The Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council, in partnership with Sidra Medicine, has launched a new call for innovation through the Qatar Open Innovation (QOI) program.
This initiative aims to develop new sample extraction technologies for genome sequencing that can be applied universally. Startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and corporations are invited to submit their proposals by July 18, 2024.
Dr. Abdelhak Belaidi, RDI Program Manager at QRDI Council, stated, “Through our collaboration with Sidra Medicine, we aim to drive healthcare innovation in Qatar to tackle major global challenges. This call for innovation combines scientific research and innovation to create effective solutions, aligning with the QRDI 2030 Strategy to build a strong RDI framework for Qatar’s National Vision 2030.”
Dr. Ammira Akil, the lead principal investigator at Sidra Medicine, explained the opportunity: “We are excited to work on developing a less invasive and cost-effective method for newborn blood sampling to improve genome research. Currently, traditional methods like dried blood spots provide limited DNA quality and quantity. Our new approach aims to ensure high-quality DNA samples, enabling large-scale genome sequencing and better early disease detection for newborns globally.”
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The initiative seeks to create a standardized clinical sampling technique for newborn genome sequencing that is painless and less invasive, aiming for early detection of genetic conditions and large-scale genomic research.
This is the second call for innovation launched in 2024 by Sidra Medicine and the QRDI Council. Earlier this year, they sought proposals for a non-invasive diagnostic device to identify smell dysfunction quickly.
The Qatar Open Innovation program serves as a key platform for startups and innovators to collaborate with government and corporate partners, creating solutions for the country’s pressing challenges in energy, health, sustainability, society, and digital technology, as outlined in the QRDI Strategy 2030.
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