In support of Qatar’s National Renewable Energy Strategy, KAHRAMAA and the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council have launched a challenge for innovators to develop an immersive BeSolar Awareness Lab. This initiative aims to create a unified, scalable digital experience using VR, XR, or AR technologies to enhance public understanding of solar energy and standardize training for contractors. The program addresses the need to move beyond traditional, resource-intensive educational methods and support the growth of distributed solar services like BeSolar, which is available to all eligible customers under net-billing schemes.
Challenge Overview
• Mission: To create an immersive and scalable 3D environment (VR/XR/AR) that serves a dual purpose.
• Customer Education: The platform will educate customers on the benefits of solar PV systems and the mechanics of net billing.
• Contractor Training: It will provide a safe, hands-on training space for contractors to master standardized installation and inspection methods.
• Technical Requirements: The solution must be portable for use at events, support both Arabic and English languages, and provide accurate modeling of Solar PV components.
• User Capacity: The system must be capable of supporting up to 20 simultaneous users for professional training sessions.
Opportunities and Incentives
• Funding: Winners may receive up to USD 100,000 in funding from QRDI, with the final amount determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the project proposal.
• Strategic Collaboration: Innovators will have the opportunity to work directly with KAHRAMAA on a high-impact national energy strategy challenge.
• Access to Resources: Participants will gain access to specialized resources, including KAHRAMAA’s BeSolar technical data and training materials.
• Pilot and Testing Sites: The program provides access to pilot sites for testing, including the KAHRAMAA Awareness Park and KAHRAMAA Training Center.
• Mentorship and Support: Technical support and mentorship will be provided by KAHRAMAA’s New & Renewable Energy Department.
• Commercial Opportunities: The initiative offers a pathway to explore commercial deployment, with potential rollouts across various KAHRAMAA departments and other industry stakeholders.
Program Timeline
• Scouting Phase: February 1st - April 12th, 2026. During this period, applicants can sign up, complete the participation form, and submit a proposal.
• Informational Webinar: A webinar with KAHRAMAA and QRDI will be held on March 11th, 2026, at 12:00 PM Doha time to provide further details and answer questions.
• Shortlisting Phase: April - May 2026. All submitted proposals will be reviewed by KAHRAMAA and QRDI to identify potential solution providers.
• Evaluation Phase: June 2026. Shortlisted innovators will engage in in-depth technical discussions with KAHRAMAA teams.
• Awarding Phase: July - August 2026. The final announcement of selected innovators will be made by August 2026.
Application Details
• Eligibility: The call is open to startups and SMEs with solutions at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5 or higher.
• Application Deadline: The final day to submit proposals is April 12th, 2026.
• Submission Process: Interested parties are required to sign up on the platform, complete the designated participation form, and upload a proposal deck showcasing their solution.
This initiative presents a significant opportunity for innovators to contribute to Qatar's sustainable energy future. By developing advanced digital tools for education and training, participants can play a key role in shaping the next generation of smart, solar-literate communities through immersive digital innovation.