Dr Maini shares his perspective on both the vision and the strategy behind this ambitious venture with the 21 organisations that are currently part of the science park. And though his description of the QSTP as "a unique model, one of its kind," may at first sound a little ostentatious, it is not when it is put in the context of the idea as a whole. The confidence that edges him is the strong belief in the national vision that guides QSTP.

On the threshold of the formal inauguration later this month, he is very clear on what he wants to tell the world. "The fact that as a science and technology park, our model is very different from the rest - this is what we want to let everyone know. Traditionally, science parks are built in countries that have a tradition of research and have built up a healthy pipeline in the process. So if you look at Cambridge in England, you will find 800 years of history behind it, and many years of research and development that create an industrial pipeline which is extensive. A science park, in such a context, is merely a vehicle of converting the research into commercial applications and the synergies developed by virtue of people working close together in clusters. Thus, you have the Cambridge Cluster or the Boston Cluster or the San Francisco Cluster which work seamlessly by dint of the closeness of companies which makes the entire process work - from hiring the right people at various stages to getting venture capital finance."

We also spoke to some of the QSTP tenants who shared their views and plans in the first year and what plans they have for the future.

A novel approach
"In a sense, we are our own model. This is a country which has new universities which have come in, where there is no significant history of research. In fact, here research is just beginning. What we are trying to do with QSTP is to provide a mechanism of accelerating research - to not only provide an environment but, more importantly, to have people with us if they agree with our strategy on the roadmap that we have laid out. Equally importantly, we have the money to back it.

"Traditionally, science parks are real estate projects and are recipients of money, as you would see in Malaysia, India, or the West. They get tenants, people pay them for services. We also contribute to the research by funding it, both on our own as well as by collaborating with companies. This allows us to focus purely on our research goals rather than making money from managing buildings.

"We have identified four key areas on which we want to focus - energy, health sciences, environment and information technology and telecom, in line with both the national needs and capability to do research.

"Within energy, we are looking at oil and gas research, particularly understanding their structure and maximising their long-term life. We are also looking at alternative fuels and environmentally-friendly fuels like GTL, which Shell is working on. In alternatives, we are focusing on solar, since this is one of the most realistic of the renewable energies and makes sense with Qatar's abundant sunshine. With a global shortage in the supply of upstream raw materials for solar, this will be a major income generator for Qatar as well."

The crux of the vision is that it has been tailored taking into account the national strengths. "We need to work with the strengths of the country which are the ability to establish, finance and manage large projects. Qatar has an excellent track record in this regard."

"In these hard times, when even the very big companies do not have huge research budgets, by partnering with QSTP they can amplify the effect of their research investment. When companies align with our strategy they know pretty well that we will look for ways of applying the research in Qatar and worldwide."

Dr Maini also emphasises QSTP's integration with Qatar Foundation's renowned education centres and specialised institutes. "We participate in the process of creating opportunities for the students from Education City who will start working at QSTP either as consultants or researchers. Recently, QP and Shell got hundreds of responses from a cross section of people - students, young people who have graduated sometime back and those already working in less exciting ventures."

The solid partnership between Qatar Foundation and the 21 organisations under its aegis is evident in the investment of $800 million that has been made by them in QSTP, in an attempt to beef up Qatar's journey towards a post-carbon economy.

Tenants: Goals in the first year
With vision comes a clear roadmap by which to achieve that. And in the first year, the goal before the tenants of QSTP is to "ramp up staff".

"In a sense, in the first year, it takes a lot of effort for companies engaged in research to hire the right people, people who fit the bill, bring in equipment for research, though all the tenants are doing very well on both of these parameters. Research projects are already well underway, and indeed Shell has already applied for its first patent, within months of being here.

"We will also monitor very closely the number of Qataris who are being hired by the tenants since that is one of the objectives. We will also look at how many technology companies will be floated by Qataris within the QSTP and we will fund such initiatives both from a technology point of view, in addition to the fact that we are working closely with the Ministry of Business & Trade to help identify small companies to come under the ambit of the park. It is all a matter of networking the initiatives that are being made separately under various umbrellas."

Contribution of QSTP to Qatar
For a young nation where research has just started, the question that naturally arises is: what will QSTP achieve for the country?

Dr Maini is clear on this one too. "QSTP will create a research culture which is the next logical step after a good education system, one that is built with highly educated and committed teachers and those who are involved in research. It will bring excitement to the minds of young students who will see a bright future within the country in the field of science, without the hang-ups many youngsters have of becoming bankers or lawyers. We will also try to lay foundations for new industries whether we do it ourselves or we pave the way for others to do it."

Impact of R&D: What is the timeframe?
With long gestation periods for many R&D initiatives, the impact is seldom felt in a short timeframe. But Dr Maini feels that the impact of R&D depends on who is doing it.

"If it is a company, then the results come relatively faster. Take the case of Shell or ConocoPhillips or GE. These companies are working on water treatment and the benefit can be felt in three years. This is in contrast to university research which takes 10 or 15 years to bear fruit. I believe that the next generation will see some benefits of the science park while the next will benefit from having worked with it to bring in those changes as we expand our employment opportunities."

For the bigger world giants, the QSTP plan is simple - it offers a good synergy with industry and government to do research in certain specific areas which matter and which have real application potential.

"Big companies know very well that if they work on a problem and are able to crack it in a specified timeframe, they will find immediate application - there is all likelihood of a ready customer who is waiting for them. Normally research outputs are difficult to sell in a university setting but in QSTP, with the focus in place, it is easier to hit commercial prospects sooner. For instance, we are very keen on water desalination projects and any improvement in the process will have a ready captive market since it will help save money."

