QFC accepts Polygon among 24 companies into digital assets lab

QFC accepts Polygon among 24 companies into digital assets lab

Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), financial and business center has announced that its QFC Digital Assets Lab is now live with the onboarding of 24 participants which include entities such as Polygon and Blade Labs among others. This cohort will benefit from a comprehensive support system for developing, testing and commercializing their digital solutions and services.

As per the press release, the participants will develop transformative solutions tailored to a variety of use cases across different industries. By leveraging blockchain/ distributed ledger technology, these innovators seek to address industry challenges and drive digital transformation in their respective sectors.

Among the 24 successful candidates are ALT Realtech, Bladelabs, Polygon, Taurus, Settlemint and Partior.

To bolster the capabilities of the Digital Assets Lab, QFC has partnered with leading international organizations such as Google Cloud, Masraf Al Rayan, The Hashgraph Association, and R3. According to QFC, these strategic partners will offer subject matter expertise, providing participants with valuable knowledge and industry insights. The full list of partners and participants is available on the QFC website

The Digital Assets Lab supports the stakeholders in exploring and experimenting with various use cases, such as trade finance, real-world asset tokenization, carbon credit tokenization and various ancillary services to support the end-to-end tokenization. To facilitate these processes, the Lab and its participants will operate under the newly launched QFC Digital Assets Framework, established to ensure a secure and transparent digital asset ecosystem for asset tokenization processes and the implementation of a trusted technology infrastructure.

Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, Chief Executive Officer, QFC, commented on the diversity of the first cohort, stating: “I am delighted that the Digital Assets Lab has officially commenced, with 24 participants working on technologies with different applications. Their collective effort and expertise will be pivotal in advancing digital asset solutions across multiple industries. The technologies we aim to develop through the Lab will support our goal of creating a resilient and secure financial sector, fostering a thriving wealth management hub, and positioning Qatar at the forefront of innovation.”

In a Linkedin post, Henk Jan Hoogendoorn, Chief of Financial Services sector at QFC, noted, ” We are open for Financial Institutions that would like to partner with our Digital Assets Lab. We are aiming to attract use cases around tokenization of Real World Assets.”

While, Aditya Kumar Sinha, Head of Fintech & Digital Innovation at Qatar Financial Centre noted, “Congratulations to all the participants and lot of thanks to all our partners! We look forward to accelerate the pace of innovation in Qatar!”

The QFC Digital Assets Lab was launched in October 2023 to accelerate the development of Qatar’s digital ecosystem and provide a platform for transforming promising digital concepts into cutting-edge technologies that can be practically applied in various industries.

This comes weeks after Qatar announced its digital assets framework, and its DLT guidelines.

Central Bank of Qatar token regulations excludes crypto and stablecoins

Central Bank of Qatar token regulations excludes crypto and stablecoins

Qatar just announced its digital assets or token regulations. The Central Bank of Qatar, Qatar Financial Authority, as well as the QFC regulatory authority released the regulations that would allow for tokenization of real world assets not including cryptocurrencies or stablecoins. This comes after Qatar had announced its DLT regulations, as well as launched its Digital Assets Lab. Throughout this time Qatar had always made it clear especially through QFC that this pertained to tokenization of real world assets for financial and investment purposes.

On Sunday October 29th, Qatar announced one of the biggest digital assets initiatives in the country and the GCC region, the Qatar Innovation Dome for digital assets. The digital asset lab was aimed to develop tokenization platforms and ecosystems for everything that has value whether tangible assets or intangible assets including real estate assets, securities, Sukuk, bonds and others in the future utilizing DLT ( distributed ledger technologies), blockchain, and smart contracts.

Today the digital asset token regulations has provided the framework to implement this.

The regulations cover all activities related to permitted tokens

As per the framework the regulations apply to tokens meeting the criteria specified which are under permitted tokens. It also covers transactions involving permitted tokens, and the provisioning of these token services. It also covers token custodians, and token exchanges, token transfer providers, token validators as well as token issuers which they call token generators.

