UDST Backs Student Startup 'Be My Sense' to Advance AI Accessibility Innovation

Doha, Qatar – The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) has signed a Technology Support Contract with Be My Sense, a student-founded startup developing artificial intelligence solutions for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. The agreement marks another milestone in the university's efforts to transform student research into commercially viable technologies while strengthening Qatar's innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. 

Launched through UHUB, UDST's startup incubation centre, Be My Sense emerged from a student project that has since evolved into an award-winning accessibility platform with international recognition. The new agreement will support the startup's continued product development, market readiness, and long-term growth as it prepares to scale its technology. 

From Award-Winning Student Project to Startup

Be My Sense was founded by Mohamed Ali and Ahmed El Abed under the mentorship of Dr. Wagdi Alrawagfeh, Assistant Dean of IT Student Affairs at UDST's College of Computing and Information Technology.

The startup first gained international attention after its AI-powered accessibility solution secured second place in the Innovation Track at the Huawei ICT Competition 2024–2025 Global Final in Shenzhen, China. Representing Qatar, the team competed against leading university innovators from around the world, demonstrating the country's growing capabilities in applied artificial intelligence and inclusive technology. 

AI Designed to Improve Accessibility

Be My Sense has developed an AI-powered platform that aims to make communication more accessible for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

The solution combines real-time translation, wearable technology, and intelligent digital assistance to help users communicate more effectively in classrooms, workplaces, meetings, and public spaces. By reducing communication barriers, the platform seeks to improve accessibility while supporting greater inclusion across education, employment, and everyday life.

The project reflects a growing trend in artificial intelligence development, where emerging technologies are increasingly being applied to solve practical social challenges alongside commercial opportunities.

Strengthening Qatar's Innovation Pipeline

The technology support agreement establishes a framework for ongoing collaboration between UDST and the startup, providing institutional support as Be My Sense advances from an academic innovation into a market-ready technology company. The partnership focuses on accelerating product development, improving scalability, and preparing the solution for wider adoption. 

The initiative also highlights the role of university incubators such as UHUB in helping students commercialise research, connect with industry, and build technology ventures capable of contributing to Qatar's growing knowledge-based economy.

Supporting Student Entrepreneurship

The partnership aligns with UDST's broader strategy of promoting applied learning, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration. Through its academic programmes, specialised research facilities, and startup incubation initiatives, the university continues to encourage students to transform innovative ideas into real-world solutions with commercial and societal impact.

As Qatar continues investing in advanced technologies and innovation-driven economic diversification, initiatives like Be My Sense demonstrate how universities are becoming important contributors to the country's startup ecosystem, helping develop locally built technologies that address real-world challenges while creating opportunities for future entrepreneurs.