Vehicles for change — How Ibtechar’s Innovation Framework works in practice
At Ibtechar, we partner with government bodies and collaborate with private and third-sector organisations to build the capacity necessary for a thriving innovation ecosystem in Qatar and the wider GCC. We work across the entire innovation lifecycle, from building initial awareness and providing targeted training and upskilling, to furnishing essential resources and facilitating co-creation on impactful projects.
Our white paper, “Grassrooting Innovation in Qatar: Moving from project-based to holistic thinking”, underscores the importance of transitioning from short-term projects to a sustainable, embedded innovation culture. This shift requires a fundamental change in mindset, moving from viewing innovation as a series of isolated initiatives to integrating it into the DNA of an organisation.
Download the full white paper here
We understand that practical application of innovation is key. That’s why we’ve developed a range of services — within Ibtechar Academy and Ibtechar Consultancy — designed to help organisations navigate each stage of our four-phase innovation framework. These “vehicles for change” offer targeted support, helping our clients build their internal capacity and deliver tangible impact, rather than simply focusing on theory.
Stage 1: Awareness
This initial stage is about laying the groundwork for a culture of innovation by developing a common language and vision. It involves challenging participants’ assumptions, addressing resistance to change, and creating a shared understanding of the role innovation plays in achieving organisational objectives.
(version 1 of 4-stage graphic (see above))
Eye-opener training
Our immersive training programmes inspire new ways of thinking, offering learners a clear understanding of innovation principles. We explore concepts such as design thinking, disruptive innovation, and the importance of growth mindsets, and through our interactive workshops and case studies, help participants develop a shared language and vision for innovation within their organisation.
Ideal for: organisations that are just beginning their innovation journey or looking to revitalise their approach.
Case study observatory
Learning from real-world examples and best practices is invaluable, and to facilitate this we offer access to successful innovation initiatives across various sectors. These in-depth case studies offer practical insights into the challenges of implementing innovation, providing valuable resources and proven methodologies, as well as opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and benchmarking.
Ideal for: organisations looking for practical examples and proven strategies which they can action in-house.
Field trips
Experiencing innovation firsthand can be transformative. We organise curated field trips to innovative organisations, both within Qatar and internationally. These immersive experiences provide participants with direct exposure to cutting-edge technologies, innovative workspaces, and best practices in action, offering a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders and gain inspiration for implementing innovative solutions within their own organisations.
Ideal for: organisations seeking inspiration and direct exposure to best-in-class innovation practices.
Stage 2: Capacity
Having established the parameters of innovation and what it means to your organisation, the next crucial step is building your internal capacity. This means equipping your teams with the skills and knowledge required to leverage innovation effectively, empowering individuals to become prosumers of knowledge and providing them with the tools they need to succeed.
(version 2 of 4-stage graphic (see above))
Hackathons & sprints
These sessions provide hands-on learning experiences which build openness to experimentation and rapid iteration. They are intensive, time-bound events designed to bring together diverse teams, tackle specific challenges and generate innovative solutions. Participants have the chance to collaborate in a fast-paced environment, using design thinking principles and rapid prototyping to develop and test their ideas.
Ideal for: organisations that need to rapidly generate new ideas and solutions and foster a culture of experimentation.
Specialised experiential training
We offer tailored training programmes focused on developing key innovation skills, such as design thinking, creative problem-solving, and agile methodologies. These programmes go beyond theory, providing participants with practical experience through simulations, workshops, and real-world projects — building the skills and confidence to lead and participate in innovation initiatives within their organisations.
Ideal for: organisations looking to upskill their workforce in specific innovation methodologies and practices.
Industry-specific training
We provide bespoke training programmes that address specific industry challenges and opportunities, tailored to the unique needs of different sectors. Our programmes focus on practical over theoretical learning, helping learners develop their understanding of the innovation landscape within their sector and develop the skills to drive impactful change.
Ideal for: organisations aiming to address specific innovation challenges and opportunities within their industry.
Stage 3: Co-creation
We believe innovation thrives in collaborative environments, and we recognise the importance of breaking down silos and building partnerships, both within the organisation and with external stakeholders. Through our co-creation services, we provide an external resource to guide teams and networks in generating, evaluating and launching new solutions and initiatives.
(version 3 of 4-stage graphic (see above))
Open innovation challenges
We develop and run open innovation challenges that connect organisations with a wider network of experts, startups, and potential partners to generate fresh ideas and accelerate the development of innovative solutions. By tapping into a diverse pool of talent and perspectives, organisations can access cutting-edge thinking and accelerate their innovation efforts.
Ideal for: organisations looking to access external expertise and accelerate the development of new solutions.
Industry-backed accelerators
Our accelerator programmes provide startups with the resources, mentorship, and industry connections they need to scale their innovative solutions. We provide tailored support, including resources, workspaces, and access to a network of industry experts and investors. These programmes help startups navigate the challenges of growth and commercialisation, supporting the development of a thriving innovation ecosystem.
Ideal for: startups and small teams seeking to scale their innovative solutions and connect with industry partners.
Academia-industry joint research
We facilitate collaboration between academia and industry, leveraging research expertise to develop cutting-edge solutions and drive impactful innovation. By connecting businesses with leading researchers, we encourage effective knowledge transfer and drive the development of commercially viable innovations. This collaborative approach ensures that research findings are translated into practical applications that benefit both industry and society.
Ideal for: organisations seeking to leverage cutting-edge research and develop innovative solutions with a strong scientific foundation.
Stage 4: Sustainability
The final stage focuses on embedding innovation into the DNA of the organisation — creating systems and processes that support ongoing innovation, ensuring that it becomes a continuous cycle of learning, adaptation, and growth. It’s about building a culture where innovation is valued, rewarded, and sustained over the long term.
(version 4 of 4-stage graphic (see above))
Awards & recognition
We support our clients in gaining wider recognition for the innovative work they create, whether that’s through industry awards, promoting case studies, exhibiting or speaking at events, or securing media coverage. This includes researching relevant opportunities, advising on applications or submissions, and helping gather evidence to showcase impact.
Ideal for: organisations looking to foster a culture of innovation and recognise outstanding achievements.
Community platforms & forums
We help our clients develop online platforms and forums that provide a space for ongoing collaboration, knowledge sharing, and networking. These virtual communities connect individuals, teams and the communities they serve, fostering a sense of shared purpose, facilitating peer-to-peer learning, and providing access to resources, best practices, and expert insights.
Ideal for: fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among innovation teams and the wider community.
Mentorship
Our mentorship programmes connect experienced innovators with individuals and teams seeking guidance, to provide valuable insights, advice and support to individuals navigating the challenges of implementing new initiatives. Our programmes help to embed a culture of continuous learning and development, ensuring that innovation thrives within the organisation.
Ideal for: developing the next generation of innovators and providing ongoing support for innovation teams.
Taking the next steps on your innovation journey
Wherever you are on your innovation journey, Ibtechar can support you in taking the next steps, providing structured guidance and helping build your internal capacity to deploy innovative thinking and generate tangible results. Get in touch with one of our innovation consultants to explore the possibilities, or read our whitepaper to discover our tried and tested framework for innovation.