In health care, for instance, the park has taken robotic surgery as a thrust area since it involves treatment with minimal disturbance to the human body, with smaller incisions which will help faster recovery. "This will require training of surgeons in the country and the region and will find immediate application."

Smaller companies will come to the QSTP to test a concept, for which they want proof of concept money. "We will buy such research provided it aligns with our strategy and if the idea works, there will be an immediate customer waiting for them."

Global meltdown: Bearing on QSTP?
"Global meltdown means a more careful way of spending money. It does not necessarily mean shrinking of budgets. Even in the midst of the global recession, Chevron has just committed $20 million to R&D at QSTP.

There is another company in stem-call storage which will be moving its global headquarters to Qatar because they think this is the place to be in.

"In fact, the meltdown is proving to be positive for us in two ways: first, it is prompting people to think more carefully on the ways they want to be spending their money; second, we are able to track companies which are not able to get funding in Europe and the US and who come here. We can afford to be really choosy with them in what we would like to offer."

Getting majors together: One step in 'Open Innovation'
In the field of oil & gas, there are tenants like Chevron, ExxonMobil, QP, Total and Shell. What is the mantra which the QSTP has used in getting them to work closely in as sensitive an area as R&D, where information sharing is usually avoided at all costs? Dr Maini says candidly, "That is passe now. In current management literature, you will come across a buzzword called 'open innovation' which means cross-boundary collaboration and cooperation to solve problems. Companies have realised that many of the problems in front of us cannot be solved by any one company or university - a multi-disciplinary approach is the need of the hour, which means teams are too expensive to be maintained by one entity. GE and ConocoPhillips, for example, teamed up without being told to because it is in their interests to do so. The core competence of the latter is producing petroleum, not water, and yet the ability to treat by-produced water is vital for the oil industry. So they teamed up with a world leader in this technology, GE. Similarly QP and Shell are teaming up in an effort to get rid of CO2, a large amount of which is generated here. When companies team up, it does not mean that they lose any exclusivity in their private research efforts - QSTP marries both of these very effectively."

ConocoPhillips
Management Of Water

The aims of ConocoPhillips' Global Water Sustainability Centre (GWSC) are simple - to develop more efficient and cost effective treatment technologies for clean-up of petroleum water from oil production and refining operations.

When companies produce oil and gas, water often is produced along with the oil. Impurities usually make the by-product water unusable without costly treatment. "We produce and manage much more water than oil everyday, but this water typically needs to be treated before it can be used as a commodity or disposed of," says Dr Samer Adham, Managing Director of ConocoPhillips Global Water Sustainability Centre (GWSC) in Qatar, adding, "ConocoPhillips is both a producer of water in its upstream operations and a consumer of water in its downstream operations."

The company has teamed up with GE Water & Process Technology at the GWSC to develop more efficient and cost-effective treatment technologies for petroleum water in particular. "Our goal here is to couple GE's leading-edge technologies in chemicals, equipment and advanced membranes with ConocoPhillips' industrial applications and test facilities to develop innovative solutions for our operations in the Middle East region and around the globe."

"Any solutions we develop will potentially be applicable for the petroleum industry as a whole, including Qatar Petroleum."
But to what extent petroleum water will be able to chip in towards the total water supply is undecided yet. "I believe Qatar (and other Arabian Gulf Countries) will always be dependent on desalination for drinking water supply. The extent to which petroleum water or other industrial waters can contribute to the overall water supply portfolio is yet to be determined." Proposed uses for treated petroleum water, on a global scale, could include crop irrigation, livestock watering, wildlife habitats and industrial cooling, potentially leaving more fresh-water available for domestic use.

Local ambitions
One of the initial goals at the GWSC is to enhance awareness of water conservation in Qatar. "We will establish a water visitor centre with three primary objectives: education and training, knowledge sharing, and public outreach."

The visitor centre will include interactive, hands-on exhibits to educate local school children and other public visitors about key issues for water scarce regions, including water conservation, desalination and water recycling.

"When we met local water organisations to discuss what ConocoPhillips could do for Qatar in the GWSC, the overwhelming response was, "promote conservation among our children." That's why the visitor centre will be our first community-related project." The GWSC will also team up with several local government organisations involved in the water arena. "We will provide access to our world-class facilities and water technology experts to enhance work efficiency and help adopt applicable technologies for Qatar and the region."

The Centre will also conduct other research relating to industrial and municipal water sustainability, in support of the specific needs of Qatar.

Opportunities received and given
With the GWSC being located in QSTP, Education City, internships and employment opportunities for qualified students will be provided. These openings will provide academic research collaboration and training to the local community. "Students may also participate in some activities related the water visitor centre."

Adham finds having world-class universities in Qatar Foundation's Education City literally across the street from QSTP very exciting. "QSTP tenants can collaborate with top scientists, have access to facilities, and employ graduates from these universities. The universities have the opportunity for their students to work on real world projects."

"QSTP provides a unique facility where a cluster of the world's top companies will be working under one roof and conducting research on important issues. I'm not aware of any place else in the world where that's happening.

"I strongly believe this environment will foster a culture that will promote collaboration and innovation, and ultimately benefit all the stakeholders."

EADS-CCQ
Facilitating Knowledge Transfer

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence & service. With its distinctive expertise, "EADS has decided to develop its Competence Centre in the QSTP to facilitate transfer of know-how between its different centres of expertise and the State of Qatar. This will increase tremendously, the number and quality of expertise we are involved in," says Mohammed S Al Kuwari, General Manager EADS-CCQ.

