Doha, Qatar - Qatar's technology ecosystem has evolved far beyond the startup stage. Today, homegrown companies are delivering enterprise-grade solutions that power airports, strengthen cybersecurity, modernise payments, and apply artificial intelligence to solve real-world challenges across multiple industries.

Behind this transformation is a coordinated national strategy led by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT). Through its Digital Economy Department, MCIT is accelerating the country's transition towards a knowledge-based economy under the Digital Agenda 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030. The strategy focuses on expanding digital industries, fostering innovation, attracting investment, and creating more than 26,000 ICT jobs by 2030.

Scale Now: Turning High-Potential Companies into Global Competitors

To bridge the gap between promising startups and globally competitive technology companies, MCIT launched Scale Now, Qatar's first national scale-up programme dedicated to growth-stage digital businesses.

Rather than supporting early-stage ideas, Scale Now works with companies that already have validated products and commercial traction. Through tailored mentorship, executive coaching, strategic partnerships, pilot opportunities, investment readiness, and access to government and enterprise customers, the programme helps founders accelerate growth both within Qatar and internationally.

The programme is delivered in collaboration with key ecosystem partners including the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), Qatar Development Bank (QDB), QRDI Council, and Invest Qatar, creating a unified support system for scaling innovative businesses. 

The programme's impact has already been significant. Across its first three cohorts, participating companies have collectively:

• Raised QR 109 million in funding

• Completed 32 B2B commercial deals

• Achieved an average 32% revenue growth

• Received more than 600 hours of expert mentorship

• Reported an 89% Net Promoter Score (NPS)

These results demonstrate the growing maturity of Qatar's innovation ecosystem and the increasing commercial success of locally developed technologies.

Company Spotlight

Cytomate: Strengthening Cybersecurity Through Artificial Intelligence

Founded: 2021
Industry: Cybersecurity
Co-Founders & Co-CEOs: Hamad Hadeed and Dr. Muhammad Masoom Alam
Employees: 45

As organisations face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, Cytomate is developing AI-powered cybersecurity technologies that help businesses proactively identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

Its platform combines automated threat simulations, continuous monitoring, and intelligent risk assessment to strengthen digital resilience across enterprises and operators of critical infrastructure.

After joining Scale Now Cycle 2, Cytomate refined its enterprise growth strategy while navigating the lengthy procurement processes common in government and critical infrastructure sectors. Since then, the company has expanded both its workforce and regional customer base, positioning itself among Qatar's emerging cybersecurity leaders.

SkipCash: Building the Infrastructure Behind Digital Payments

Founded: 2019
Industry: FinTech
Founder & Managing Director: Mohammed Al Delaimi
Employees: 30

SkipCash has become one of Qatar's leading fintech companies by simplifying digital payments for businesses of every size.

Its platform enables merchants to accept online, in-store, QR-code, payment-link, and tap-to-phone transactions through a single integrated system, reducing complexity for small and medium-sized businesses that previously relied on fragmented payment solutions.

As one of the companies selected for Scale Now Cycle 1, SkipCash strengthened its commercial strategy, deepened its understanding of Qatar's financial regulatory environment, and expanded relationships with enterprise and government stakeholders.

Since completing the programme, the company has significantly expanded both its merchant network and payment solutions, helping accelerate Qatar's transition towards a cashless digital economy. 

Khadoom: Reinventing Everyday Services with AI

Founded: 2024
Industry: Artificial Intelligence
Co-Founders: Faisal Mustafa and Fatima Al-Mesallam
Employees: 16

Khadoom is applying artificial intelligence to simplify everyday life.

The platform combines conversational AI with human fulfilment, allowing users to complete offline tasks including shopping, returns, errands and logistics through a simple chat interface.

Joining Scale Now Cycle 2 shortly after its launch, Khadoom used the programme to validate its business model, refine product development, strengthen operational planning, and better understand the economics of scaling a hybrid AI-powered service business.

The company represents a growing wave of consumer-focused AI startups emerging from Qatar that are tackling practical, everyday challenges with technology. 

Sponix: Transforming the Live Sports Experience

Founded: 2020
Industry: SportsTech
Founder & CEO: Mohammad Ali Abbaspour
Employees: 25+

Sponix develops AI-powered virtual advertising and immersive broadcast technologies that enable sports broadcasters and rights holders to deliver dynamic, localised content during live sporting events.

Its software creates new advertising opportunities while enhancing fan engagement through scalable virtual advertising and advanced replay technologies.

Already working with early broadcast partners before joining Scale Now Cycle 1, Sponix used the programme to strengthen its commercial strategy and prepare for international expansion.

With Qatar's growing reputation as a global sporting destination, the company has leveraged its domestic market as a launchpad for international growth, expanding its presence well beyond the region. 

EMMA Systems: Bringing Artificial Intelligence to Airport Operations

Founded: 2018
Industry: Aviation Technology
Co-Founders: Wisam Costandi and Mohammad Hourani
Employees: 30+

EMMA Systems develops AI-powered airport management software that enables airports to operate more efficiently through real-time data integration and predictive analytics.

Its cloud-based platform connects airlines, ground handlers, and air traffic control, helping reduce delays, improve aircraft turnaround times, optimise resource allocation, and enhance operational decision-making.

Participating in Scale Now Cycle 1, EMMA strengthened its enterprise positioning while navigating the complex compliance and procurement requirements associated with deploying technology inside critical aviation infrastructure.

Today, the company continues expanding its airport deployments while contributing technologies that support smarter, data-driven airport operations; an area closely aligned with Qatar's ambitions to remain a leading global aviation hub. 

Building Qatar's Next Generation of Global Technology Companies

The five companies featured in this first edition of the Scale Now Spotlight Series reflect the breadth and maturity of Qatar's digital innovation landscape. From cybersecurity and financial technology to aviation, sports technology, and artificial intelligence, each demonstrates how locally developed solutions are addressing real-world challenges while competing in international markets.

Together, they illustrate the growing impact of Scale Now as a national platform that connects ambitious founders with the expertise, partnerships, and market access needed to scale sustainably.

As the programme continues to grow, future editions of the Spotlight Series will introduce more companies shaping Qatar's expanding digital economy and reinforcing the country's position as an emerging regional hub for technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation.