The Qatar Innovation Community (QIC), which was launched by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) and Ooredoo, works with 20 national and international organisations in an effort to accelerate innovation across Qatar and create solutions for the FIFA World Cup™ and beyond.

The QIC further supports and enables Qatar's innovation capabilities and knowledge capital, and addresses national priorities and looks to enhance Qatar's image and global competitiveness. Recently, members from the SC's Technical Delivery Office, Tournament Readiness Group and Special Projects Office organised the 6^th Qatar Innovation Community Innovation Breakfast at the QSTP's Innovation Centre.

The event was attended by 70 participants from 37 local and international companies and focused on identifying solutions for temporary power supply and sustainability for Qatar 2022. Throughout the event, nine innovation concepts were designed and will be assessed against SC and FIFA requirements before detailed and tangible business cases are developed for each.

Mahmoud Qutub, Senior Advisor, Special Projects Office, and Executive Director of the Workers' Welfare Department, said: “Collaboration and multidisciplinary engagement is critical to addressing the unique challenges we face in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup. The QIC brings together a highly motivated group of experts within local industry, government and academia who are working together to create solutions that will help deliver amazing in 2022. The nine concepts explored at the event are promising and we look forward to working with the group to progress these from concepts to reliable solutions that will meet our needs.”

Eng. Bodour Al Meer, Sustainability & Environment Senior Manager, said: “Hosting a sustainable FIFA World Cup in Qatar comes with unique challenges and opportunities that require innovative solutions. This event engaged local and regional experts to explore what could be possible in terms of providing temporary power with minimal environmental impact. Our environmental priority objectives in relation to temporary power are to reduce carbon emissions and waste while improving local air quality.”

Dario Cadavid, FIFA World Cup Venues Infrastructure Director, said: “It goes without saying that a reliable electrical power supply is one of the basic requirements for hosting the FIFA World Cup. The additional infrastructure and temporary facilities that are required in a particular venue push the electrical demands to levels well above and beyond normal.”

He added: “It is imperative that efficient use of temporary power maintains the required level of redundancy and/or reliability at crucial times. This event, while gathering recognised players in the Qatari market, also provides an opportunity to explore innovative solutions that would enhance dependability, while reducing environmental risks on temporary power systems. A successful delivery of the FIFA World Cup will boost the expertise, efficiency and self-confidence of all parties involved, benefiting future events in Qatar and around the world.​”

The QIC has organised several innovation breakfasts, bringing together stakeholders to explore innovative solutions and opportunities for Qatar. Areas covered previously include the customer journey, transport innovation, digital culture and heritage, artificial intelligence applications in mega events and smart city innovations.