Qatar Science & Technology Park reached another milestone in its development last month as mains electricity was switched on at its site for the first time. The international hub for research and commercialisation will see its first tenant companies commence their entry, and connect to the new power grid, in coming weeks.
Located at Education City, the science park has become a recognised landmark lately as its distinctive wave roofline has taken shape. The buildings are specifically designed for local and international companies to develop cutting-edge technologies.
Centrally located under the canopy of the wave, the Emerging Technology Centre is an incubator for start-up technology businesses. The two Innovation & Technology Transfer Centres beside it will house research and training facilities of companies such as ExxonMobil, EADS, Microsoft, Shell and Total. A dedicated building for GE is also in the works.
Qatar Science & Technology Park fosters the development and commercialisation of technology in Qatar, a rising star in the Arabian Gulf with the world’s third largest gas reserves and a remarkable vision for human development. As part of the renowned Qatar Foundation, founded by the country’s Emir, the science park is co-located with campuses of Carnegie Mellon, Texas A&M, Weill Cornell and other premier universities. It provides research-friendly premises for companies from around the world, plus an incubator and investment for technology start-ups. Already EADS, ExxonMobil, GE, Microsoft, Rolls-Royce, Shell and Total have joined Qatar Science & Technology Park, and its first phase of buildings opens late 2007. www.qstp.org.qa