For instance, EADS has been appointed by Qatar General Organization for Standard and Metrology (QGOSM) to help them, to upgrade most of governmental testing laboratories to ISO International Standard. "We have invested in a laboratory with high competence levels that will be operated by the French welding Institute, to provide answers to the problem of corrosion encountered by the very sensitive oil and gas industries. We have also invested in a means which will facilitate the establishment in Qatar of our international accredited Academy dedicated to aeronautic maintenance training."

Seamless communication
QSTP, for Al Kuwari, is like a campus in the real world of industry. "Communication between tenants will be very easy, while keeping the spirit of a professional environment.

"Thanks to our activity in aeronautic maintenance training, and our laboratory, we will be in touch permanently with the different airlines of the region, starting obviously with Qatar Airways."

Business synergy
EADS-CCQ is an investment decided by EADS general management. "Consequently all division of the group will be supportive of the centre, either in cash or in kind. Since we have inaugurated our Centre, mid December 2008, we are very enthusiastic to see new tenants, operating from QSTP."

Feugo
A Step Ahead

This is one tenant in QSTP who has already begun work, developing a sophisticated Arabic web content and eBusiness software tool for the MENA world. This work is carried out under the QSTP Proof of Concept Fund programme and Fuego QSTP is the first recipient of a $500,000 grant under the programme. Fuego Digital Media QSTP-LLC was formed in March 2008, for this definite purpose.

Commenting on this innovation, Kevin Higgins, General Manager, Feugo Digital Media says, "We are grateful to QSTP for the confidence they have had in us and for supporting our work, and we look forward to applying the technology that has been created through this project for the benefit of Qatar and the region."

"The base technology of this project is being transferred from Fuego Frameworks System, Fuego Portal Management System and Fuego Content Management System software from Fuego Digital Media Inc, a Canadian company headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, one of Canada's most developed centres of advanced technology innovation."As a result of the QSTP project, a core set of the above services will be fully operable in Arabic, readily accessible through mobile devices, and available to Qatar and regional users on a ‘software as a service' basis. The fact that all of Fuego Canada's hosted services are available in English and French has facilitated the rapid adaptation of the software into Arabic.

"The QSTP project will be completed in March 2009. Based on the encouraging results achieved so far, it is the Company's intention to expand its operations with substantial development, marketing and delivery capabilities, and begin offering Arabic services to the Qatar market later in 2009, with subsequent expansion to the GCC and MENA markets, thereafter."

The Arab Online presence
Speaking about the importance of web content, Higgins says, "Increasingly, the Web is becoming the primary means of an organisation's interaction with customers, citizens, partners and employees. There is a growing demand for new Web content and business management software tools that are free of the limitations of the Web 1.0 generation of products of the late 1990s and early 2000s, especially in the area of Web content that engages or is interactive."

A key to improving the Web experience across MENA is to give individuals and organisations access to better Web tools to create an online presence. Fuego hopes to be able to make a contribution in that direction by building a business to develop, market and deliver modern, Internet-based software applications to the 5.3 million small- and medium-size enterprises in Qatar, GCC and MENA markets.

"For these customers, the Fuego OnDemand Service will provide simple, Internet-based and hosted access to powerful communication, content and collaboration capabilities, and a platform for the development of an ever-expanding library of SME business applications, all in Arabic, French and English.

"The key benefit will be a complete, multilingual, easy-to-implement, secure and affordable solution providing 100 percent of the software applications required by small- and medium-size MENA businesses."

The vehicle
QSTP, according to Higgins, is the perfect catalyst of growth making world-class software development facilities and the opportunity to interact with other advanced technology companies engaged in research and development activities.

"There is also a ready access to talented, university-educated future employees and we believe that we can find the bulk of our new hires in the ranks of graduates from Qatar University, the universities at Education City, the College of the North Atlantic, as well as Qatari graduates educated internationally and also the credibility and business reputation associated with having QSTP as a significant partner."

GE
Dealing with People's Lives

With products and services ranging from aircraft engines, power generation, water processing and security technology to medical imaging, business and consumer financing, media content and industrial products, GE is focused on solving some of the world's toughest problems, says Nabil Habayeb, President and CEO, MEA.

"Our businesses fuel the global economy and improve people's lives. Our Global Research Centres attract the world's best technical minds. With more than 3,000 researchers working towards the next breakthrough, GE is positioned to continually innovate, invent and reinvent. In 2008, GE filed more than 2,200 patents. In 2007, GE invested $15 billion in the intellectual foundation of the Company. Developing intellectual content is one of the most important things we do at GE."


Unique capability and local impact
"With the Qatar Advanced Research & Technology Centre, GE can bring this unique capability to the Qatar Science & Technology Park. GE has a long history of supporting technology development in the Middle East region. We are excited about expanding our efforts to address the goals of Qatar.

"Several GE divisions will participate in the Qatar Advanced Research & Technology Centre. Its focus will be technical training for customers of GE's Aviation and Energy businesses in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia. In addition, GE's Global Research Centre, Oil and Gas, and Water divisions will undertake research and development of technologies applicable to local industry.

"We look forward to inaugurating the Qatar Advanced Technology and Research Centre in September 2009."

Hydro
Building on Aluminium

Qatar went from being an aluminium producer to an aluminium innovator the day Hydro announced its research and training centre at Qatar Science & Technology Park. Hydro is a leading integrated, global aluminium company, and a technology leader in the aluminium industry.

