As part of its active presence at global technology events, the Ministry of Sports and Youth, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, is participating at the Web Summit Qatar 2026 through the Qatar Scientific Club and the Young Entrepreneurs Club. The ministry is showcasing a dedicated pavilion featuring high-quality youth initiatives, aimed at highlighting young creative talents and providing them with a platform to present their technological innovations to a wide international audience. This participation reflects the ministry’s direction toward connecting youth with global innovation platforms, enhancing their engagement in supportive environments for experimentation and learning, and building partnerships in the fields of technology and entrepreneurship.

The Qatar Scientific Club is organizing the “Challenge and Innovation” Hackathon as an interactive platform that brings together young innovators in an intensive creative experience aimed at transforming innovative ideas into practical, real-world technological solutions. The hackathon follows a global innovation support model based on focused teamwork within a defined time frame, during which participants go through integrated stages starting from idea development, moving through design and planning, and culminating in the creation of prototypes, under the supervision of expert mentors and specialists. The hackathon witnessed the participation of a group of young innovators who presented outstanding projects across various fields, including health, smart agriculture, safety, the environment, and artificial intelligence. Participants worked on developing innovative technological solutions to address real challenges. At the conclusion of the hackathon, innovators presented their projects to a specialized evaluation committee, which assessed the work based on criteria such as creativity, feasibility, social impact, and quality of presentation, thereby strengthening a spirit of constructive competition and encouraging the delivery of innovative solutions that serve society and keep pace with future requirements.

As part of its continued efforts to support innovation and empower youth, the Ministry of Sports and Youth is preparing to launch the “Young Inventors” program in cooperation with a number of leading institutions in the fields of education, research, and entrepreneurship. The program aims to provide an integrated environment for developing participants’ skills and accompanying them in transforming their ideas into implementable innovative projects.

In this context, Mr. Fawaz Al-Musaifri, Director of the Youth Affairs Department at the Ministry of Sports and Youth, affirmed that the ministry’s participation in Web Summit Qatar 2026 stems from its commitment to empowering youth and showcasing their innovative potential on global platforms. He noted that the summit represents an important opportunity to present youth technological projects, enhance their presence in innovation and entrepreneurship fields, and build effective partnerships that contribute to developing the national innovation ecosystem. He added that organizing the hackathon alongside the ministry’s participation in the summit reflects its commitment to providing practical spaces that allow youth to test their ideas and transform them into practical models within an environment that stimulates creativity. Regarding the launch of the “Young Inventors” program, Al-Musaifri stated that the program aligns with Qatar’s National Youth Policy approved by the Council of Ministers, which aims to build youth capacities and enhance their active participation in comprehensive development by providing a supportive environment for creativity and innovation and engaging them in shaping the future. He emphasized that the program embodies national directions toward investing in youth potential and transforming their ideas into implementable projects that contribute to building a knowledge-and technology-based economy and support the sustainability of youth initiatives in the country.

The program targets young people aged 15 to 30 years who are interested in technology and science, as well as individuals seeking to develop their innovative skills. Applicants are required to fall within the specified age group, demonstrate a clear interest in innovation and technology, commit to attending the full ten-day program, and be able to work as part of a team. Applications must be submitted by completing the electronic registration form during the registration period and attaching a copy of the personal ID and a résumé outlining the participant’s interests and motivation for joining. Participants in the “Young Inventors” program will receive a range of benefits, including valuable cash prizes for winners, hands-on development of research and innovation skills, opportunities to gain and exchange experience with specialists and experts, and a “Innovator” certificate from the Qatar Scientific Club. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to showcase their projects and take part in local and international exhibitions.

This participation and the accompanying innovative initiatives and programs come within the framework of the Ministry of Sports and Youth’s vision to build a youth ecosystem capable of contributing effectively to innovation and development pathways. The ministry continues its efforts to empower young talents and motivate them to transform their ideas into projects with real value that contribute to community development and strengthen the country’s position in the fields of knowledge and technology.