo Day to learn more about the graduates of Wave 1 of our Programs and about the dynamics of the Qatari market,” he added.
Khalid Al-Subeai, Chief Executive Officer of Dukhan Bank, said: “We at Dukhan Bank are committed to supporting the digital transformation of the financial sector in Qatar. This is an important platform to provide a dependable infrastructure that is capable of meeting Qatar’s ambitions and future vision. We are proud to be sponsors of the first ever Demo Day for Qatar FinTech Hub and we look forward to welcoming all FinTech enthusiasts and networks from around the world to join us for this event.”
QFTH is now also accepting applications for Wave 2 of the Incubator and Accelerator Programs. Entrepreneurs interested in Financial Technologies and FinTechs who are looking to accelerate and grow their businesses, can now apply through the website; fintech.qa
QFTH aims to develop the Fintech industry in Qatar, in accordance with the Qatar National Fintech Strategy created by Qatar Central Bank (QCB), and to contribute and reiterate Qatar’s position as a leading international FinTech hub in the region, as outlined in Qatar’s National Vision 2030. The first wave of the Incubator and Accelerator Programs were focused on payments in alignment with the Qatar FinTech Strategy, and in synergy with QCB – Sandbox and upcoming regulations.
As part of its commitment to offer world-class expertise to participating FinTechs, QFTH is continuously collaborating with strategic stakeholders within the FinTech ecosystem including financial institutions, technology providers, payment networks, global FinTech hubs, academia, and regulators. Microsoft is participating as our program technology partner. Other recent partnerships include Amazon, Progress Soft, Vodafone, and Global Positioning System to name a few.
About Qatar FinTech Hub
Launched by Qatar Development Bank (QDB) in May 2018, with the support of Qatar Central Bank (QCB), Qatar FinTech Hub (QFTH) is part of QDB’s FinTech vision and ambitions.
QFTH is a global FinTech hub with the purpose to support the development of the FinTech industry in Qatar. It aims to facilitate collaboration among the participants and stakeholders of the FinTech ecosystem and develop local and global relationships that will advance the bank’s FinTech vision.
QFTH brings together talented entrepreneurs, investors, and enablers to develop disruptive technologies so that great visions become reality.
QFTH offers a globally interconnected cluster, which gathers a vibrant community of FinTech entrepreneurs, industry experts, regulators, and investors.
To offer the best global opportunities, expertise, and develop a collaborative FinTech ecosystem, QFTH has tied up with global FinTech hubs, financial institutions, universities, technology partners, industry experts and others.
QFTH holds considerable opportunities for economic diversification, one of the four pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030 that seeks to “transform Qatar into an advanced society capable of achieving sustainable development” by 2030.