The company, a Norwegian aluminium giant, brings more than 80 years of operational experience, leading positions in the aluminium metal products markets and strong record in the execution of large projects.

Hydro is currently building the Qatalum aluminium plant in a joint venture with Qatar Petroleum, scheduled to be the world's largest aluminium plant ever built in one phase.

The Hydro Technology Centre (HTCQ) at QSTP will study ways of maximising the safety and productiveness of Qatalum, through both technology development and training. Its first projects will focus on hot-climate working conditions, the environment and cross-cultural technology management.

Enormous feats
In March 2006, Qatar Petroleum and Hydro signed a Joint Venture Agreement for the development, construction and operation of a world-class aluminium plant in Qatar.

The Agreement marked an important step forward to build one of the world's largest and most competitive primary aluminium smelters.

Phase 1 of the project will have an annual capacity of 585,000 tonnes of primary aluminium.

The dedicated gas power plant has a planned installed capacity of 1,350 MW. The project, located in the Mesaieed Industrial City in Qatar, will be the largest initial phase greenfield aluminium smelter ever built.

The Second Phase, planned after commissioning of Phase 1, will expand the capacity to 1.2 million tonnes to become the biggest aluminium plant worldwide.

"The Qatalum project is based on strong strategic fundamentals and Qatar Petroleum is providing a unique combination of long-term competitive energy resources, an industrial infrastructure and privileged location to accommodate the markets," says Tormod Bjork, Senior Vice President, Hydro Technology & Competence Center Qatar.

The Project is progressing according to plans. By the end of February 2009, more than 65 percent of the project has been completed.

The project is split into 14 major EPC contracts. Project management is handled by Hydro Projects reporting to the Qatalum management team.

"And by the end of 2008, 18,000 workers were employed at the construction site. "After one year of site preparation activities, construction started in late 2007 with the first metal to be produced in the fourth quarter of 2009. Full production capacity is expected to be reached by mid-2010."

Research centre's role
Hydro as a technology supplier through its HTCQ will provide Qatalum with technical and operational service, both from the centre in Qatar and from other global regions. "Our centres in Norway and Qatar will cooperate and develop enhanced technology and Qatalum will be involved in testing during the development phase and later get the benefit by introducing the new developed technology."

HTCQ will also provide metallurgical and technical service to Qatalum metal customers. "In general, Qatalum should get the benefits by being part of our global production system."

It is Bjork's ambition for the HTCQ to one day become the ‘The Aluminium Competence Centre of the Gulf'.

Beside continuously working on projects improving production technology, HTCQ will also focus on very important areas in energy saving/recovery, zero waste management and emission control like catching CO 2 and together with the assistance of other institutions find solution for CO2 storage. "These activities are important for counteracting the climate changes and we will do our utmost to develop solutions together with students, specialists and local companies in order to bring Qatar to the forefront in these important issues. We will also work on operational healthcare in order to ensure that our operational people have a healthy and safe working day."

Strategic positioning
"It is our ambition to attract and develop young Qataris, and students in general, in order to get them interested in our industry, helping us solving our challenges by using their competence and innovation." They will be invited into HTCQ's research and measurement programmes and will be provided with internship programmes at Qatalum or at Hydro's production facilities in Europe and Australia. In order to encourage students to work with the new aluminium industry here in Qatar, Qatalum and Hydro are also sponsoring an Aluminium Faculty Chair at Qatar University.

HTCQ, with close distance to universities and local companies, is looking for synergies and fast tracks for technology developments. "QSTP is providing a unique ambience with its ultra modern architecture combined with closeness to universities and industries. I have never seen a better place for innovation than Qatar is offering at QSTP."

iHorizons
A Qatari First

The first Qatari company to establish operation at QSTP, iHorizons has managed to become a regional key player in sectors ranging from web content management, business process automation, localisation, to media streaming and IT consulting.

For almost twelve years, iHorizons signed up a host of globally-acclaimed organisations in its areas of expertise, namely software solutions and e-business applications.

"We have since expanded in four countries in the region and signed up some world-class clients like Al Jazeera Network and SAP AG in Germany.

"Since most of our work involves research and development, we recognised that QSTP would be a natural extension for our R&D activities, since it provides a unique innovation ecosystem," says Mohamed Takriti, CEO, iHorizons.
"QSTP also realised that iHorizons is an innovation-driven company, and saw the value of us becoming a member of QSTP. We are proud of being the first Qatari company to establish operation at QSTP, which gives us a unique presence and a remarkable participation to this mega great," added Takriti.

New Areas?
"On one hand, we will be working to enhance and further develop our current products and technologies in areas like content management. On the other hand, we will be conducting R&D in new lines of technology, including wireless applications, Arabic language technologies, hosted business applications, robotics control and bioinformatics.

"We will continue to work with Al Khawarizmi Institute and Sibaweih Centre along with the other contributing parties like CMU, Qatar University, and ictQATAR on developing innovative Arabic language applications to help foster growth and usage of Arabic information applications, including search technologies and language applications."

"iHorizons is primarily driven by its home-grown innovations. We have been developing our own IT products and services for more than a decade, and certainly see home-grown R&D as a major success element for us," says Takriti.

"With the unique innovation culture that's developing at QSTP and the great support they are providing to their members, we believe that we have a much better chance to successfully push our R&D agenda forward.

Financial Challenge
Takriti believes that iHorizons, though standing on strong foundations given its deep-rooted expertise in the regional market, will not be an exception in the financial crisis, which in his view posed all-out challenges on all sectors.

