The Business Year and Msheireb Properties, in partnership with the AI for Good – YAILs Qatar initiative, have announced the launch of the “AI for Good Challenge – Qatar”, a competition dedicated to startups. The challenge will take place as part of the Qatar Investment & Innovation Conference: Driving Growth for Entrepreneurship in the GCC, scheduled for 3 November at Barahat Msheireb, Doha.

The competition aims to attract promising pre-seed and early-stage startups from across the GCC that leverage artificial intelligence technologies to tackle global challenges in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Format and Evaluation

Selected startups will pitch live in Doha through 3-minute presentations, assessed by a panel of expert judges. The evaluation will focus on:

• Team and founders’ quality.
• Product and technology innovation.
• Strength of the business model.
• Expected social impact.
• Communication and pitching skills.

The winner will be announced during the conference’s closing session.

Key Benefits

Although no cash prize is offered, participating startups will gain access to:

• Mentorship and professional guidance programs.
• Direct exposure to global investors.
• Integration into the UN innovation ecosystem.
• Wide media coverage through official partners.

The challenge is strategically supported by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, alongside leading international venture capital firms such as Rasmal Ventures, Builders VC, The Alchemist, and Plug and Play.

Strategic Role

Jointly organized by The Business Year and Msheireb Properties, the conference serves as a high-level platform connecting policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs across the GCC. By hosting the AI for Good Challenge – Qatar, the event reinforces Qatar’s role as a regional hub for AI, innovation, and sustainable entrepreneurship, aligned with its vision for economic diversification and digital transformation.