Doha: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Ministry of Sports and Youth, and the Qatar Scientific Club have unveiled the school innovation incubators initiative. The launch event took place at the Qatar Scientific Club headquarters, with attendance from notable figures including HE Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai, HE Minister of Sports and Youth Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Thani, and HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, along with senior officials and representatives from partner entities.
According to Qatar News Agency, the ceremony featured a panel discussion with the ministers and officials, an introductory video on the joint projects, and a ceremony honoring schools and partners. The initiative, supported by the Social and Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM), seeks to foster a school environment conducive to innovation and scientific thinking, equipping students with skills in science, technology, and research, to enhance their future contribution to a sustainable knowledge economy.
Director of the Youth Affairs Department at the Ministry of Sports and Youth, Fawaz Abdullah Al Musaifri, confirmed that eight innovation incubators have been established across the country, each supervised by the Qatar Scientific Club. Faculty members from participating schools have undergone specialized training courses to qualify them to train students using the incubators, both during summer and the upcoming academic year.
Al Musaifri emphasized that this initiative aligns with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Ministry of Sports and Youth's vision of nurturing active and responsible youth. The initiative aims to involve outstanding students in the Club's activities and events, as well as in various external participations through the Ministry of Sports and Youth and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
Fatima Al Mohannadi, Director of Administrative and Financial Affairs at the Qatar Scientific Club, stated that the initiative involves eight schools, evenly distributed between boys and girls. The aim is to enhance students' skills in science, including technology, engineering, and mathematics, and provide an environment similar to the Qatar Scientific Club's digital manufacturing labs, equipped with the latest technical tools.
The Assistant Director of the Educational Guidance Department at MOEHE highlighted the initiative's goal to promote creative learning among students and move away from traditional methods. The initiative spans eight municipalities through the participating schools and features laboratories for digital manufacturing, 3D printing, robotics, artificial intelligence, electronics, and communications. These facilities are designed to help students transform ideas into viable prototypes, with technical training provided to teaching staff.
Students showcased their innovative projects during the event, demonstrating their learning and the application of their ideas. A group photo marked the occasion, and organizers expressed pride in the initiative as a practical integration of education and innovation, contributing to a confident and productive generation that supports Qatar National Vision 2030.
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education invited parents to explore the Maarif portal's summer clubs section on its website for innovation programs, offering a range of activities for children interested in innovation.