Token custody services means the service of holding or controlling tokens on behalf of clients; or holding or controlling the means by which clients’ tokens may be recorded and transacted on token infrastructure. A company that holds or safeguards the private keys for its clients’ tokens is providing custody services in relation to those tokens. An entity licensed to provide token custody services may be referred to as a token custodian.
Qatar regulations also discussed Operating a token exchange which means operating a system which brings together multiple third party buying and selling interests in tokens, in accordance with the system’s non-discretionary rules, in a way that results in a contract in respect of the tokens. As per the regulation a token exchange which operates a facility which is merely an order routing system where buying and selling interests in, or orders for, tokens are merely transmitted but do not interact is not operating a token exchange.

Token is defined as digital representation of real property or rights

As per the regulation a token means a unique electronic data unit that is cryptographically secured. It is a digital representation of real or personal property rights including contractual rights and is capable of being issued, transferred or stored using DLT ( Distributed Ledger technology) or other similar technology.

DLT or blockchain technology will be used to transfer and store the permitted token.

Crypto and stablecoins not included in Digital asset regulation

The new digital asset regulations however are very clear on what they considered as not permitted tokens. In short, non permitted tokens are tokens that do not represent a right in a property. As such cryptocurrencies, and stablecoins are considered not permitted or excluded tokens from this regulation.

As noted in the regulation “ Excluded tokens include a currency that can otherwise be used as a means of payment. Examples: A cryptocurrency token that is used as an alternative to fiat currencies but is not issued or backed by any governmental authority and does not represent any ‘off-chain’ property, is an example of an excluded token.”

It goes on to add, “ A token commonly referred to as a stablecoin, is an example of an excluded token. This is because a stablecoin is regarded as a substitute for currency that can be used as a means of payment.”

Accepted tokens include for example a token representing a right to a commodity, such as a precious metal.

Investment tokens included in regulation

The regulation also allows investment tokens under what it calls tokenized schemes or token investing schemes or tokenized funds.
As per the regulations, “ A QFC scheme, or a sub scheme of a QFC umbrella scheme, is a tokenized scheme if any of the units in the scheme or sub scheme are investment tokens. A QFC scheme, or a sub scheme of a QFC umbrella scheme, is a token investing scheme if the scheme’s, or sub scheme’s, constitutional document states that it is an object of the scheme to invest in tokens.”
The regulation notes that tokenized investment schemes could cover Islamic funds, money market funds, feeder funds or property fund schemes.
In addition the regulation discusses tokenized investment funds and notes that, “ a professional investor fund is a tokenized fund if any of the units in the fund are investment tokens; a token investing fund if the fund’s constitutional document states that it is an object of the fund to invest in tokens.

 H.E. Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al Thani, Qatar Central Bank Governor, stated, “Launching the 2024 Digital Assets Regulations marks a significant milestone in our journey towards realizing the Third Financial Sector Strategy.” He noted that this framework will create significant opportunities and support establishing a robust regulatory environment within the financial sector. This will support Qatar’s digital transformation goals, in line with the Third National Development Strategy, the final phase of the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, Chief Executive Officer, QFC, added “The introduction of the Digital Assets Framework 2024 underscores our commitment to creating a robust regulatory regime aligned with international best practices. We are proud to set a blueprint for developing, applying, and operating digital assets, that promotes market trust and confidence. We anticipate that this regulatory clarity will attract both domestic and international players, boosting Qatar’s financial services sector competitiveness.”

Qatar Rasmal Ventures to launch $100 million tech fund

Qatar Rasmal Ventures to launch $100 million tech fund

Qatar based Rasmal Ventures, the first independent venture capital company within QFC authority, licensed to manage exempt funds domiciled in QFC, has announced the launch of its upcoming Rasmal $100 million Fund I, with the support of key Qatari private investors and institutions. For its first closing of over USD $30 million, it includes a prestigious institutional investor, family offices and individual high net worth investors from across Qatar and the rest of the world.

