The Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council, in partnership with MATAR, the Qatar Company for Airports Operation and Management, have announced a new open innovation opportunity through the Qatar Open Innovation (QOI) program. This opportunity focuses on developing technologies that provide an interactive digital signpost that can be integrated with MATAR’s AI Smart technology to enhance the passenger experience and meet future wayfinding expectations. The deadline for proposal submissions is set for October 2nd, 2024, and the QRDI Council and MATAR are looking for solutions that will complement existing wayfinding methods and integrate seamlessly with MATAR’s AI Smart technology to provide an innovative and enjoyable customer experience.
Proposals from startups, SMEs, and corporates will be evaluated based on practicality, creativity, and potential impact on airport operations and passenger experience. The Enterprise Innovation Program Director at QRDI Council, Oscar Barranco Liebana, emphasized the importance of fostering innovation in Qatar by connecting local strategic entities with innovators and technical experts, leveraging the latest technologies in the market to drive increased ROI and align with the Qatar National Vision 2030. This initiative exemplifies QRDI’s commitment to promoting innovation and advancing the country’s strategic goals.
Suhail Kadri, Senior Vice President of Technology and Innovation at MATAR, highlighted the company’s digital transformation strategy and its mission to evaluate, research, and introduce cutting-edge solutions that enhance passengers’ airport journey, including navigating through the airport. Through the partnership with QRDI, MATAR aims to access a pool of solutions and global talent that accelerates their plans to redefine airport excellence and customer experience in line with evolving customer demands. The Qatar Open Innovation program serves as a platform for startups and innovators to collaborate with government and corporate buyers to co-create market-ready solutions that address the nation’s most pressing challenges in areas such as energy, health, resource sustainability, society, and digital technology.
In conclusion, the collaboration between QRDI and MATAR through the Qatar Open Innovation program showcases a commitment to driving innovation in Qatar and enhancing the passenger experience at airports. By seeking solutions that integrate cutting-edge technologies with existing infrastructure, both organizations are taking steps towards meeting and exceeding customer expectations. Through this open innovation opportunity, startups, SMEs, and corporates have the chance to contribute innovative ideas that have the potential to transform airport operations and improve the overall passenger experience. This initiative aligns with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and aims to position Qatar as a hub for innovation and technology in the region.
