Qatari startups record strong growth at Web Summit Qatar 2026

National confidence in the global event continues to grow

247 Qatari startups join this year’s edition

Up 30% compared to last year and 147% compared to 2024

Web Summit Qatar 2026, which concluded on 4 February, records notable participation from Qatari startups across the summit’s various tracks, highlighting the development of the national entrepreneurship ecosystem and its growing capacity to deliver innovative solutions across key sectors.

The number of participating Qatari startups accelerated over the past three Web Summit Qatar editions. In 2024, nearly 100 Qatari startups participated, surging by more than 90 percent in 2025 to exceed 190 companies.

This upward trajectory continues in this year’s edition, with 247 Qatari startups, a 30% increase compared to last year, and more than double the number recorded in 2024. These figures highlight rising confidence among Qatari companies in the region’s largest and fastest-growing technology event.

Qatari startups represented diverse sectors in this year’s summit, including software services, technology, financial services, artificial intelligence and machine learning, event management, advertising and marketing, among other industries.

The event provides a valuable opportunity for direct engagement with investors and professional networking with other companies to support Qatari startups’ growth plans and strengthen their regional and international market presence.

Qatar offers a supportive business environment driven by policies that promote entrepreneurship, empower national talent, and strengthen integration between government entities, educational and research institutions, and business incubators and accelerators. This ecosystem enables startups to test ideas, refine business models, and sustainably scale their companies.

Hemyan Al Malki, Co-Founder of Tslm, an event management company, explains that their first participation in Web Summit Qatar offered opportunities to connect with global investors. It also enabled engagement with other companies that can support the startup’s current stage and contribute to its future growth.

Thaminah Fathima, Co-Founder of Gradify, a data science and AI company said that Web Summit Qatar is an important platform for startups as it provides direct access to the wider business ecosystem. She added: “We met many people who are facing issues or have existing needs that our solutions can address.”

Deema Shaath, Co-Founder of Kipo, a Fintech startup, affirmed that participation in the summit enables the company to identify opportunities in Qatar and globally. “We have seen real opportunities in Qatar and worldwide, and we are looking forward to be connected globally.”

Asaad Al Hashmi, Founder and CEO of Wady, AI and machine learning company, noted that Web Summit Qatar is an ideal platform for entrepreneurs to build professional networks, connect with investors, and enhance marketing opportunities.

He highlighted a noticeable increase in the number of startups entering Qatar, alongside growing number of investors, venture capital funds, and incubators, underscoring the nation’s position as an attractive destination for startups and entrepreneurs.

The active participation of Qatari startups at Web Summit Qatar underscores the nation’s approach to support innovation and entrepreneurship, reinforcing the contribution of national companies to economic diversification and the development of a knowledge-based economy, and further consolidating Qatar’s position as a regional and international hub for business and innovation.