"We are certainly aware that most businesses will be affected to one degree or another by the global economic crisis. Although iHorizons doesn't expect to be directly and largely affected, we are taking a cautionary approach to our expansion plans in 2009."

iHorizons provides advanced solutions in the areas of web-based content management, business process automation, software localisation, media streaming, and IT consulting.

We are also teaming with global IT vendors to help organisations take advantage of today's powerful technologies and solutions, such as SMS solutions and human resources management systems.

Institut de Soudure
Finding Welding Solutions

Welding technology is vital on oil and gas and petrochemical activities, and as Qatar's major economic activity is oil and gas (O&G) and petrochemical, Institut de Soudure (IS) provides the solution to their problems concerning metallurgy, welded and non-welded components from its design to maintenance. The aim of this nonprofit organisation is to be a technical and knowledge centre for material, joining and related technologies in terms of welding, such as Non Destructive Testing or computed calculation. Its executive board includes major French companies like Total, Air Liquide, Renault among others, and representatives of French professional organisations.

The major activities that IS is involved range from R&D, welding and non destructive process development. The expertise developed in their activities has allowed the group to gain the trust of big companies worldwide like Exxon, BP (for their French refineries), Total, EDF (worldwide energy leader) and GDF (European gas supply leader).

IS's strategy is to develop its competency worldwide. It already exists in three continents (Africa, Asia and Middle-East), with major presence felt in particular in Qatar and in the UAE (the branch in QSTP was created in February 2007). In December 2008, IS together with EADS-CCQ inaugurated their premises at Qatar Science and Technology Park. IS Industry and EADS-CCQ merged their competencies and high level technologies in order to create, organise and develop the reference centre for Non Destructive Testing (NDT) in the Middle East - EADS CCQ / Institut de Soudure LLC.

Competence development
IS has been active in Qatar since 2003 overseeing welding on the 370 km Dolphin pipeline from Qatar to the United Arab Emirates. Besides the Dolphin project, the Institute is also involved in conducting a three-year research plan with Qatar University to develop portable and handy laser ultrasound systems. "Conventional ultrasound systems are used mainly in O&G industries but require scaffolding and direct access to the surface to be inspected. Using new equipment that could work without contact to do the same testing should allow O&G industries to reduce shut down period by performing inspections during operation," says Francois Gachet, Middle East Business Manager, Institut de Soudure. Laser ultrasound systems are very bulky equipment, and the Institute's challenge is to adapt a system depending on plant conditions, ‘to bring this to a portable/handheld size is the main goal of this project'.

Another project for the Institute is to develop a centre of competence for NDT (Non Destructive Training), including training, certification, expertise and R&D. To achieve this challenge, IS is in a joint venture with EADS. "By joining the fields of O&G and aeronautic, we aim to create a reference model of expertise and consultancy all over the Middle East. The synergies between the competencies of EADS and IS are assisting Qatar General Organisation SM to enhance and reorganise its laboratories," Gachet says.

In terms of developing next-generation testing and welding technologies, IS is continuously on research and study of the Joining Engineering, particularly the Hybrid Laser Arc Welding, Mechanical and Corrosion for determining fracture toughness of welded assemblies and full scale testing of components or relative samples and the NDT, which is now operational at QSTP.

Comprehensive training
IS will utilise its worldwide staff of 500 scientists and engineers to train welders and non destructive testing inspectors to provide professional services to industry and contribute to the development of national welding standards in the Gulf. "We created a training institute at QSTP providing comprehensive range of training from the basic level up to the highest level of welding and related technologies. Upon completion of this training, we provide the trainees a certificate which is recognised all over the world."

MEEZA
Sharing a Vision

Meeza has established a base at QSTP to deliver a wide range of IT Services and Solutions to clients, that range from creating and managing IT infrastructure to providing full business and technology consulting, according to Hamad Al Mannai, Deputy CEO of Meeza.

"M-Vault 1, Meeza's Tier 3 Data Centre is located at a highly secure facility within QSTP. The park is also home to Meeza's state-of-the-art command and control centre called C3 which will be used to monitor security systems and optimise the performance and utilisation of the company's data centres.

"Meeza shares the QSTP vision of using technology to build a post-carbon economy. QSTP is an ideal home for Meeza to support the growth of Qatar and the region through the provision of world-class Managed IT Services and Solutions."

Wider business impact
The newly opened M-Vault 1, a state-of-the-art Tier 3 Data Centre will be the foundation on which Meeza will offer a full range of Managed IT Services and Solutions to the market.

"M-Vault 1 offers our clients three significant benefits: Security, Availability and Scalability. It delivers 99.98 percent availability, which is the highest level of availability offered from any Data Centre in Qatar. Clients can leverage our Data Centre to scale their business and benefit from the highest levels of physical security. We are already servicing clients, including Vodafone and Masraf Al Rayan, from M-Vault 1."

Meeza has invested in this world-class Data Centre because we know that IT security and availability of data are critical to our clients.

As the company expands and opens additional Data Centres, it will be uniquely positioned to offer Cloud Services to the region. Cloud Services are defined by IDC as ‘consumer and business products, services and solutions that are delivered and consumed in real-time over the Internet'. Cloud Services gives businesses access to robust IT infrastructure and the latest applications without having to bear the high costs of ownership and maintenance. MEEZA's strategy is to provide ‘software-as-a-service' (SaaS) applications this year and to deliver a fully capable cloud services offering to the region in 2010.

