Itqan, QRDI Council team-up to advance healthcare research and innovation

In a move to push Qatar's healthcare innovation to new heights, Itqan Clinical Simulation and Innovation Center (Itqan) and the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council have joined forces. The duo sealed their partnership with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Web Summit in Qatar, setting the stage for a wave of medical breakthroughs.

The deal, signed by Eng. Omar Al-Ansari, Secretary General of QRDI Council, and Mr. Ali Al-Janahi, Acting Assistant Managing Director of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), signals a fresh era of collaboration, where cutting-edge research meets real-world application. This isn't just a handshake — it's a commitment to transforming healthcare through innovation, technology, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

How does it work?

This strategic alliance is more than just paperwork; it's a roadmap to a smarter, more innovative healthcare system. Here's what's in store:

• Shaping Policy: Together, Itqan and QRDI Council will develop research, development, and innovation (RDI) policies tailored to Qatar's healthcare needs.
• Funding Big Ideas: Joint research projects and innovation calls will focus on solving national healthcare challenges.
• A Tech Testing Ground: Itqan is set to become a launchpad for new healthcare technologies, bringing together local and global innovators to test and refine their breakthroughs.
• Building Expertise: Training programs, workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives will equip healthcare professionals with the latest skills in research and innovation management.

Eng. Al-Ansari summed it up well: "QRDI Council is dedicated to positioning Qatar as a leading hub for research, development, and innovation. This collaboration will nurture new innovations that tackle pressing healthcare challenges and pave the way for groundbreaking advancements."

Why does it matter?

This partnership isn't just about science for science's sake — it's about real-world impact. Healthcare challenges don't wait, and Qatar is making sure it's ahead of the curve. By fostering an environment where research fuels innovation, the country is taking proactive steps to:

• Improve patient care with cutting-edge medical technologies
• Strengthen clinical education through advanced simulation
• Attract global talent and investment into Qatar's healthcare sector

As Mr. Al-Janahi put it: "This MOU represents a transformative step toward integrating cutting-edge research and innovation into Qatar's healthcare system." By accelerating the adoption of breakthrough technologies, the collaboration aims to directly enhance both patient care and medical education.

The context

Qatar is no stranger to ambitious healthcare projects. With institutions like HMC leading the charge, the country has steadily built a reputation as a hub for medical excellence. But innovation doesn't happen in isolation — it requires the right partnerships, policies, and investments.

This agreement brings together two powerhouse institutions with complementary strengths: QRDI Council's research and policy expertise and Itqan's hands-on clinical simulation capabilities. The result? A dynamic ecosystem where ideas don't just sit on a shelf but are rapidly transformed into real-world solutions.

Dr. Abdulla Ahmad Yousuf, Executive Director of Itqan, captured the spirit of the partnership: "Our collaboration with the QRDI Council represents a strategic step toward developing innovative, research-driven solutions that elevate medical training, enhance patient safety, and drive impactful advancements in healthcare."

With a shared vision and the right infrastructure in place, this partnership aims to make sure that the future of healthcare in Qatar arrives sooner rather than later.