This week’s Mobile World Congress in Doha marked a pivotal announcement by imec, a global pioneer in nanoelectronics and digital innovation, unveiling plans for a new research and development hub set to open in Qatar by early 2026. Supported by Invest Qatar and the Qatar Research,
Development & Innovation (QRDI) Council, this centre aims to harness Qatar’s leading infrastructure to spur innovation and technological progression, establishing imec as a prominent presence throughout the Gulf region.
Mobile World Congress in Doha
During the event, imec formalised a partnership with Invest Qatar and QRDI to create the dedicated hub, backed by the Qatari government.
The agreement was signed in the presence of H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Secretary General of the National Planning Council.
Accelerating digital transformation
The hub aims to develop essential tools known as process design kits (PDKs) for pioneering technologies
A key focus of imec’s new facility, located at Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), will be to drive digital transformation via its IC-Link chip design expertise in Qatar and the broader Middle East.
The hub aims to develop essential tools known as process design kits (PDKs) for pioneering technologies such as silicon photonics and 3D integrated circuits. Additionally, it will examine innovative design workflows and employ AI in crafting custom chips.
The hub is also set to advance AI solutions tailored to infrastructure optimisation and develop deep-tech innovations geared toward sustainability.
Nurturing semiconductor talent
Beyond research and development, imec is dedicated to cultivating semiconductor expertise in the region through development programs, internships, and PhD collaborations with universities and industry partners.
This initiative aligns with imec’s open innovation model and aims to secure a robust semiconductor talent pipeline. The hub plans to begin recruitment immediately, with a target of 100 employees by 2030, covering roles in site management, research, and engineering.
Internationalisation strategy
Luc Van den hove, imec’s President and CEO, commented, “After growing our footprint across Europe, the USA and Asia, we are proud to add another chapter to our internationalisation strategy with the launch of our Qatar hub. With this regional hub, we aim to contribute to the region’s growing momentum in semiconductor innovation and its broader shift toward a diversified, sustainable economy.”
He further reflected on the region’s investment in advanced technologies, highlighting imec’s commitment to supporting this shift through deep tech expertise and talent development.
Strength of Qatar’s investment ecosystem
Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO of Invest Qatar, noted, “This partnership with imec is a testament to the strength of Qatar’s investment ecosystem and world-class infrastructure in attracting global industry leaders. Ranked the region's top in foreign investment policy, Qatar solidifies its role as a hub for advanced technologies and sustainable R&D investments.”
He emphasised the potential for creating new opportunities for talent development and fostering high-tech investments with imec’s expanded presence.
Partnering with imec
Eng. Omar Ali Al-Ansari, Secretary-General of the QRDI Council, declared, “Partnering with imec marks an important milestone in positioning Qatar as a hub for R&D-driven innovation and a trusted node in the global technology ecosystem. This collaboration will strengthen local capabilities in advanced computing and AI hardware, build world-class talent, and accelerate technology transfer.”
He underscored that this alliance sets the groundwork for Qatar’s focus on AI and computing, crucial to its future competitiveness and economic diversification, aligned with the Third National Development Strategy.
At this week’s Mobile World Congress Doha, imec – a global pioneer in nanoelectronics and digital innovation – unveiled its plans to launch a regional research & development hub in Qatar in early 2026.
Supported by Invest Qatar, the country’s investment promotion agency, and the Qatar Research, Development & Innovation Council (QRDI), the centre will leverage Qatar’s state-of-the-art infrastructure to drive innovation and technology-led growth, while serving as a regional hub to expand imec’s footprint across the Gulf.
Motivated by the growing need for economic diversification, sustainability, and technological growth, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are increasingly articulating their ambitions in advanced semiconductor development.
Mobile World Congress in Doha
At this week’s Mobile World Congress in Doha, imec signed an agreement with Invest Qatar and QRDI to establish a dedicated research & development hub in Qatar supported by the government of Qatar.
The signing was witnessed by H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Secretary General of the National Planning Council.
Accelerating the digital transformation
Located in Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), imec’s research & development facility will focus on accelerating the digital transformation and bringing IC-Link by imec’s chip design expertise to Qatar and the broader Middle East.
The regional hub will support the creation of essential design tools – known as process design kits (PDKs) – for emerging technologies like silicon photonics, 3D integrated circuits, and silicon interposers. Additionally, it will explore innovative design workflows and the use of generative and agent-based AI in the development of custom chips (ASICs).
Furthermore, imec will focus on developing advanced AI solutions to optimise infrastructure, and deep-tech innovations targetting applications for a sustainable society.
Nurturing semiconductor talent
Next to R&D, imec will nurture semiconductor talent through development programs, internships, and PhD initiatives in collaboration with universities, companies, and startups, across various industries.
These efforts, which builds on imec’s proven model of open innovation, contribute to establishing a robust semiconductor talent pipeline in the region. Imec’s Qatar hub will start hiring immediately and aims to reach 100 employees by 2030. Roles will include site management, R&D, research engineering and support positions.
Internationalisation strategy
“After growing our footprint across Europe, the USA and Asia, we are proud to add another chapter to our internationalisation strategy with the launch of our Qatar hub. With this regional hub, we aim to contribute to the region’s growing momentum in semiconductor innovation and its broader shift toward a diversified, sustainable economy."
“As the region invests in advanced compute and energy technologies, and advanced chip design, we’re committed to supporting this transformation through deep tech expertise, regional talent development, and partnerships built on mutual respect and global collaboration,” said Luc Van den hove, imec’s President and CEO.
Strength of Qatar’s investment ecosystem
“This partnership with imec is a testament to the strength of Qatar’s investment ecosystem and world-class infrastructure in attracting global industry leaders. Ranked first in the region for foreign investment policy and equipped with state-of-the-art digital infrastructure, Qatar is solidifying its position as a regional hub for advanced technologies and sustainable R&D investments.”
“We look forward to supporting imec in deepening its footprint in Qatar and expanding in the region, while jointly accelerating our national innovation agenda and creating new opportunities for talent development and high-tech investment,” added Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO of Invest Qatar.
Partnering with imec
“Partnering with imec marks an important milestone in positioning Qatar as a hub for R&D-driven innovation and a trusted node in the global technology ecosystem. This collaboration will strengthen local capabilities in advanced computing and AI hardware, build world-class talent, and accelerate technology transfer across research and industry.”
“In doing so, it lays the foundation for Qatar’s emerging AI and compute focus—a cornerstone of our future competitiveness and economic diversification, in line with the Third National Development Strategy,” Eng. Omar Ali Al-Ansari, Secretary-General, Qatar Research, Development & Innovation (QRDI) Council.