Touching ordinary lives
"As a Qatar Foundation joint venture, the company is helping the foundation achieve its vision of making Qatar a knowledge-based society. We provide state-of-the-art IT services and solutions essential to the continued growth and success of Qatar and the region. Our ongoing investment in cutting-edge technologies is building an IT infrastructure, including Meeza's M-Vault data centres, that is transforming Qatar's IT services market and establishing Qatar as the region's IT network hub. Additionally, MEEZA provides Qatari people and people from throughout the region with opportunities to undertake fulfilling careers in the IT industry.

"The presence of our assets and skills in the region is anticipated to contribute greatly to regional economic well-being by, among other things, attracting business investment that establishes new sources of renewable wealth for future generations."

Shell
Leadership Goals

Shell was the first tenant to move into the Qatar Science & Technology Park with a focus to develop and implement technologies that support Qatar's energy industry, particularly Qatar's aspirations to be the largest liquefied natural gas exporter and the gas to liquids capital of the world.

As a leader in Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) technology, Shell has initiated a cutting-edge GTL R&D programme in Qatar. The programme builds upon Shell's extensive experience in the GTL field and focuses on catalyst testing and development. Shell is also developing sulphur-based products at the science park. "Technology is at the heart of our strategy at Shell and, really, at the heart of everything we do," says Andrew Brown, Managing Director and Chairman of Shell Companies in Qatar. The Qatar Shell Research & Technology Centre has a team of over 35 from Qatar and around the world, including around 20 top engineers and scientists.

"Being at the science park gives us the opportunity to work collaboratively with other companies here and with our academic neighbours at Education City.

"We are already taking advantage of these opportunities and we are keen to do much more. The companies we are already cooperating with range from Qatar Petroleum to EADS. We also have relationships with almost all the universities in Doha."

Principal position
Shell has an unmatched global position in natural gas amongst private energy companies with the largest equity share of LNG capacity amongst international oil companies, a leading position in terms of volume in the key markets of Europe, North Africa and Asia-Pacific and a leadership position in GTL.

"We are here to tap into the local knowledge and expertise, and also to align through the Science Park our technology programme to both Shell's and Qatar's needs. We are committed to invest up to $100 million over 10 years in this research & development initiative."

Shell and Qatar Petroleum are together building two of the largest energy projects in the world in Qatar - the Pearl Gas -to-Liquids project and the Qatargas 4 Liquefied Natural Gas project.

"Our programmes at the science park include improving the understanding of local carbonate geology, testing and developing gas-to-liquid catalysts, and developing sulphur-based products among many other exciting new concepts and ideas."

Technological developments
The Qatar Shell Research & Technology Centre is also part of a global research and development effort to deliver a range of new products that exploit the properties of sulphur; combining enhanced functional performance over conventional products, with significant environmental benefits. Qatar's giant North Field contains sulphur in the form of hydrogen sulphide. "With Qatar's rapid economic growth, there is a shortage of construction materials and we believe our sulphur products could be part of the solution."

Shell is also executing technology programmes focusing on Khuff reservoirs as part of its global Carbonates Reservoir Centre of Expertise.

"We are also working on a 10-year research programme together with Qatar Petroleum, Imperial College London and Qatar Science & Technology Park to further understand carbonate reservoirs as well as storage of carbon dioxide. The researchers will characterise carbonate reservoirs in detail and develop advanced computer modelling and simulation tools to establish an in-depth knowledge of rock structures and the way fluids like oil, water, natural gas and CO2 move within them. This, in turn, will improve understanding of how these rocks trap gas and fluids for both production and storage."

Shell has been conducting research since 2005, initially in temporary facilities in Education City, and is already seeing results.

"We recently filed our first patent application for an invention at the Qatar Science & Technology Park as part of Gas-to-Liquid research programme. We believe this is the first patent filed from the science park by any company."

The invention for which the patent application has been filed is a shutdown procedure for a fixed-bed Fischer Tropsch reactor preventing catalyst activity loss. The Fischer Tropsch chemical reaction is part of the gas-to-liquids (GTL) process. "We at Shell are very proud of this achievement."

Global learning
In addition to technology development, the Science Park is used as one of Shell's global learning centres.

"Here we conduct dozens of technical and management courses for Shell staff working not only in Qatar but across the Middle East. And we hold learning events in collaboration with local universities including Texas A&M Qatar and Qatar University."
The Science Park also serves as the headquarters for the Intilaqaah programme which aims to equip young people with the tools they need to start their own businesses. "We are pleased that over 100 young Qataris have graduated from the programme so far and several successful businesses have already been launched. We hope to have many more in the future."

SMARD
Creating an Edge

Being a biotechnology and medical research company R&D activities of the SMARD in Qatar comprise the development of technologies and medical devices in clinical diagnostics, therapy and survey of therapeutic approaches and as research tools for biosciences and biotechnology.

"Medical devices will be developed. Providing a transdisciplinary collaboration of basic sciences, applied medicine and engineering, we commit our main diagnostic and therapeutical approaches to acute and chronic inflammatory diseases due to infections (e.g. sepsis) and due to 'autoimmune' diseases (e.g. diabetes, arthritis etc.). The R&D work has a long-term plan in order to amortise and justify the establishment of laboratories and the transfer of international top scientists, know how and business experts to Qatar," says Tarek Zaazou, CEO SMARD.

According to Zaazou, QSTP provides its tenants "with an academic and highly professional infrastructure and creates a very efficient infrastructure for R&D Projects".

Local Impact and ongoing projects
SMARD will be part of the international research community and will strive to create jobs in the field of biomedical and medical-products for better living.