As per the release, the team is working with QFCRA to incorporate the fund, and a first closing is expected to be announced in Q4 2023. The fund will make up to 25 equity investments in Qatari start-ups and scale-ups affording outstanding growth potential as well as regional (MENA) and selective international technology investment opportunities at Pre-Series A, Series A, Series B stages. 

The newly launched Fund manager aims to target high performing startups in fast-growing technology sectors. The fund will have a generalist tech approach across all sectors, but will also specialize in verticals such as climate tech and energy tech, supply chain logistics, fintech, B2B Saas Software and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Founded by five seasoned venture capitalists, Rasmal Ventures is licensed to manage exempt funds domiciled in QFC as well as provide advisory services. Two of them, Alexander Wiedmer and Angus Paterson, were previously partners of Iris Capital and of a GCC fund that was the first institutional investor in Careem among other successful investments. Both have 20+ years of venture capital experience and 10+ years’ experience of VC investing in the GCC. They are joined by the founding partner of Doha Tech Angels and former executive at Ooredoo and Kahramaa Dr Shaikha Al Jabir; ex-asset manager for Qatar Energy and M&A Advisor at PwC Marc Bourland, and Soumaya Ben Beya Dridje, who has VC, fund investment and entrepreneurship experience in Silicon Valley, Europe and North Africa.

Dr Shaikha Al Jabir, Partner at Rasmal Ventures, said, “MENA has seen a dynamic and evolving venture capital landscape in recent years. According to a report by MAGNiTT, in 2022 alone the amount of funding in the region reached $3.2 billion, with 627 registered deals and a remarkable uptick in exits.    For our team, this offers an attractive opportunity to establish our base in a thriving market within a regulated environment. We strongly believe that Qatar’s stable economic outlook and well-regulated infrastructure will appeal to Qatar-based, as well as international, investors.”

On his side, Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, Chief Executive Officer, QFC, said, “We are delighted to welcome Rasmal Ventures LLC to the QFC platform, yet another significant addition to our growing community. At the QFC, we remain committed to providing an exceptional and attractive business environment for startups to grow their businesses in Qatar. As an integral part of Qatar’s strategic initiative to build a robust economy, we aim to foster a thriving business ecosystem that drives innovation and accelerates technological advancement in the country. We are confident that Rasmal Ventures LLC will contribute to further the economic development of the region.”

Blockchain company DMZ Finance joins Qatar Digital assets lab

Blockchain company DMZ Finance joins Qatar Digital assets lab

Singaporean Blockchain fintech company DMZ Finance has been chosen by Qatar QFC Digital Assets Lab, which was developed by the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) a special economic zone established by the Qatar government to promote the development of the national financial industry.

DMZ Finance is dedicated to “Navigating DeFi with World-Class Banking”. By partnering with world-class banking institutions, DMZ Finance provides traditional financial institutions and VIP investors with comprehensive institutional-grade solutions for entering the crypto world.

The QFC Digital Assets Lab is its new innovative platform, guided and supported by the Qatar Central Bank (QCB). QFC aims at promoting the development and application of digital asset technology in Qatar and the whole Middle East region. Joining the lab is a crucial step toward obtaining a TSP license in Qatar, which is key for compliance in the issuance, custody, and operation of digital asset exchanges.

DMZ CEO Lee Kai Yang commenting,” Joining the QFC Digital Assets Lab is a significant achievement. “QFC Digital Assets Lab recognizes the DMZ team’s technical strength. We look forward to working with QNB and other partners to promote adoption of blockchain technology, creating a safer, more efficient, and transparent global financial system.”

In June 2024, Blade Labs is a financial technology that tokenizes financial productions and services secured a fintech license at Qatar Financial Center, and was also admitted to the Digital Asset Lab. Blade Labs had partnered with The Hashgraph Association, a Swiss digital enabler of the Hedera Network, to utilize DLT ( distributed ledger technology) to foster and advance financial services to the masses of the MENA region.

Qatar issues its final DLT guidebook for permissioned DLTs

Qatar issues its final DLT guidebook for permissioned DLTs

Qatar Central Bank has finally published its DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) guidebook which came into enforcement on the 22 of July 2024.

