Doha Design District has opened applications for Azal, a new innovation programme seeking ready or near-ready smart-city and sustainability solutions that can be tested and deployed in Msheireb Downtown Doha.The programme, supported by Msheireb Properties and run with strategic partners Qatar Science and Technology Park and Siemens, is accepting submissions until November 4. It is open to start-ups, entrepreneurs, companies, universities, research teams, innovators, specialists and creative practitioners able to demonstrate practical responses to urban, environmental, economic or social challenges.
Azal is structured around two awards: Best Smart City Innovation and Best Smart City Sustainability. One winner in each category will receive funding and support, subject to technical feasibility, approvals and the requirements of the proposed solution, as well as an opportunity to demonstrate, test and pilot the project in Msheireb Downtown Doha.
The smart-city innovation category covers proposals that could improve the district through technology, services, operational processes, visitor experience, mobility or data. Identified fields include artificial intelligence and digital solutions, smart buildings, urban technology, safety and security, smart services, customer experience and operational efficiency.
The sustainability category is aimed at solutions capable of reducing environmental impact, improving resource efficiency, supporting circular-economy principles or generating positive social and community value. Areas highlighted by the organisers include energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction and recycling, sustainable mobility, green spaces and urban agriculture, carbon reduction and climate adaptation.
Applicants must submit solutions that are sufficiently developed to be demonstrated, tested or piloted. Purely conceptual ideas requiring substantial early-stage development or research will not be prioritised. Entrants must also hold the rights needed to submit and present their proposals, while applicants are permitted to put forward more than one solution.
Submissions may be made in Arabic or English. Applicants are required to select an award category and provide a solution description of up to 1,000 words in PDF format, covering how the proposal works, its readiness and previous testing, expected measurable impact, implementation requirements, a timetable for deployment in Msheireb Downtown Doha, an estimated pilot budget and the business model. Supporting feasibility notes, test results or a demonstration video may also be supplied.
The timetable published for Azal sets November 11 for initial screening and evaluation-panel review. Ten shortlisted entrants are due to make five-minute live pitches at Downtown Tech on November 18, with winners scheduled to be announced at the Downtown Tech dinner on November 19. Pilot development and implementation are planned for the first and second quarters of 2027.
Ali Al Hitmi, director of innovation at Msheireb Properties, said the programme was designed to move ideas beyond conception into practical use. He said opening Msheireb Downtown Doha as a platform for implementation would allow solution providers to address challenges facing cities and potentially contribute to a smarter, more sustainable urban experience.
The programme assigns distinct roles to its strategic partners. Qatar Science and Technology Park is expected to participate in screening submissions and the joint committee selecting the 10 finalists, help shortlisted teams refine their pitches, and support selected projects during development and field implementation in 2027. It will also connect the programme with start-ups, researchers and specialists in its innovation ecosystem.
Siemens is expected to contribute expertise in digitalisation, sustainability, smart infrastructure and technology. Its specialists will assist evaluation in areas including artificial intelligence, energy efficiency, cybersecurity and smart infrastructure, while advising shortlisted teams on technical feasibility, scalability and implementation. Where appropriate, the company may also explore technical support for pilots using its technologies and expertise.
Doha Design District describes Azal as a continuing innovation programme intended to evolve annually through challenges, competitions, pilot projects and collaboration opportunities aligned with Msheireb's strategic priorities and changing smart-city needs. The district provides the programme's platform and real-world testing environment, while Doha Design District and Msheireb Properties are leading and funding the 2027 programme.
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