"Some special projects that need mention are the Innovative Blood Filtration System (used for treatment of septicaemia), the Patient Data Management System (which is complementary to ERP solutions like SAP) and the non-invasive Blood Glucose Measuring System (which employs advanced molecular physics technology and is now being improved and miniaturised for production and general use)."

The Innovative Blood Filtration System has successfully passed clinical trials and hospital use. Production facilities for series production are already under construction. Research continues on other medical indications, such as diabetes, rheumatism, lupus and arthritis (chronic inflammatory diseases).

"We successfully presented the data from our clinical immunoabsorption study on sepsis performed at the Charite School of Medicine, University Medicine Berlin, Germany at several occasions, e.g. at the 6th World Congress of the International Society for Apheresis / 11th Congress of the World Apheresis Association in Yokohama in Japan in March 2007. The results of this study were highly appreciated by the world-wide apheresis community and were awarded with the Abel-Rowntree-Turner Award 2007 at this Congress."

The state-of-the-art-patient Data Management System which is already in hospital use and being prepared for market expansion is a system will soon have more than 30 installations in hospitals and premature baby wards. It is going to be installed eg in all ICUs in the fourth largest hospital worldwide/the largest hospital in Europe (Vienna)

The Non-invasive (no finger pricking) Blood Glucose Measuring System has a huge potential for both, expansion to quantify other blood parameters, as well as providing a new market for medical wireless telemetry for mobile telecom industry. Moreover, this technique can be expanded to the pharmaceutical 'Fermentor-Technology Sector'.

TCE
Optimum Designs

TCE has been involved in research-based activities for eons and they decided to be a part of the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) in order to get an opportunity to interact with global majors especially in the field related to energy & environmental sectors. To achieve this objective, TCE has set up a subsidiary TCE QSTP-LLC at QSTP, Doha, Qatar. The major activities of this subsidiary will be applied research related to energy, water and material science.

According to Dr Bomi Patel, General Manager, Business Development, global warming and depleting conventional energy resources are major concerns and as a consulting house, TCE has been making continuous efforts to incorporate suitable design features to address these problems. This is done by way of incorporating design features to enhance system efficiency to reduce energy consumption and maximising use of renewable energy resources in order to reduce consumption of conventional fuels.

"The broad areas considered for R&D activities by TCE are Green Buildings, Solar Energy and Nano Technology."

"Large complexes being constructed world-wide, consume large quantum of energy both directly (during operational phase) and indirectly (while producing construction material). There is therefore a dire need to take a holistic look and evaluate life cycle costing while designing such facilities. A sustainable facility inter-alia incorporating sustainable Green Building Design is the answer.

"It will maximise the use of the renewable energy resources and the facilities designed taking into account locally available building materials produced with low energy consumption. Though simple in concept, the material selection, its conjunction and juxtaposition in the building require to be evolved in an iterative manner. It will also involve developing complicated software to address all the factors based on input for local conditions and the proposed life of the facilities and its components. It is proposed to develop a sustainable Green Building Design Software which will integrate all the systems (renewable energy use, optimised HVAC system, lighting energy reduction, water conservation, utilisation of waste for energy generation, etc.) to get the most suitable building design for local conditions in Qatar. This software can be used for design of facilities that leads to significant reduction of overall energy consumption and emissions," says Dr Patel.

Solar Energy
Solar energy has been the prime source of all energy in the world including formation of fossil fuels and TCE intends to maximise use of this free and abundant source of natural energy. "Qatar is bestowed with high level of solar insolation. Vast tracts of uninhabited land are available in Qatar and development of solar-based thermal power plants will help the nation to reduce its internal petroleum consumption and earn revenue plus environmental benefit would also accrue on account of reduction in emissions."

Nano Technology
"Most of the leading institutes are developing nano particles which when developed in to practical applications can bring immense benefit to society. The gap can be bridged by taking up the experimental work to field in close cooperation and collaboration with universities/ institutions," he says.

Environment
Another topic on the agenda is the prediction of emission here and for this Dr Patel says, "Prediction of emission at coastline requires consideration of hot and cold wind occurring simultaneously, which can be modelled in a software package. A useful tool for accurate monitoring of emission levels across long coastline of Qatar can be developed."

TRL
The Strength of Heritage

Being an internationally recognised centre of excellence providing world-class research, consultancy, testing and certification for all aspects of transport, TRL brings 75 years of research experience, product development and accumulated specialist knowledge to QSTP. "This provides key skills in implementing evidence-based research, providing solutions and developing new technologies. TRL has an international reputation for being at the forefront of developments in the transport sector," said Hassan Khaled, Country Manager, TRL.

Ambience at QSTP
As the apex research outfit, QSTP provides the ideal surroundings for a company such as TRL. "Being in close proximity with like-minded businesses and local universities, provides the perfect platform for collaboration opportunities to develop technologies through research and proof of concept studies. Helping to develop 'future practice' by undertaking ground-breaking research will help to place Qatar at the forefront of knowledge generation in the region."

Dealings with transport organisations
TRL intends to participate in regional/local transport affairs at both Government and private sector levels. "We will also interface with academia and international experts to educate and disseminate knowledge."

As a company, TRL works with organisations from the public and private sectors on all aspects of transportation. As for the prospects that Khaled foresees for TRL, he says, "Initially our work will be focused in the public sector. However, we see partnerships between the public and private as key to successful development of the transport industry. Other partnerships might cover the energy sector. TRL will therefore encourage and champion such partnerships as this model has proved very successful in the UK." TRL is already in discussion with Ashghal to provide assistance in improving the quality of roads, development of an asset management strategy and appropriate procedures and training.

