Mada grants aim to open more access to all

The Qatar Assistive Technology Center (Mada) has begun offering grants to private business in hopes of expanding assistive technology and accessibility in Qatar.

The recently announced grant program will support local and international innovators in the development of assistive technology products and services. Mada is working to greatly increase access to people with learning, visual, hearing and physical disabilities.

"We are committed to assisting persons with disabilities and utilizing the power of information and communications technology to enable them to live their best, independent life," Mada CEO Maha al-Mansouri said. "As such, we have launched this opportunity not only to support Qatar’s PWD community but also the innovator and entrepreneur community."

Mada said there are no requirements for applying for the funding.

"We encourage anyone with ideas, big or small, to approach us and work with us," al-Mansouri said. "Our aim is to create an environment of innovation and to work with incubation centers to bring these ideas and innovations to life."