DEEP Academy Qatar
Scientists generate groundbreaking discoveries — but bringing them from lab to market requires more than research excellence. Designed for aspiring sciencepreneurs, DEEP Academy Qatar equips researchers with practical entrepreneurial skills, real-world startup experience, and expert guidance to turn scientific innovation into viable ventures with societal impact.
Bringing together insights from innovation, investment, academia, and entrepreneurial practice, the program prepares scientists to step confidently beyond the lab and navigate the shift from research-focused thinking to business-driven action.
The Deep Academy Qatar is jointly delivered by the DEEP Institute at ESMT Berlin, the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI) and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA).
Key facts
Your profile
- Qatar-based researchers who aim to translate scientific work into real-world impact. Focus of first cohort: Life Sciences
- Scientists exploring technology transfer or considering a research-based spin-off
- Comfortable working in English
Topics
- Opportunity Identification: Translating research into market potential
- Commercialization Strategy: Building a structured path from discovery to venture
- Startup Financing: Understanding innovation funding and investment in the Middle East
- Spin-off Formation: From business concept to company launch
- Venture Execution: Turning plans into action
Learning methods
Human-centered and practice-driven
- Entrepreneurial profile assessment
- Interdisciplinary team structure
- Peer-to-peer learning and exchange
- Immersive, entrepreneurship-focused formats
Applied Experience
- Science-based startup simulation
- Participant-led ideation and solution development
- Guidance from experienced entrepreneurial coaches
Benefits
- Unlock your potential – Participants gain structured insight into their entrepreneurial profile and understand how your strengths can contribute effectively to a high-performing venture team.
- Try before you fly – Participants apply their knowledge in a hands-on company-building simulation and experience the key decisions and challenges faced by startup founders.
- Execute with experts – Participants learn directly from experienced entrepreneurs and industry leaders who share practical strategies and real-world lessons from building successful ventures.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the program, participants will:
- Explore the key steps from scientific discovery to company formation
- Critically assess the commercial potential of their technology
- Develop a structured roadmap toward commercialization
- Strengthen their ability to lead, collaborate, and make entrepreneurial decisions
- Build a cross-sector network spanning research and industry
Timeline
Self-paced online
The startup clarity project & entrepreneur core characteristics profile (ECCP).
The ECCP is a standard scientific method to measure a personality preferences and behavioral style relative to a norm group.
Successful entrepreneurs come in many different forms and there is no single entrepreneurial 'type'. However, there are clusters of traits and motivational drivers which are more likely to lend themselves to entrepreneurial leaders who scale a sustainable and profitable business. DEEP Academy Qatar uses psychometric assessments as only one data point to steer overall decision making, to provide new insights and to support participants' learning journeys throughout the program, not to make yes/no decisions about eligibility. Our provider of choice for this assessment is EP Labs. Their data privacy statement is available here.
Doha, Qatar
Four days of in-person sessions focused on entrepreneurial mindset, assessing commercial and market potential, and team effectiveness.
Self-paced project work
Online content and structured team work to refine concepts and advance commercialization plans.
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Live online session on fundamentals of financing innovation.
Doha, Qatar
Three days of in-person sessions dedicated to understanding and dealing with commercial dynamics (Life Science Venturing Simulation), and improving decision making.
FAQs
Who is this program designed for?
Scientists in the life sciences who aim to develop entrepreneurial competencies and explore the path toward becoming science-based founders.
Is the program free of charge?
Yes. The program is fully funded for selected participants.
Do I need a concrete business idea?
No. A defined startup idea is not required to apply.
Is prior entrepreneurial experience required?
No. Prior experience is not required, although initial exposure to entrepreneurship may be beneficial.
Can I apply without institutional affiliation?
To be eligible for the program, you need to be a Qatar-based researcher or affiliated with an academic or research institution in Qatar.
Can I participate while working full-time?
Yes. Participants may join while working full-time. However, you must ensure that you are fully available on all scheduled program days.
What happens if I miss a program day?
Full attendance is strongly recommended, as sessions build on each other. Missing more than 20 percent of the program may require participation in a future cohort.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Participants who complete the program will receive a certificate of completion.
Harald Hungenberg
Merih Sevilir
Sonia Allinson-Penny
Francesco Manzotta
Application information
Application requirements
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Completed online application form submitted by March 10, 2026.
Application timeline
Application close: March 10, 2026
Pre-selection: March 11, 2026
Interview days: March 15-19, 2026
Final admission: March 21, 2026
Application process
- Online application: Submit the application form, including your CV and a brief description of your research or technology.
- Application deadline: March 10, 2026
- Screening and assessment: Applications are reviewed and successful candidates invited for an interview.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited to a 30-min interview.
- Save-the-date: March 15-19, 2026.
- Final selection: Selected participants receive formal confirmation of admission.
Ready to apply?
Take the next step toward translating your research into venture-ready opportunities.
The program team
