Source: Menafn

Qatar SportsTech (QST), a leading startup accelerator and hub for innovative sportstech companies in Qatar, has announced the launch of its new Pre-accelerator programme, EntelaQ.

EntelaQ will prepare entrepreneurs, or teams residing in Qatar by helping them build their idea and gain traction for QST''s upcoming fourth cohort of its highly anticipated Accelerator programme. 

EntelaQ, which reflects the Arabic meaning of the word launch, is QST''s newest programme and is aimed at local entrepreneurs, nationals or residents, with an innovative sportstech idea or prototype which fits QST''s thesis that includes innovations that support the Athlete & Team; Fan & Viewer; Mega Sports Events; and E-Sports.  

EntelaQ which was launched virtually recently, will continue its recruitment process for the programme until the end of October. The programme''s Selection Day will be held on October 30, wherein the top 10 startups from the shortlisted applicants that will join EntelaQ will be announced. The EntelaQ programme will officially start on November 15.

Commenting on the launch of EntelaQ, Ibrahim Abdulaziz Al Mannai, Executive Director of Advisory & Incubation at Qatar Development Bank (QDB), QST''s founding partner, said: ''We encourage all sportstech entrepreneurs with great ideas or prototypes to leverage the myriad of opportunities available to them with QST, and benefit from its extensive learning and development program. QDB is working diligently to bring the best local, regional, and international expertise to help promote entrepreneurs'' skills and support their development. 

Heba Almasri, Managing Director at QST, added: ''We are pleased to announce the launch of our new Pre-accelerator programme, and are looking forward to working with budding entrepreneurs to prepare them for our upcoming cohort of the Accelerator programme. This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to develop the local entrepreneurial ecosystem by developing the start-up, onboarding mentors, and creating an investor community. We look forward to engaging with other local entities as we transform the sports industry.

EntelaQ aims to develop and accelerate the entrepreneurship journey and to help entrepreneurs, whether in teams or individually, develop their skills and to recognise business opportunities, kick-start their ideas from concept to launch, and implement their businesses in the local market. Participating entrepreneurs will also have the opportunity to meet potential co-founders and other like-minded individuals, and get access to QST''s strategic partners, mentors, and investors. 

The 12-week part-time programme will run for two days a week and will engage entrepreneurs in guest lectures and specialised workshops, providing one-on-one coaching sessions with QST''s programme managers and specialists, as well as keynotes and inspirational talks by leading local and international mentors.

Selected entrepreneurs will be able to participate in local events including Hackathons, the region''s top digital event, QITCOM, and local conferences including GES, GIS, and many others.

Entrepreneurs will be scouted by QST throughout various industry events and the ones with the best ideas or prototype will be recruited to join EntelaQ. 

Furthermore, entrepreneurs with pioneering ideas can also apply by visiting the QST website. On the Selection Day, all entrepreneurs will be invited to pitch their idea in front of QST and its partners in order to be selected amongst the top 10 winning teams or entrepreneurs who will join the first cohort of the programme.

QST, which won the ‘Most Innovative Company'' award at the QFC''s 2019 Qatar Business Awards ceremony, is recognised for its commitment to innovation and the future of the SportsTech industry in Qatar and beyond. It was initiated by QDB, powered by Startupbootcamp, and supported by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, beIN Media Group, Aspire Zone Foundation, Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. 

Sportstech entrepreneurs who are interested in applying are advised to visit the website to find out more about the requirements and how to apply.