As per the QCB, the guideline will cover the interactions with or use of DLT by an entity in any form. Entities need to inform QCB of all potential DLT applications which is only allowed for permissioned based DLT networks.

As per QCB, “Currently, QCB would not permit Permissionless DLT networks.”

QCB noted, “By issuing this Guideline, Qatar Central Bank aims to establish an appropriate regulatory framework for financial institutions in the country in order to develop smart solutions as the Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) provides the opportunity for financial institutions to develop their services in various ways. DLT provide a transparent and secure platform for recording transactions, enabling instant settlement and reducing the need for intermediaries. Its benefits include increased efficiency, lower costs, enhanced transparency, and improved security, ultimately streamlining processes and fostering greater trust in the financial sector.”

The QCB also noted that it will continue to provide outstanding initiatives that help create a favorable environment for the financial technology sector in the country to grow as this Guideline supports the financial sector development in line with Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy deemed to be the final stage towards achieving Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to build a digital economy while stimulating the widespread adoption of technology and encouraging technological innovations in various areas, including the financial sector.

In terms of the guideline, entities should elaborate on the strategy that the DLT will be used for. This should include a business case, addresses information and communication technology requirements, information security, and operational risk management (including business continuity, disaster recovery, and resiliency framework).

It should also include implementation plan and architectural roadmap which covers the target IT environment, the transition from the current environment to the target environment and the operating model, including any organizational change or additional skillsets that may be necessary.

Entities are also allowed to use DLT products sourced through a third party who will be subject to an assessment process.

The QCB guideline also discusses the development of a register with complete inventory of all DLT applications which must be maintained on a regular basis.

In addition, entities wishing to deploy DLT, must demonstrate prudential and regulatory requirements are met when using a DLT and that Sector-Specific Security Regulations are followed including

  • Evaluate the model used to operate and manage the Distributed Ledger (e.g., a consortium, a single firm) including rules to govern the ledger(s), including Participant and Validator rules, and restrictions.
  • Consensus Mechanism approval processes and procedures to grant access to create, read, update or deactivate data stored on the Distributed Ledger(s).
  • Ensure integrity of the governance framework in place to manage changes at the DLT level. The Entity must assess its ability to extend control to the DLT parameters and rules required in order to define the governance model in a consistent manner with its risk management framework.
  • The Entity must assess the impact of a change of governance on the service delivery.
  • Review regulatory and legal issues: The Entity must verify if any of the DLT application’s activities, services or products require licensing, approval, or registration with QCB.

The guidebook also discusses wallets. As per the guidebook, If the DLT includes a wallet solution, there should be strong mechanism for private key storage to prevent theft or corruption. The Entity must select or approve the internal or external security solution(s) chosen to protect private keys, whether the Entity self-custodies or appoints a qualified custodian. These solutions should be evaluated considering internal and external security risks.

The Entity must evaluate the appropriateness of the storage solution and consider additional controls, such as utilizing strictly controlled cold Wallets, for higher risk assets.

This announcement comes, as Henk J. Hoogendoorn, Chief of Financial Services Sector at Qatar Financial Centre in an interview with World Alliance of International Financial centers, announced that the Digital Assets Framework which has been mandated by QFC and Qatar Central Bank will be finalized by the end of 2024.

 The Digital asset framework is a solid framework for tokenizing real-world assets such as securities, debt capital market instruments, investments, Sukuk, and other asset classes.

With this Qatar will have moved along not only with its DLT guidelines, but digital assets and CBDC as well.

Blade Labs joins Qatar’s digital assets lab partnering with The Hashgraph Association

Blade Labs joins Qatar’s digital assets lab partnering with The Hashgraph Association

Blade Labs is a financial technology that tokenizes financial productions and services secure a fintech license at Qatar Financial Center, and admittance to the Digital Asset Lab, as it partners with The Hashgraph Association, a Swiss digital enabler of the Hedera Network, to utilize DLT ( distributed ledger technology) to foster and advance financial services to the masses of the MENA region.

