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QSTP x Merck FemTech Accelerator
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Publish Date 2/21/2026 Application Deadline 2/28/2026 Opportunity Type Competitions Publisher Foras Khadra Available Countries All World, The Arab World, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Djibouti, Somalia, Comoros Description

The FemTech Accelerator is an acceleration program led by Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) in partnership with Merck to support startups working in women’s health—especially those building deep-tech solutions (such as AI, robotics, and materials science) to address critical unmet needs for women in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and beyond. The program focuses on helping startups scale, build partnerships with healthcare stakeholders, and design and run pilots within Qatar’s innovation ecosystem and across the region, while providing specialized mentorship and connecting participants with partners and investors.
Details
  • Cohort size: 30 FemTech startups.
  • Program format: Multi-stage accelerator with selection/filtering points along the journey.
  • Delivery mode: Hybrid (virtual + in-person in Doha + activities/opportunities across MENA).
  • In-person component in Doha: A two-week in-person immersion for all participants (Doha Immersion).
  • Key dates mentioned:
  • Doha Immersion: two weeks in May (no specific day stated).
  • Demo/Showcase: during WISH in November (no specific year/day stated on the page).
  • Fees/Cost: No participation fee.
  • Equity: QSTP does not take any equity in participating startups under this program.
  • How to apply: Submit the application/interest form via the “Apply Now / register your interest” link on the program page.
  • Language requirements: No official language requirement is specified on the page.
Eligibility Criteria
  • The startup must operate in women’s health / FemTech (e.g., women’s cardiovascular health, autoimmune diseases, mental health, chronic diseases in women, diagnostics, digital health, fertility, and other unmet needs in women’s health).
  • A scalable technology or a clearly tech-driven model.
  • Evidence of traction, such as revenue, pilots, partnerships, or a user base.
  • The startup is operating in MENA or ready to expand into MENA.
  • Founder availability: a founder (or at least a founding team member) must be available to join the full two-week in-person Doha immersion.
  • Clear commitment to delivering measurable impact in women’s health.
  • Stage: Open to early-stage startups as well as scaleups.
  • Location of incorporation: Not restricted to Qatar; startups from anywhere in the world can apply.
Opportunity Benefits
  • Advanced scaling support: Strategic mentorship, expert-led sessions, and hands-on support to strengthen growth plans.
  • Market access in Qatar and the region: Introductions and connections to healthcare providers, regulators, and industry partners.
  • Pilot opportunities: Support to design and run pilots within Qatar’s and the region’s healthcare ecosystem; may include (as needed) access to patients, data, wet labs, and dry labs.
  • Mentorship and networks: Access to QSTP’s ecosystem, a network of mentors and global investors, and Merck’s healthcare/life sciences expertise in women’s health innovation.
  • Investment and partnership readiness: Support for fundraising, partnership development, and governance practices.
  • Visibility and exposure: Opportunities for media visibility and participation in regional showcases and events, including a final demo/showcase.