QF, Web Summit sign deal focusing on volunteerism and innovation

Doha, Qatar: Qatar Foundation and Web Summit have unveiled a new partnership yesterday with volunteerism, research, education, and the sharing of knowledge at its core.

Signed as Web Summit Qatar 2026 got under way at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, the agreement will provide Qatar Foundation (QF) students and alumni with real-world volunteering experience and access to Web Summit’s Volunteer Programme, which connects them to global innovation communities and opens up worldwide networking opportunities with tech founders, investors, and experts.

QF and Web Summit will also collaborate to study the economic, social, and technological impact of Web Summit Qatar, and of QF’s involvement in the event, as it showcases to the world the Middle East’s rising status as a hub of, and destination for, technology development.

CEO of Qatar Foundation, Yousif Al-Naama said: “Volunteerism and human-centric innovation share the purpose of contributing to the growth, strength, and wellbeing of individuals and communities, and through this collaboration agreement, Qatar Foundation and Web Summit are bringing them together with the goal of deepening our nation’s technology talent pool, empowering our youth, and benefiting our society.

“By collaborating with such a dynamic global organisation as Web Summit, we are extending the opportunities for exposure to the world of technology innovation and entrepreneurship that we offer our current students and our ever-growing alumni community. The access to networks of knowledge and expertise, and the experiences they will gain, through being part of Web Summit’s Volunteer Programme will undoubtedly enrich their skills, expand their horizons, and magnify the impact they can bring to Qatar, the region, and the world.

“We are delighted to join forces with Web Summit through this multifaceted agreement that supports our Qatar Foundation ecosystem in driving forward innovation for human and social benefit, and in empowering our youth to be the leaders and drivers of positive change.”

Founder and CEO at Web Summit, Paddy Cosgrave said: “This partnership between Web Summit and Qatar Foundation doesn’t just connect talent from the region to global tech ecosystems. It opens pathways in Doha, home to Web Summit Qatar, and in Lisbon, Rio, and Vancouver, bringing together two organisations that believe in fostering talent and ambition, and in connecting some of the brightest minds with opportunities.

“Through this partnership, hundreds of Qatar Foundation students and alumni will have access to every opportunity Web Summit has to offer on the volunteer programme, working alongside founders, investors, and speakers to grow their network and experience at pivotal moments in their careers. We have seen volunteers go on to build companies and return as founders. That journey, from learning to doing to building, is exactly what we want to enable.

“Qatar Foundation has built a world-class platform for education, research, and innovation, backing the next generation to push boundaries. We are proud to be undertaking this journey with Qatar Foundation.”