In addition Blade Labs is registering for a Financial Services Regulatory Association (FSRA) license in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).

Kamal Youssefi, President of The Hashgraph Association, said, “The Hashgraph Association is actively invested in ensuring digital enablement and inclusion, particularly, in the Middle East. Our strategic investment in Blade Labs, which provides innovative fintech solutions in the region, is testimony to our commitment to empowering enterprises with Web3-compliant solutions.

The partnership comes at the heels of two major government-backed Venture Studio initiatives being undertaken by The Hashgraph Association in the region; together, these co-investment ventures are valued at $300 million over the next 5-years.

As part of the collaboration, Blade Labs will provide both a conventional and Shariah compliant Digital Securities Platform to support these investments. The strategic investment and partnership address the growing need for digital transformation solutions required by enterprises to participate in the digital economy, effectively.

Blade Labs is currently focused on providing non-custodial fintech APIs that distribute tokenized funds across multiple jurisdictions in a compliant and user-friendly manner. Tokenizing funds enhances liquidity with real-time settlement, reduces operational costs, and improves collateral management by allowing these funds to be used as collateral across various platforms. These benefits make tokenized funds an attractive option for both traditional and digital-native investors, offering better returns, capital efficiency, and advanced risk management.

“As an investor and strategic ecosystem partner of Blade Labs, The Hashgraph Association’s deep multi-level relationship will enable us to integrate our cutting-edge digital asset solutions with more businesses in the Middle East and beyond. We are also well placed to support the execution of strategic initiatives in the region to grow and empower ecosystems that will help us drive digital transformation.” said Sami Mian, CEO of Blade Labs.

The Hashgraph Association has been at the forefront of key ventures in the Middle East and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region. The first in Saudi Arabia has already commenced this year to build a $250 million DeepTech Venture Studio in Riyadh, in close partnership with the Ministry of Investment Saudi Arabia (MISA), and the second in Qatar aims to build a $50 million Digital Assets Venture Studio in Doha, in collaboration with the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), with both these partnerships considered long-term and spanning over the next five years. 

Qatar tests CBDC for settlement of large payments

Qatar tests CBDC for settlement of large payments

 The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has announced the completion of the development of the infrastructure for the Central Bank Digital Currency Project (CBDC) and the commencement of testing of CBDC for settlement of large payments with local banks. According to the press release, this initiative will serve as a proactive step to keep pace with the rapid global developments in this field.

Qatar Central Bank confirms that, after successfully completing the comprehensive study conducted in this field, it will proceed with testing and developing selected applications for the CBDC to settle large payments with a group of local and international banks in a trial environment designed according to the latest advanced technologies.

The project will focus on the applications of the CBDC to increase access to capital markets for operating banks in the country, enhance domestic settlement, and improve the efficiency of securities transactions.

This project, which will enter its first experimental phase extending to October 2024, aims to achieve a set of primary objectives, including leveraging artificial intelligence technologies, distributed ledger technology (DLT), and emerging technologies and establish a strong foundation to enhance liquidity by expanding participation in financial market facilities, considering the aspects related to information security during project implementation.

In line with the Third Financial Sector Strategy, the Fintech Strategy, and Qatar National Vision 2030, and based on Qatar Central Bank’s ongoing efforts to regulate and develop the financial sector in the country, Qatar Central Bank announced the completion of the development of the infrastructure for the Central Bank Digital Currency Project (CBDC), QCB said in a press release.

This project reflects Qatar Central Bank’s full commitment to contributing to digital transformation within the financial sector, noting in this context that the start of the CBDC project represents an important milestone and a strategic step towards building a digital economy in the country.

It was also noted that the results of this experiment will be the cornerstone towards identifying the different use cases that the Qatar Central Bank will adopt in the future, which will contribute to enhancing the efficiency of the current systems and instant settlement.

