Leading entrepreneurship institute Qatar Business Incubation Centre (QBIC) and Royal Danish Consulate General, in partnership with Vitus Bering Innovation Park (VBIP) and VIA University College in Denmark, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide new collaboration opportunities and exchange programmes for entrepreneurs.
QBIC chairman Abdulaziz bin Nasser al-Khalifa said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the respected Royal Danish Consulate General, as we share a mutual interest in developing the entrepreneurship scene and supporting SMEs.
“Through this partnership, QBIC will be able to work with VBIP and VIA University College in Denmark to foster an exchange of knowledge and experiences within entrepreneurship and innovation programmes.”
He added: “Expanding our portfolio to include the renowned Danish organisations continues to position QBIC as the leading regional hub for entrepreneurs seeking expert advice to nurture and support to start or grow their businesses.”
The agreement comes as part of QBIC’s long-term plan to partner with establishments that share similar values about developing the entrepreneurial scene, and creating opportunities for their entrepreneurs to access experts, mentors, and to take part in programmes that are similar to QBIC’s flagship “LeanStartup Programme.”
Organisations such as Denmark’s VBIP and VIA University College will assist QBIC in providing unique collaboration opportunities, resources, and research to help achieve its mission of developing “the next QR100mn value companies in Qatar.”
QBIC CEO Aysha al-Mudahka said: “QBIC’s flagship LeanStartup Programme and the Bering StartUP programme offered by VBIP share many similarities. Both programmes implement the ‘lean’ methodology and the Business Model Canvas to help entrepreneurs start their businesses.”
She added: “Our entrepreneurs will have the exceptional opportunity to collaborate with startups from around the globe, and share their experiences to generate new ideas, and grow their business concepts beyond the local market.”
The MOU signing, which took place at QBIC’s premises, marks the beginning of a new chapter of opportunities for budding entrepreneurs who seek exciting opportunities and potential exchange programmes.
The first phase, which involves a series of workshops and seminars to be co-coordinated, will run throughout 2016 with plans to introduce more hands-on activities and research opportunities to commence in 2017.   
Vitus Bering Innovation Park is an incubator and has the “Business Creation and StartUp Programme.” Its campus in Horsens has more than 2,500 international students and many international partners. Some of QBIC’s entrepreneurs may have the opportunity to take part in VBIP’s lean startup programme.
QBIC, which is home to more than 45 startups and 120 entrepreneurs, already has a solid portfolio of MoUs signed with leading local entities including Ooredoo Qatar, Qatar Tourism Authority, Qatar Business Women Association, Microsoft, QMIC, and Qatar Finance and Business Academy.