Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), part of Qatar Foundation, has officially opened applications for the 15th cycle of its flagship accelerator program, XLR8. The 14-week program aims to help aspiring entrepreneurs evaluate the market potential of their technology ideas and help them launch a startup.

The workshops will be in bootcamp style with mentorship sessions, and more to understand market demand, gain customer traction, and attract investor interest.

Teams of up to five members can participate in the XLR8 program, all of whom must be residents of Qatar. Throughout the program, participants will focus on turning their technology-based ideas into early prototypes. They will receive the training they need for entrepreneurial success through mentorship and in-depth workshops. Already established private companies are not eligible to participate

Mentorship sessions will be held at QSTP’s Innovation Center, where participants will also have access to co-working spaces to support their progress. In addition, QSTP has announced special rewards for the top three winning teams in this cycle.

Since the inception of the QSTP XLR8 program, 40 startups have been launched. And more than 200 teams with approximately 500 individuals have benefited from its high-quality mentorship.

Applications are open until January 23. The program will begin on February 5. The program will culminate in a Demo Day to be held at the end of May – where all participants will pitch their startup ideas to the public and potential investors, and then the winners will be announced.