Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), in partnership with Merck, has launched the QSTP x Merck FemTech Accelerator. This initiative is designed to support deep tech and impact-driven FemTech startups that are developing breakthrough solutions to address critical unmet needs in women's health. The program aims to transform health outcomes for women across the MENA region by providing advanced scaling support, access to healthcare partners, and opportunities for pilot projects within Qatar’s innovation ecosystem. The accelerator will focus on innovations powered by artificial intelligence, robotics, and materials science, positioning Qatar as a regional and global hub for women's health innovation.
Program Focus
• Sector: Women’s health and FemTech in the MENA region.
• Company Stage: Growth-stage companies with proven traction.
• Program Structure: A hybrid model featuring virtual preparation, a two-week immersion in Doha, and pilot opportunities across Qatar and the MENA region.
Application Criteria
• Area of Focus: Must be centered on women’s health, including cardiovascular, auto-immune, mental health, chronic disease in women, diagnostics, digital health, fertility, and other critical unmet needs.
• Technology: Must have a scalable technology or tech-enabled model.
• Traction: Demonstrated traction through revenue, pilots, partnerships, or a user base.
• Regional Readiness: Currently operating in or prepared to expand into the MENA region.
• Team Availability: The founding team must be available for the full two-week immersion in Doha.
• Impact Commitment: A strong commitment to achieving measurable impact in women’s health.
Program Benefits
• Advanced Scaling Support: Receive strategic guidance, expert-led sessions, and practical support to strengthen growth strategies.
• Market Access in Qatar & MENA: Gain introductions to healthcare providers, regulators, and industry partners.
• Pilot Opportunities: Obtain support to design and test pilots within Qatar and the greater region's healthcare ecosystem.
• Mentorship & Network: Access QSTP’s innovation ecosystem, a global network of mentors and investors, and Merck’s expertise in healthcare, life sciences, and women’s health innovation.
• Investment & Partnership Readiness: Receive support on fundraising, partnership development, and governance practices.
• Visibility & Exposure: Benefit from opportunities for media features, event participation, and regional showcases.
Program Journey and Key Dates
• Applications Open: Companies can submit their online applications now.
• Application Deadline: The final day for submissions is February 28, 2026.
• Selection & Onboarding: Shortlisted applicants will undergo interviews and due diligence before final selection.
• Doha Immersion: A two-week, in-person program in May at QSTP, including workshops, expert sessions, ecosystem visits, and stakeholder engagements.
• Pilot Design & Validation: Selected companies will co-design and validate pilot projects for real-world testing.
• Post-Program Support & Showcase: Participants receive ongoing support, culminating in a final showcase with investors and partners at the WISH event in November.
Program Impact Goals
• Expand access to high-quality women’s health solutions across the MENA region.
• Support participating FemTech startups in achieving commercial and impact milestones.
• Strengthen investment and research in FemTech as a growing health-tech segment.
• Enhance the regional innovation ecosystem for women’s health.
Participation Details
• Cost of Participation: There is no cost to participate in the accelerator.
• Equity: QSTP does not take any equity as part of this program.
• Founder Presence: At least one founder from each selected startup is required to be in Doha for the full two-week immersion period.
• Pilot Project Types: Pilot opportunities are custom-designed based on each startup’s needs and may include patient access, data access, wet labs, and dry labs.
• Eligible Stages: The program is open to both early-stage startups and more mature scaleups.
• Geographic Eligibility: Startups from anywhere in the world are encouraged to apply.
This initiative offers a significant opportunity for high-potential deep tech startups building science- and technology-driven solutions at the intersection of impact and women’s health. Companies ready to scale their FemTech solutions and expand across the MENA region and beyond are invited to explore the program further.