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Innovation Center

The HBKU Innovation Center is one of OIIR's initiatives toward strengthening a sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem within and outside of HBKU. The center focuses on nurturing a mindset of innovation and entrepreneurship among HBKU and QF members to support the cultivation of a community of innovation and entrepreneurship within HBKU and beyond and to help establish HBKU-grown startups. For guidelines, templates, and submissions, click here. For queries, contact innovation@hbku.edu.qa.

Student Innovation Fund (SIF)

The HBKU Student Innovation Fund (SIF) provides students with funding and resources to transform their innovative ideas into commercially viable prototypes. It allows them to refine and enhance their entrepreneurial skills through practical application and experiential learning, equipping them with the expertise and mindset to potentially launch ventures that contribute to Qatar’s economic development.


The SIF offers two funding opportunities:

Social Innovation Fund (SOCIF)

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.

Industrial Innovation Fund (IIF)

The HBKU Industrial Innovation Fund (IIF) accelerates the translation of early-stage research and industry-driven innovations into commercially viable, market-ready solutions. It supports HBKU faculty, researchers, scientists, and staff across its academic and research institutes in collaborating with industry partners to develop tangible solutions, pioneering products, and business models that address real-world challenges, align with local and regional priorities, and contribute to Qatar’s economic growth.


The IIF offers two funding opportunities:

Submit Invention Disclosure

HBKU is committed to nurturing innovative ideas that address real-world challenges and have high commercialization potential. If you have developed a new invention, concept, or technology, the Intellectual Property Office invites you to submit an Invention Disclosure. This is the first step toward protecting your intellectual property and exploring opportunities for commercialization.

Consultation with IP Experts

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) offers tailored support for innovators, entrepreneurs, and researchers by providing expert intellectual property (IP) management guidance. Whether you are developing cutting-edge technology, launching a start-up, or working on a high-impact research project, OIIR’s IP experts are here to assist.

Intellectual Property Office

As the gateway to research, development, and innovation activities, the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) plays a crucial coordinating role at the core of HBKU’s dynamic innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Our office is dedicated to identifying and protecting intellectual property (IP) developed at Hamad Bin Khalifa University. By safeguarding these valuable assets, we ensure that groundbreaking ideas and technologies are securely preserved.