In April 2023 Qatar Financial Centre Authority and Blockchain solution provider R3 signed an MOU to develop and grow Qatar’s fintech industry using technologies such as DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology). Soon after, QFC announced one of the biggest digital assets initiatives in the country and the GCC region, the Qatar Innovation Dome for digital assets. The digital assets lab will develop tokenization platforms and ecosystems for everything that has value whether tangible assets or intangible assets including real estate assets, securities, Sukuk, bonds and others in the future utilizing DLT ( distributed ledger technologies), blockchain, and smart contracts.

In May 2024 The Hashgraph Association (THA), the Swiss-based organization at the forefront of global digital enablement, signed a strategic partnership with the Qatar Financial Centre to launch a Digital Assets Venture Studio, a platform to support local Qatari and international portfolio companies in the development of regulatory-compliant decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions and digital assets built on the Hedera Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) network.


The $50 million digital assets venture studio will focus on investments in Hedera-powered Web3 startups and enterprises building bankable DeFi solutions. The program will span over the next five years (2024-2028) with The Hashgraph Association investing $10million (20%).

Unicorn Hunters partners with Qatar financial center for tech entrepreneurs

Unicorn Hunters partners with Qatar financial center for tech entrepreneurs

Unicorn Hunters, ta reality business series offering entrepreneurs a global platform to connect with millions of investors worldwide, has partnered with the Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA) as it works to advance the nation as a world-class onshore financial and business hub.
This exciting new collaboration stands to further Qatar’s efforts to attract technology entrepreneurs which include Blockchain/DLT/tokenization innovators to the region, while simultaneously developing new partnerships and funding avenues for the Unicorn Hunters series, to the benefit of investor-fans, and featured entrepreneurs alike.

As part of the agreement, Unicorn Hunters and the QFCA will work together to position Qatar as a leading global innovation hub, connecting the country with innovators and entrepreneurs from both the Eastern and Western hemispheres. The partnership will also support the deployment of the Unicorn Hunters show in Qatar, integrating the series into the country’s innovation ecosystem and facilitating access to funding.

As part of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at a special Signing Ceremony on the sidelines of the Qatar Economic Forum 2024, Unicorn Hunters and the QFCA will additionally work to promote and facilitate opportunities for entrepreneurs to establish operations in Qatar, with incentives available for a ‘soft-landing’ process and ensuring greater ease of doing business. High-growth startups may further be selected to be showcased on Unicorn Hunters, with the partnership also fostering collaboration on blockchain and financial technologies to ultimately democratize financial access to funding.

“Qatar’s commitment to technological prowess and ease of business start up and market integration, for example, to streamline the process of opening a new company in-country, makes this a perfect partnership,” stated Silvina Moschini, CEO of Unicorn Hunters and founder of the Unicoin, the official token of Unicorn Hunters. “At the same time, we are looking for future $1 billion ‘Unicorn’ companies to support and invest in Qatar, a nation striving to create an open and inviting economic environment for entrepreneurs from all walks of life who want to be the next Unicorn.”

As part of Qatar’s National Vision for 2030, the country has committed itself to creating a dynamic and sustainable economy by reinvesting its significant energy wealth into various other industries. The QFCA’s robust legal and regulatory frameworks additionally offer emerging companies access to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

“This partnership reflects QFC’s ongoing efforts in supporting Qatari entrepreneurs and empowering local startups and SMEs by providing a conducive business environment and an advanced innovation ecosystem that helps them grow and expand,” said Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, Chief Executive Officer, QFC.

Viewed by millions globally, Unicorn Hunters supports emerging businesses by democratizing access to funding, giving entrepreneurs the opportunity to raise expansion capital from viewers around the world. In turn, viewers have the chance to make entry-level investments in pre-IPO opportunities. In 2022, Unicorn Hunters launched the Unicoin cryptocurrency, backed by real-world assets and investments in companies featured on the program.

