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Road to Biopharma: Advancing Innovation and Access in Qatar’s Pharmaceutical Sector

Deadline: 18-Feb-2026

The Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council (QRDIC), in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health, invites applications for the Road To Biopharma Call. The initiative provides up to QAR 300,000 for 12 months to fund research projects that strengthen regulatory frameworks and infrastructure in Qatar’s biopharmaceutical sector, enhancing innovation and accessibility to high-quality medicines.

Overview

The Road To Biopharma Call is a strategic research initiative aimed at establishing a regulatory ecosystem that fosters innovation in biopharmaceuticals and improves access to high-quality medicines. Projects focus on foundational research to strengthen infrastructure and regulatory frameworks, aligning with Qatar’s national health strategy and supporting global healthcare advancement.

Funding Details

Grant Amount

  • Maximum funding per project: QAR 300,000

  • Project duration: up to 12 months

  • Full project effort and budget must be expended inside Qatar

Eligible Costs

  • Research and development activities conducted within Qatar

  • Local procurement of capital equipment

  • Co-funding and cost-sharing contributions are encouraged

Ineligible Costs

  • Travel expenses

  • Indirect or overhead costs

  • Activities conducted outside Qatar

Who Is Eligible?

Lead Principal Investigator (LPI)

  • Must be affiliated with a QRDIC-approved submitting institution in Qatar

  • Must hold an approved terminal degree

  • Can submit only one application per cycle

  • Staff affiliated with the Ministry of Public Health are ineligible

Submitting Institutions

  • Eligible institutions include academic, public, private, non-profit, and NGO entities based in Qatar with QRDI-approved Research Offices

  • Collaborative institutions must include at least one affiliated Principal Investigator

Proposal Vetting

All proposals must be vetted by the Research Office of the submitting institution to ensure compliance with institutional and QRDI policies before submission through the online system using the official research plan template.

How to Apply

  1. Confirm eligibility of the LPI and submitting institution

  2. Prepare the research proposal using the official QRDI research plan template

  3. Obtain vetting approval from the submitting institution’s Research Office

  4. Submit the proposal via the QRDI online system

  5. Ensure objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes are clearly defined

Evaluation Process

  • Proposals that pass screening undergo a one-step fast-track review by independent external experts and Ministry of Public Health reviewers

  • Evaluation criteria include:

    • Scientific excellence: novelty, rigor, and innovation

    • Implementation: methodology, feasibility, and project management plan

    • Resources: adequacy of personnel, infrastructure, and budget

    • Valorisation: potential impact, scalability, and societal benefit

  • Additional comments focus on research compliance related to ethics, protection of human subjects, children, vertebrate animals, and biohazards

Award Management

  • The submitting institution’s Research Office is responsible for signing the grant agreement and overseeing project management

  • Funding is disbursed in two instalments:

    • Initial advance upon signing the grant agreement

    • Remaining funds reimbursed after acceptance of final technical and financial reports

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting multiple applications as LPI

  • Including Ministry of Public Health staff in any project role

  • Budgeting for travel or indirect costs

  • Failing to complete institutional vetting

  • Weak focus on foundational research and regulatory impact

Why This Grant Matters

The Road To Biopharma Call supports the development of a robust biopharmaceutical regulatory ecosystem in Qatar. By strengthening infrastructure, promoting innovation, and enhancing access to high-quality medicines, the programme contributes to national health priorities and global healthcare advancements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can be the Lead Principal Investigator? Must be affiliated with a QRDIC-approved institution in Qatar and hold an approved terminal degree.
Can Ministry of Public Health staff participate? No, they are ineligible in any project role.
Are international collaborations allowed? Collaborative institutions are allowed but must include at least one Qatar-affiliated Principal Investigator.
Can travel or indirect costs be included? No, both are ineligible.
How is funding disbursed? In two instalments: an advance upon signing and reimbursement after final report acceptance.
What criteria are used in evaluation? Scientific excellence, implementation, resources, valorisation, and research compliance.
Must all activities and equipment be located in Qatar? Yes, including procurement of capital equipment.

Conclusion

The Road To Biopharma Call provides essential support for research projects that strengthen Qatar’s biopharmaceutical sector. By fostering innovation, regulatory compliance, and accessibility to high-quality medicines, the programme advances both national health priorities and global healthcare objectives.

For more information, visit QRDIC.