This year, one of the largest global exhibitions, Web Summit, was held in the Middle East for the second time, where it gathered around 25,000 participants and more than 1500 startups. The summit featured numerous sessions on the use of AI, IoT, and renewable energy to address environmental challenges, such as climate change, resource scarcity, and pollution.
Thanks to the support of Qatar-Ukraine Business Forum, Ukrainian Startup Fund and UNIT.City, Carbominer had the privilege to participate in the delegation from Ukraine.
Ukrainian Delegation organised by QUBF and UNIT.City
This year the Ukrainian delegation included Carbominer, Deus Robotics (also an SMRK VC’s portfolio company), S.Lab, Streamline, VanOnGo, Subjectiv Bobo X-Ray Contact, and Cardiomo. The participation in the delegation provided Carbominer a special opportunity to engage with local investors, accelerators, and corporate partners.
This visit allowed us to connect with key players in the MENA region, such as Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council, Qatar Development Bank, and Rasmal Ventures, explore new opportunities, and gain valuable insights into the ways local ecosystem operates. A special highlight of our trip was the meeting with Sheikh Mansoor Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Chairman of MBK Holding, an organisation that plays a vital role in startup growth and development in Qatar. During the meeting with Ukrainian founders, he encouraged international collaboration to foster innovation and prosperity in the region.
Qatar’s Tech Search
A key theme during the summit was the role of government initiatives in fostering a supportive environment for venture capital. The event showcased Qatar’s commitment to becoming a leading hub for innovation, attracting investors from around the globe.
On day one, the Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, addressed the audience, giving a speech that highlighted Qatar’s dedication to the wider tech, startups, innovation and digital as part of its wider economic development and diversification. Investors at the summit were particularly interested in the potential for cross-border collaboration, with many looking to leverage Qatar’s strategic location and financial stability as a gateway to broader Middle Eastern and Asian markets.
ESG Investing Angle
The country’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable energy play a role of a testament to Qatar’s commitment to sustainability.
According to the Economic Insider Qatar, sustainable technology and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing were key themes of discussion, reflecting the global shift towards responsible business practices. The summit highlighted the importance of integrating ESG factors into investment decisions, emphasizing the long-term value creation potential of sustainable businesses.
Why Qatar Matters for Sustainable Technology Startups
With Qatar’s growing attention on net zero and carbon catching technologies, Carbominer stood out as one of the few direct air capture companies in the region addressing the need for scalable, local CO2 capture technology.
By offering a DAC system for a pilot to local partners, Carbominer presents a next-gen approach to carbon capture atmosphere solutions — aligned with global sustainability targets and appealing to both tech investors and climate-focused partners in the MENA region.
Qatar is quickly becoming a hub for climate innovation, with growing interest in carbon capture companies, AI-powered solutions, and tech-enabled sustainability.
For startups with climate and tech missions, this ecosystem offers:
- Access to investors focused on net zero solutions
- Demand for co2 capture technology and carbon capture from atmosphere
- Regional potential in agriculture, construction, and industrial decarbonization
- A collaborative community of startups, corporates, and forums like Web Summit
Web Summit Qatar 2025 marked a breakthrough moment for Ukraine’s tech community. Through the collaborative efforts of key stakeholders, the Ukrainian delegation proved that innovation knows no borders. And for companies like Carbominer, it offered a platform to promote direct carbon air capture as an essential step toward net zero goals.
We express our gratitude to the EIC Accelerator and to the Qatar-Ukraine Business Forum for the organization of the visit.
Web Summit Qatar 2025 became a landmark event for Carbominer and created a platform for cooperation with potential partners and investors from MENA countries.