Unicorn Hunters can be streamed on UnicornHunters.com, YouTube, Linkedin Broadcast, Facebook Video, and Vimeo. The program may also be viewed on Claro Video, one of the largest streaming platforms in Latin America, on Ghana’s TV3 Network, and on in-flight entertainment systems aboard Tap Air Portugal, WestJet, and Etihad Airways, the flagship airline of the UAE, serving millions of passengers across the Middle East, Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

Qatari backed QAN blockchain rolls out testnet

Qatari backed QAN blockchain rolls out testnet

QANplatform backed by Qatar’s MBK Holding has rolled out the world’s first quantum-resistant and Ethereum-compatible blockchain testnet, where developers can code smart contracts in any programming language.

As per the blog post, the introduction of this testnet follows the successful implementation of QANplatform’s quantum-resistant technology by a European Union member state. Building on the success of the QAN Private Blockchain or QAN Enterprise Blockchain launched in September 2023, the new QAN TestNet is a precursor to the QAN MainNet Beta and signifies a leap in the Web3 ecosystem’s evolution.

The blog notes, that Qan is the world’s first platform that combines three outstanding features: quantum-resistant security, compatibility with Ethereum’s EVM, and the ability to code smart contracts in any programming language.

Enabled by the QAN Virtual Machine (QVM), the platform welcomes smart contract creation in a diverse array of programming languages compatible with the Linux Kernel. This approach aims to democratize access to Web3 technology, potentially drawing in more than 28 million new developers by moving beyond the traditional blockchain platforms that support only a few programming languages. QAN lowers the entry barriers for non-developers with its no-code smart contract studio, allowing users to generate smart contracts interactively within minutes.

In alignment with the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)’s primary recommendations, QANplatform incorporates CRYSTALS-Dilithium algorithm into QAN XLINK. The QAN XLINK cross-signer ensures post-quantum transaction security while maintaining Ethereum EVM compatibility, safeguarding QANplatform and its users against the looming threat of quantum computing.

Johann Polecsak, Co-Founder and CTO of QANplatform, expressed, “Crafting a blockchain that addresses both future challenges, such as quantum attacks, and current market issues, like high entry barriers for developers and enterprises, presented a significant and complex undertaking. Our aim to achieve Ethereum compatibility to facilitate seamless integration of pre-existing solutions added to the complexity. The dedication of our team to navigate these challenges affirms a critical advancement.”

Qatar’s design district introduces Blockchain NFT ticketing with zbyte

Qatar’s design district introduces Blockchain NFT ticketing with zbyte

zbyte, a blockchain technology provider has partnered with Doha Design District to introduce an NFT ticketing system for the upcoming TEFFA AI R evolution (Technology Education Finance Fashion & Art) event returning to Msheireb Downtown Doha for its second edition from 6-8 May, 2024. This innovative deployment sets a new standard in the event industry by leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance attendee experiences.

Doha Design District, renowned for its commitment to merging the domains of fashion, art, and technology, has adopted zbyte’s blockchain platform to mint NFT tickets. It simplifies the ticketing process and adds a layer of security and exclusivity, transforming each ticket into a unique digital collectible. The ease of minting NFTs through zbyte’s platform demonstrates a significant leap towards digital innovation in Qatar.

Qatar has shown growing interest in adopting blockchain technology, seeing it as a key driver for future innovations and digital transformation.

Shaikha al Sulaiti, Senior Design Manager Doha Design District, expressed her excitement about this partnership: “We are thrilled to sponsor an event that not only showcases the rich culture of Qatar but also embraces such transformative technology. This collaboration with zbyte and TEFFA is just the beginning of our journey towards integrating more digital solutions in creative domains.”


The collaboration between zbyte, TEFFA AI R evolution, and Doha Design District is expected to set the stage for future technological integrations that could redefine the event management and attendee engagement industries.

Nitin Kumar, Co-founder of zbyte, shared his vision for the technology’s impact: “Our partnership with Doha Design District and TEFFA AI R evolution is a testament to the potential of blockchain technology in making a tangible impact. By simplifying the minting of NFT tickets, we are setting a new paradigm for events that enhances security, attendee engagement, and the overall event experience. We are excited to see how Qatar embraces this technology and look forward to expanding our innovative solutions further.”