Open Innovation Challenge launched; enabling rapid detection of harmful chemical mixtures at package entry points

An Open Innovation Challenge of proposing technologies that enable the rapid detection of harmful chemical mixtures at package entry points has been launched by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) in cooperation with Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI).

MoECC aims through this opportunity, to obtain a rapid detection system for banned and restricted chemicals at entry points for containers and parcels, by calling on start-ups, SMEs, and Corporates, to present their proposals and innovative solutions to address the complex challenges of controlling parcels and containers at entry points to Qatar without having to open them. The innovation challenge was launched through the Qatar Open Innovation program, which was established recently by the QRDI Council.

The Director of Planning and Quality Department at MoECC Aisha Ahmed Al Baker expressed her happiness for the cooperation with the Qatar Open Innovation program in launching the current innovation opportunity, with the aim of finding innovative solutions to address one of the challenges surrounding package and shipment control, in order to tighten control over hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials and sources at Qatar's Customs Terminals, which are the first line of defense, expressing the hope that more opportunities for innovation will be offered in the future, within the framework of the important role of government agencies in adopting and enabling innovation.

Director of Research, Development and Innovation Programs at the QRDI Council Nada Al Olaqi expressed her happiness at MoECC's joining the list of Qatar Open Innovation program partners, to provide innovative solutions that serve the logistics sector in reaching the highest levels of efficiency, safety, ease and low-costs, as well as contributing to a fast and efficient processing to prevent holdups at Customs Terminals, which in turn leads to the acceleration of commercial transport between Qatar and the world.

Al Olaqi added that this cooperation supports the country's economy and reduces costs for businessmen and companies, noting QRDI works to enhance reliance on innovation and deepens it as a culture in the operation of government institutions and major national companies, achieving sustainable economic development and reaching the strategic goals of QRDI 2030, and Qatar National Vision 2030.

MoECC contributes to maintaining the safety and security of Qatar's Customs Terminals, by monitoring shipments, taking samples, discovering dangerous or unclassified parcels and preventing their illegal entry into Qatar. This control must be implemented in a quick and effective manner to prevent backlog and to help importers and exporters avoid delay fines at entry points into the country.

Last April, MoECC and QRDI signed a cooperation agreement to implement QRDI Strategy 2030 in order to support the sustainability of Qatar's environment, mitigate the effects of climate change, and promote and protect the biological diversity of natural habitats, via the use of advanced knowledge and technology in finding innovative solutions in various important and vital fields.

The Qatar Open Innovation program serves as an invitation to local and international innovators to present technological innovations that meet the needs of major local institutions and government agencies, facilitating cooperation between technological companies and institutions to pilot innovative solutions required in Qatar. This program is the first of its kind in the country and aims to support innovation and expand the growing innovation system in Qatar.