Hyperthink Systems, in collaboration with The College of Business and Economics’ Centre for Entrepreneurship and Organisational Excellence (CEOE) at Qatar University (QU), recently hosted a ceremony to honor the winners of the ‘2nd Entrepreneurship and Innovation Excellence Award for Startups’. The event celebrated the achievements of innovators and emerging entrepreneurs in Qatar and the region. This edition attracted over 170 applicants, including startups and entrepreneurs, competing across 11 categories.
The ceremony was attended by Professor Rana Sobh, Dean of the College of Business and Economics at QU; Dr. Said Elbanna, Director of the CEOE; and Awdesh Chetal, CEO of Hyperthink Systems, along with several dignitaries, company heads, and entrepreneurs from Qatar.
Winners:
- Entrepreneur of the Year: Khalifa al-Haroon
- Businesswoman of the Year: Kholoud Abdullah
- Best Startup Company: Bonocle
- Best Emerging Company in Financial Technology: CWallet Services
- Social Entrepreneur of the Year: Ramzan al-Naimi
- Best Emerging Company in Educational Technology: Voltaat
- Best Emerging Company in Health Technology: At-Home-Doc
- Best Emerging Company in E-commerce and Delivery: Build Hop
- Best Emerging Company in Green Technology (Regional): Torba Market
- Best Emerging Company in Deep Technology (Regional): Digital Petroleum
- Entrepreneurship Case Study Award:
– 1st Place: Alurays
– 2nd Place: Genesis Technologies
– 3rd Place: Adeer Solutions
Mr. Awdesh Chetal, CEO of Hyperthink Systems, highlighted the substantial growth potential of Qatar’s startup ecosystem, driven by new regulatory frameworks, global opportunities, research and innovation grants, and initiatives in smart city, IoT, digital transformation across oil and gas, and government sectors. He emphasized that the event serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, showcasing the achievements possible when passion meets perseverance.
Professor Sobh underscored the university’s commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset within the campus and the broader community. She highlighted the importance of collaborations with the private and public sectors to promote innovation and entrepreneurial thinking.
Dr. Elbanna highlighted the careful preparation behind offering a wide array of awards across different entrepreneurship categories, reflecting their dedication to promoting entrepreneurship and innovation within the university and the wider community.
Dr. Mohamed el-Gammal, head of Community Engagement and Case Study Unit at the CEOE, emphasized the importance of collaboration with stakeholders and the significance of such events for the Qatari economy and community.
Hamad al-Hajri, founder and CEO of Snoonu, emphasized the importance of honoring youth and small projects, drawing parallels to iconic companies like Google and Amazon that began with humble origins. He anticipates that these projects will play a vital role in Qatar’s economic future, stressing the nation’s reliance on technology, innovation, and a knowledge-based economy.
