Doha, Qatar, 9 September 2025: Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council, in strategic collaboration with Qatar's General Electricity & Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA), has announced the launch of three new open innovation calls aimed at encouraging technological solutions in artificial intelligence, smart efficient energy infrastructure, and autonomous robotics in customer service.
The calls are part of the QRDI Council’s broader Innovation Opportunities initiative, which seeks to attract leading technology providers, startups, and research-driven enterprises to co-develop scalable solutions tailored for Qatar’s needs.
The newly launched innovation calls are:
1. Detecting and Responding to Customer Emotions in Real-time
This call invites AI and technology providers to develop emotionally intelligent, real-time recognition systems capable of detecting and responding to customer sentiment across KAHRAMAA’s customer-related digital channels, including WhatsApp, voice telephony, and web platforms.
2. Enhancing Grid Stability for Qatar’s Expanding EV Charging Network
With Qatar targeting a major expansion in electric vehicle infrastructure by 2030, this innovation call seeks strong technologies to ensure grid reliability and efficiency during peak charging events at peak load. The aim is to develop smarter systems that mitigate voltage fluctuations, power quality issues, and overloading risks.
3. Intelligent Bilingual Robotic Awareness System for KAHRAMAA Awareness Park
This call invites innovators to design and deploy interactive, autonomous robots capable of guiding and educating visitors at the KAHRAMAA Awareness Park of energy efficiency and conservation technologies at the park. These bilingual robots will serve as intelligent ambassadors delivering immersive content, collecting engagement data, and enhancing visitor experiences.
Nada Al-Olaqi, Senior Director, Innovation Development & Piloting Programs at QRDI Council said: "Through the Open Innovation Program, QRDI Council continues to strengthen Qatar’s innovation ecosystem by collaborating with government stakeholders and technology companies. These challenges reflect Qatar’s priority sectors, and we invite companies to bring forward innovative solutions that address real-world challenges. Through these projects with KAHRAMAA, QRDI Council is encouraging the development of advanced technologies tailored to Qatar’s unique needs, from autonomous robotic systems and resilient EV charging solutions to AI-powered customer interaction platforms, paving the way for smarter, more adaptive infrastructure”
Eng. Mariam Kafood, Head of Creativity, Innovation and Scientific Research (CIRincubator), KAHRAMAA said
“As we accelerate our journey towards digital transformation and sustainability, KAHRAMAA remains committed to pioneering solutions that not only enhance operational excellence but also place our customers at the heart of every innovation. These open innovation calls, launched in collaboration with QRDI Council, embody our vision to harness the power of artificial intelligence, smart energy infrastructure, and autonomous robotics to shape a sustainable and customer-centric future for Qatar. By inviting the world’s brightest minds to co-create with us, we reaffirm our dedication to energy efficiency and transformative digital experiences that benefit both our society and the environment.”
This initiative supports Qatar's ambition, as outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030, to become a global testbed for frontier innovation. It encourages partnerships between solution providers and local stakeholders, offering joint development opportunities, financial support, and access to key national infrastructure.
The selected proposals will enter co-development phases with QRDI Council and KAHRAMAA, with opportunities for scaling, licensing, and long-term supplier partnerships.
To find out more information on these calls please visit: https://innolight.qrdi.org.qa/