5 hours ago
Qatar launches own AI firm, partners with Google Cloud
State-backed AI company and university–industry collaboration aim to boost national innovation capacity
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DOHA, Qatar (MNTV) — Qatar has initiated two major moves to accelerate its artificial intelligence ambitions: the creation of Qai, a new state-backed AI company, and a strategic collaboration between Qatar University (QU) and Google Cloud designed to deepen national research and development capabilities.
Qai — backed by the Qatar Investment Authority — represents one of the country’s most significant steps toward building sovereign AI infrastructure.
Officials said the company will operate advanced computing systems, support responsible AI deployment across government and industry, and position Qatar as a regional hub for secure and values-aligned AI development.
The new entity will also invest internationally, partner with global technology firms, and cultivate cross-border innovation networks.
Leaders described Qai as a centralized platform to unify policy, research and commercialization efforts that were previously dispersed across different institutions.
The mandate includes strengthening national resilience in key sectors such as healthcare, finance, energy and transport by enabling secure, scalable AI integration.
In parallel, QU announced a comprehensive collaboration with Google Cloud aimed at upgrading its AI research ecosystem and enhancing digital transformation efforts.
The partnership — aligned with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and Digital Agenda 2030 — introduces three major initiatives: the QU Spark AI Innovation Hub, an upgraded university-wide AI platform through Gemini Enterprise, and expanded access to advanced AI development tools.
The Spark AI Innovation Hub, opening by early 2026, will provide students and researchers with high-performance AI infrastructure, including NVIDIA GPUs, Google Cloud TPUs, and full access to Vertex AI.
QU leaders said the center is intended to cultivate a new generation of AI specialists while enabling research with real-world impact.
Google Cloud executives noted that the partnership equips QU with enterprise-grade tools for deep research, agent development, and applied AI solutions, reinforcing Qatar’s broader strategy to build a knowledge-based economy.
Together, the launch of Qai and the QU–Google collaboration mark a coordinated national effort to fortify Qatar’s competitive position as Gulf states accelerate their own AI strategies.
Officials emphasized that Qatar’s approach prioritizes public trust, security, and innovation that reflects regional values.
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