SDG 09: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

UDST team second at Shell Eco-Marathon Europe and Africa 2025

JUNE 2025

The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) Wolves Racing Team achieved second place in the Autonomous Urban Concept category at the Shell Eco-Marathon Europe and Africa 2025. The student-built autonomous electric vehicle was fully designed and developed in-house, demonstrating applied engineering skills, automation expertise, and sustainable mobility solutions. This marked UDST’s debut in the autonomous vehicle category, competing against 120 teams from 25 countries. The project showcases students’ capabilities in vehicle engineering, compliance with stringent European autonomous driving regulations, and the university’s commitment to hands-on, real-world innovation in line with advanced applied education principles. 

Participating in Web Summit 2025 Through Its Business Incubator UHUB

FEBRUARY 2025

University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) will participate in Web Summit 2025 to showcase its contributions to innovation, entrepreneurship, and university-based startup success through its UHUB business incubator. The university will host workshops, networking sessions, and discussions aimed at fostering collaboration between entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders. These events will focus on commercializing university research, supporting startup growth, and strengthening the link between academia and industry. The summit will also provide a platform for UDST to establish new local and international partnerships to enhance its role in technology and innovation. 

Participating in the 3rd International Scientific Conference on CSR Research 2025

FEBRUARY 2025

UDST participated in the 3rd International Scientific Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility Research 2025. The event brought together distinguished experts and leaders to discuss the role of artificial intelligence and innovation in advancing social responsibility and sustainable development across various sectors. UDST’s delegation included Dr. Rachid Benlamri, Vice President of Academics, who joined notable speakers such as H.E. Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, State Minister and President of Qatar National Library, Dr. Dawood Al-Hidabi, representative of the International Islamic University Malaysia, Dr. Muhammad bin Saif Al-Kuwari, the Deputy Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee. The conference addressed key themes including AI in CSR practices, technology’s impact on inclusive education, innovation in sports, healthcare, and government sectors, and the legal and ethical considerations of AI in social development. 

Winning Google Cloud Research Excellence Award in Cloud and Infra AI

JUNE 2025

University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) received the Google Cloud Research Excellence Award in Cloud and Infra AI at the Google Cloud Summit in Doha. The award recognized UDST’s contributions to applied research through its G-Lab, which focuses on big data analytics, bioinformatics, engineering, and high-performance cloud computing. Supported by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, this achievement highlights the university’s commitment to research excellence and technological innovation. 

Our Team Winning Second Place at Global Huawei ICT Competition in China

JUNE 2025

The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) achieved global recognition after its student team secured second place in the Innovation Track of the Huawei ICT Competition 2024–2025 Global Final held in Shenzhen, China. The team’s project, “Be My Sense,” is an AI-powered solution designed to support deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals through real-time translation, smart wearables, and digital assistance, promoting accessibility and inclusivity. This accomplishment highlights UDST’s dedication to nurturing innovative and socially impactful graduates who contribute to technological advancement and global competitiveness. 

Researchers Present Innovative Project on Predatory Publishing at Global Congress

SEPTEMBER 2025

A team of undergraduate researchers from UDST showcased their work at the 89th World Library and Information Congress in Astana, Kazakhstan. The project, led by students Muzan Abbas from College of Computing and Information Technology, Esther Makumbe and Mohamed Owais Elahi from the College of Engineering Technology, and Antonio Miguel from the College of Business, focused on gamifying education around predatory publishing. Supported by their mentors, Kevin McCormick and Khadija Mahsud from the Library Services Directorate, the team is developing a digital escape room game designed to train graduate students and early career researchers in identifying predatory journals and conferences. The initiative is part of UDST’s Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP), funded by the Qatar Research Development and Innovation Council (QRDI). 

QatarEnergy LNG hosts 19th Engineering Conference, showcases innovation

SEPTEMBER 2025

This article from Qatar Tribune highlights QatarEnergy LNG’s 19th Engineering Conference, held at the Qatar National Convention Centre, which brought together professionals, academics, and industry leaders to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration in the oil and gas sector. The conference emphasized innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation, aligning with Qatar’s national vision for sustainable energy growth. 
Key themes included digitalization, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, decarbonization initiatives, asset life extension, and energy efficiency, demonstrating a strong focus on both technological advancement and environmental responsibility. UDST was among the contributing academic institutions, participating in research and knowledge exchange alongside major industry players like QatarEnergy, ExxonMobil, and Qatar Shell. 
Through its engagement, the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) showcased its role in advancing applied research, fostering academia–industry collaboration, and supporting capacity-building in Qatar’s energy sector. The conference served as a bridge between academic innovation and industrial application, reinforcing UDST’s commitment to applied learning and sustainable development. 

SDG aligned Projects

2025

1. Simulating Autonomous Vehicle Performance in Desert Environments: Enhancing Public Safety in Qatar through Video Game Technology
2. Scalable and Touchless Palm Vein Recognition with Mobile App Support for Efficient and Secure Student Attendance Management in Higher Education
3. Proof of Concept for a Smart Connected Campus: Optimizing Operations, Enhancing Teaching, and Supporting Research

Shaping the Future of Digital Safety: UDST’s International Symposium on Cybersecurity in Industry

JANUARY 2024

University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) hosted the opening ceremony of the International Symposium on Cybersecurity, highlighting the challenges, opportunities, and applications across various industries. Organized by the College of Computing and Information Technology (CCIT) in partnership with Qatar’s National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) and Palo Alto Networks, the event emphasized Qatar’s commitment to digital security. The symposium featured keynote speakers and experts from Qatar, Germany, and the USA, discussing cybersecurity’s role in national and international security. Dr. Salem Al-Naemi, President of UDST, emphasized the importance of bridging academia and industry to address cybersecurity challenges. Dr. Zakaria Maamar, Dean of CCIT, highlighted the value of creating forums for discussions to equip students with practical knowledge from industry professionals. The two-day event set a high standard for future cybersecurity dialogues, aiming to foster collaborations and advancements in the field.

UDST Launches Innovative Glab Powered by Google Cloud

JUNE 2024

The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) has launched the UDST Glab, powered by Google Cloud and supported by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. This state-of-the-art facility will transform research in IT, engineering technology, business analytics, and bioinformatics. Google Cloud’s scalable, secure, and flexible platform, featuring Google Compute, Storage, BigQuery, and Google AI Tools, will support advanced simulations, data analysis, and innovation. The Glab offers rapid prototyping and collaboration opportunities with Google’s engineers, enabling UDST’s community to explore new ideas and accelerate discoveries. This initiative equips students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge cloud solutions, preparing them for the future job market and ensuring they remain at the forefront of technological advancements.

Energy Industry Conference in Partnership with PetroSkills

OCTOBER 2024

UDST, in collaboration with PetroSkills, hosted a conference on “Managing the Transition in Competency-Based Learning and Development in the Energy Industry,” bringing together industry leaders from the oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors, as well as government officials. The event focused on adapting to rapid transformations in the energy sector by building a skilled workforce and emphasized competency-based continuous learning, integrating digital technologies, promoting safety, and developing skills for the transition to a low-carbon economy. Dr. Salem Al-Naemi, President of UDST, highlighted the importance of equipping the workforce with essential skills, while Hamad Al-Kuwari, Director of Continuing Education, stressed the valuable insights gained from the discussions. Ford Brett, CEO of PetroSkills, noted the industry’s need for new skills to address emerging challenges. The conference reinforced UDST’s commitment to supporting Qatar National Vision 2030 by advancing education and contributing to the sustainable development of the energy sector.