Qatar Development Bank (QDB) has been honored with the Startup Ecosystem Star (SES) 2025 Award by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Mind the Bridge. The award recognizes institutions that have demonstrated exceptional leadership, sustained impact, and excellence in developing innovation ecosystems on a global scale.
The announcement was made during a ceremony at ICC headquarters in Paris, organized in collaboration with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the European Commission.
QDB said in a statement on Tuesday that the SES Award reflects the bank’s significant contributions to fostering innovation across three key categories: Best-in-class Startup Programs, Outstanding Investment Boost, and Exceptional Industry Support. “The recognition across these categories highlights our comprehensive approach to creating a nurturing, flexible and competitive environment for startups, while reinforcing our position as a key driver of innovation within the global entrepreneurship ecosystem,” the statement said.
The award underscores QDB’s commitment to providing entrepreneurs with a complete support ecosystem, ranging from training and advisory services to incubation and acceleration programs. It also emphasizes the bank’s role in advancing the venture capital landscape by attracting both local and international investment.
QDB has actively promoted the participation of the private sector, supported exports, and enabled the growth of Qatar’s industrial sector through close collaboration with partners and relevant stakeholders across the country. According to the bank, these efforts contribute to building a strong foundation for sustainable economic growth and the development of a dynamic startup community.
“This award reflects our ongoing dedication to supporting entrepreneurs and fostering innovation across Qatar,” QDB said. The bank has consistently sought to provide startups with the tools and resources needed to scale, innovate, and compete in regional and global markets.
The SES Awards, established by ICC and Mind the Bridge, aim to recognize institutions that demonstrate measurable impact in nurturing entrepreneurial ecosystems, promoting investment in startups, and supporting industry development. QDB’s recognition in multiple categories demonstrates its multi-dimensional approach to building a thriving ecosystem that benefits both entrepreneurs and the wider economy.
The ceremony in Paris highlighted the importance of international collaboration in strengthening innovation networks and sharing best practices. QDB’s award places it among a select group of global institutions acknowledged for excellence in developing supportive environments where startups can grow and prosper.
The recognition strengthens Qatar’s position as a regional hub for entrepreneurship and innovation and highlights the country’s commitment to advancing its knowledge-based economy through strategic investment in startups and innovation-driven enterprises.
