The HBKU Social Innovation Fund (SOCIF) accelerates the transformation of early-stage research and innovative ideas into impactful solutions that deliver measurable social value. It supports HBKU faculty, researchers, scientists, and staff across its academic and research institutes in partnering with profit and non-profit organizations to develop innovative solutions, products, business models, and policies addressing critical social challenges in Qatar and the region, fostering successful community adoption and driving meaningful societal improvement.

The SOCIF offers two funding opportunities:

• → With Co-fund In-Kind: Up to QAR 50,000 for projects supported through non-monetary contributions such as manpower, facility use, or data sharing from profit or non-profit organizations.

• → Multidisciplinary Social Innovation Proposal with Co-fund In-Kind: Up to QAR 100,000 for projects involving at least two faculty members from different HBKU colleges, supported by non-monetary contributions such as manpower, facility use, or data sharing from profit or non-profit partners.

  Both funding streams focus on delivering proof of concept and demonstrable impact with clear milestones, well-defined deliverables, and measurable societal benefits. 

Outcomes: 

The primary focus of SOCIF should be on creating tangible social value and driving positive societal change. In turn, projects must deliver proof of concept and measurable impact within the set timeline (12 months), prioritizing originality, feasibility, and profit and non-profit organizations' alignment with potential pathways for spin-outs and/or social ventures when and where applicable. 

For guidelines, templates, and submissions, click here. 
For queries, contact innovation@hbku.edu.qa.