Qatar Research Development and Innovation Council’s innovation program has chosen among its seven winning innovation solution providers, a Blockchain Digital Port and Marine Services platform developed by Milaha in partnership with  Vendia, which offers Next-gen blockchain delivering a single source of truth for real-time data sharing across partners, geographies, clouds, and applications.

Milaha is one of the largest and most diversified maritime and logistics companies in the Middle East with a focus on providing integrated transport and supply chain solutions.

Qatar Open Innovation (QOI), announced a host of winning innovation partnership programs (seven in total) from KAHRAMAA, Ooredoo, Milaha, and Sidra Medicine.

Commenting on the awards, Haya Al-Ghanim, RDI Program Director at the QRDI Council, said: “As we announce the new round of winners of the Qatar Open Innovation program, we take pride in recognizing their well-put proposed solutions. These seven projects embody the spirit of innovation that is essential to achieving the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030. By embracing forward-thinking ideas and creative solutions, we can strengthen Qatar’s economy, enhance its global competitiveness, and pave the way for a prosperous future.”

The new round of Qatar Open Innovation (QOI) Program’s Winners

Partner: Kahramaa

Challenge: “Grid Level Energy Storage Solutions for Harsh Environments”

 Awardee Name: John Cockerill

 Partner: Ooredoo

Challenge: “Smart Troubleshooting AR / VR Software for WiFi Applications.”

 Awardee Name: AutoVRse

 Partner: Ooredoo

Challenge: “Smart Tools for Audio Analytics in IoT Networks.”

 Awardee Name: Groundup.AI

 Partner: Milaha

Challenge: “Smart Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Workers’ Health, Safety and Security.”

 Awardee Name: Interactive Wear AG

 Partner: Milaha

Challenge: “Digital Port & Marine Services Platform Supported by Blockchain Technology.”

 Awardee Name: Vendia

Partner: Milaha

Challenge: “Seeking Innovation for a Reliable and Close to Real-time Carbon Accounting and Reporting.”

 Awardee Name: Solupia

Partner: Sidra Medicine

Challenge: “Comprehensive and fast asthma assessment device for pediatric patients.”

Awardee Name: Sonavi labs

Considered a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Qatar Open Innovation Program aims to support the nation’s innovation ecosystem by fostering innovation partnerships for government entities and Large Local Enterprises in Qatar. The program has continuously promoted innovation in the country and created a conducive environment for innovators and entrepreneurs to solve complex challenges through open innovation.

The program has been the primary platform for startups and innovators to showcase their products and solutions that address the nation’s most pressing challenges. It has provided a unique opportunity for innovators to collaborate with leading organizations, industry experts, and mentors to develop and scale their ideas.

Since its inception, the program has received over 350 submissions from innovators across Qatar and the globe. The challenges were focused on a wide range of areas, including health, energy, environment, transport, education, and smart cities. In its latest award announcement, the Qatar Open Innovation program received 116 proposals from more than 34 countries for the innovation calls for Hassad Food. Two of them were awarded the winning partnerships.

The program previously launched several challenge calls, including the “Future of Food,” “Energy Efficiency,” “Smart Transport,” and “Smart City Challenge.” Each call was designed to address a specific challenge and invited innovators to submit their solutions.

This announcement comes after two other blockchain announcements earlier this week.