QUWIC
A New Wireless Era

Qatar's run-up to the knowledge-based society is set to takes years of prudent planning and execution of long-term strategies, yet it cannot be real without the right world-class R&D bodies that can take it up. Qatar University Wireless Innovations Centre (QUWIC) is one of QSTP's prominent players, which focuses its activities on applied research in areas of wireless systems, applications and services.

The presence of QUWIC is supposed to take the wireless industry in Qatar to a new era.
"Having the Wireless Centre at QSTP will enhance foster collaboration possibilities and opportunities between QU and the QSTP communities. The QUWIC will benefit from the excellent QSTP industry-driven research environment as well as from interacting and networking with lead companies and research centres stationed at QSTP," said Dr Adnan Abu-Dayya, Executive Director, QUWIC, adding, "It is a true reflection of the commitment QU places on applied research and technology development activities."

Area of Specialty
"QUWIC is a technical R&D centre with focus on applied research in areas of wireless systems, applications and services. Through its diverse research, consulting and education programmes, it intends to help position Qatar overtime as a lab for innovations and technology development in the telecommunications area.

"We are early in the start-up phase with a clear focus on preparing the facility, recruiting professional staff, fine-tuning some launch projects, and partnering locally and globally."

QUWC has the key goal of developing new wireless applications for Qatar-specific industries such as oil and gas, healthcare, security, and transportation.
"QUWIC is a very young centre. It is currently focusing on putting the building blocks for creating a strong organisation. The centre will focus on 1-2 projects initially and will grow over time to cover more areas. To that end, discussions are ongoing with key entities in a number of segments including healthcare, environment and oil & gas," says Dr Abu-Dayya.The Centre is going to add new activities with its official launch at QSTP.

"We are working on establishing relationships with key partners who may help us accelerate executing our strategy. Building relationships with the right partners and at the right knowledge level are key enablers for any new organisation like QUWIC. The Centre will participate in the exhibition being organized on the day of the QSTP inauguration. The exhibition will showcase some of the centre activities and elaborate on some of the early projects," says Dr Abu-Dayya.

In a Nutshell
QUWIC is a new R&D Centre established by Qatar University in collaboration with QSTP.
A platform for carrying out customer-minded applied research and championing technology development programmes, it provides consulting services, and educational and training activities in areas of wireless/telecomm system, applications and services.

Through its diverse programmes and focus on technology and innovations, the Centre will contribute to the making of Qatar as a regional hub for wireless and telecomm R&D.

QRSC
Automation is the Key

The Qatar Robotic Surgery Centre will open at QSTP in the fourth quarter of 2009. Its 1,000 sq m premises will be equipped with three Da Vinci brand medical robots, a simulation operating theatre and a 'tele-mentoring' suite. It aims to train eighty students and fifty surgeons from the region annually, and as many again from overseas.

If all these sounds like tall claims, it is not, for the Qatar Robotic Surgery Centre (QRSC) has its path clearly charted and this is just the beginning, says Jan Nuyens, Manager, QRSC.

"The Qatar Robotic Surgery Centre aims to become a focal point of world-class expertise in robotic surgery. The Centre will have three main activities, demonstration of robotic surgery technology, training of surgeons, nurses and medical teams. Our training programmes will be offered as a commercial service internationally. Currently only two comparable training centers in robotic surgery exist worldwide and our Centre is going to be the first in the Middle-East. And the third is research and development. We intend to further the development of the existing robotic surgery equipment and technology, develop innovative training platforms and tools and new clinical procedures for robotic surgery. We aim to eventually contribute to the development of next generation surgical robots."

On how these procedures will benefit the country and its healthcare institutions, Nuyens says, "It is our ambition to put Qatar at the forefront of robotic surgery, in training and R&D, but also in clinical practice of the technology.

"Our training activities ensure that we will develop a pool of world-class robotic surgeons in Qatar. We want to stimulate clinical practice of the technology in the country. Partnerships with Hamad Hospital and other hospitals will be essential in this. In the end, this will benefit the quality of healthcare provided in Qatar.

"Robotic Surgery is a relatively new technology. There is a lot of room for innovation and development. We want Qatar to play an important role in this field on an international level. We will do that through (1) performing research at the Centre, (2) collaborating with important research centres worldwide and (3) stimulating Qatar-based research with our local partner organisations."

Partnerships working in tandem
Nuyens is upbeat on the QSTP partnership and feels that they both have common goals for the country.

"QSTP is clearly conceived as a hub for research and technology development. This is reflected both in the building and in the organisation. The building, with its wide open spaces and a lot of light, and the entire site is inspiring and stimulate creativity. Moreover the presence of research departments of so many world-class organisations is exceptional. This gives the Park a unique combination of professionalism and innovativeness that will attract many more technology driven companies in the future. I am convinced that QSTP will be the motor of Qatar's future knowledge based economy."

High Goals
The general goal of Qatar Robotic Surgery Centre is to become a focal point of world-class expertise in robotic surgery.
"We are already collaborating with Imperial College London and will collaborate with expert surgeons and research institutions worldwide. We are committed to perform training and research activities of world-class level.

"Locally, we want to stimulate clinical practice, research and other robotic surgery related activities in Qatar. We will do this through collaborations and partnerships with universities and healthcare organisations in the country, for instance with Hamad Medical Corporation.

"The Qatar Robotic Surgery Centre is initiated by QSTP and Qatar Foundation. We will work along with QSTP very intensively and we intend also to collaborate with other (future) tenants in the field of robotics, medical imaging, etc."