Key Takeaways
- Web Summit Qatar 2026 brought together 30,274 participants from 127 countries, marking a record attendance.
- The event saw a 27 percent increase in global investors, with over 1,000 investors attending and more than 77 agreements signed.
- The PITCH startup competition crowned Plantaform from Canada as the winner, with strong engagement in the Startup Qatar Pavilion.
- Key themes included artificial intelligence, fintech, and digital economies, supporting Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
- New initiatives promised USD 2 billion in investments and a 10-year residency option for entrepreneurs.
Web Summit Qatar 2026 ended on 4 February 2026 after four days of events in Doha. The summit brought together leaders from technology, business, government, and investment sectors. Participants attended discussions focused on innovation, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship. The event marked the third edition of the global technology conference hosted in Qatar.
Attendance reached 30,274 participants from 127 countries. This figure exceeded previous editions. The summit welcomed 1,637 startups, including companies at early and growth stages. Women-founded startups represented 38 percent of participating companies. Nearly 1,000 global investors attended the event.
Global Participation and Investment Activity at Web Summit Qatar 2026
Web Summit Qatar 2026 recorded a 27 percent increase in investor attendance compared to the previous year. Venture capital firms, private equity groups, and institutional investors engaged with startups throughout the summit. Despite global investment challenges, investor interest remained strong.
More than 77 memoranda of understanding were signed during the event. These agreements involved Qatari institutions and international technology companies. The partnerships focused on innovation, entrepreneurship support, and digital development.
Startup Competitions and Innovation Programs
The PITCH startup competition highlighted emerging companies. Plantaform from Canada won the competition. &Again from the United Arab Emirates and GluxKind from Canada were finalists.
The Startup Qatar Pavilion attracted strong engagement. New government initiatives were presented during the summit. These included USD 2 billion in new investment programs, a 10-year residency option for entrepreneurs, and fast-track business setup services for participating startups.
Technology Themes and Industry Focus
Sessions at Web Summit Qatar 2026 covered artificial intelligence, fintech, sustainability, gaming, virtual reality, energy solutions, and digital economies. A Startup Showcase featured companies developing solutions for regional and global markets.
The summit supported Qatar’s long-term strategy to strengthen its technology ecosystem and expand international collaboration under Qatar National Vision 2030.