Deadline: 18-Feb-2026
The Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDIC), in partnership with Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), invites applications for the Agentic Artificial Intelligence Call. The initiative funds projects that strengthen policy and regulatory frameworks in Qatar’s financial sector, providing up to QAR 300,000 per project for a 12-month duration, with all activities conducted within Qatar.
Overview
The Agentic Artificial Intelligence Call is a strategic research initiative by QRDIC and QFC designed to support projects that enhance policy, regulation, and practical outcomes in Qatar’s financial sector. Funding targets projects with clearly defined goals, impactful outputs, and completion within a 12-month timeframe. All project activities and budget expenditures must occur within Qatar.
Funding Details
Grant Amount
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Maximum funding per project: QAR 300,000
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Project duration: up to 12 months
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Funding is disbursed in two instalments:
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Initial advance upon signing the grant agreement
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Remaining funds reimbursed after acceptance of final technical and financial reports
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Eligible Expenses
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Project-specific research activities conducted within Qatar
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Resource allocation to achieve defined project outcomes
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Implementation and valorisation-related activities as specified in the research plan
Ineligible Activities
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Research or expenditure conducted outside Qatar
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Non-compliance with QRDI or institutional policies
Who Is Eligible?
Lead Principal Investigator (PI)
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Must be affiliated with a QRDI-approved submitting institution inside Qatar
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Must hold an approved terminal degree as defined in QRDI guidelines
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Can submit only one application per cycle
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Participation restrictions apply for those involved in the Modernizing Charitable Sector call
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Qatar National Library staff are not eligible as Lead PIs, PIs, or team members
Submitting Institutions
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Can be academic, public, private, non-profit, or NGO entities located in Qatar
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Must have QRDI-approved Research Offices
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Collaborative institutions are permitted but 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 required research plan template.
How to Apply
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Confirm eligibility of the Lead PI and submitting institution
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Prepare the research proposal using the QRDI-approved template
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Submit the proposal through the online application system
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Ensure institutional vetting and policy compliance prior to submission
Evaluation Process
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Proposals that pass the initial screening proceed to a one-step expert panel review
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Evaluation criteria include:
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Scientific excellence: novelty and rigor of research
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Implementation: feasibility and project management plan
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Resources: adequacy of budget, personnel, and infrastructure
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Valorisation: potential impact, policy relevance, and practical outcomes
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Research compliance: adherence to institutional and QRDI policies
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting multiple applications as Lead PI
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Including team members who are ineligible (e.g., Qatar National Library staff)
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Failing to complete institutional vetting
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Planning activities or budget expenditure outside Qatar
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Ignoring participation limits from other QRDI calls
Why This Grant Matters
The Agentic Artificial Intelligence Call enables researchers to develop AI-driven insights and solutions that strengthen financial sector policies and regulations in Qatar. It promotes domestic research capacity, encourages collaborative innovation, and supports evidence-based policy development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the Lead PI participate in multiple QRDI calls? Only one application per PI is allowed in this cycle; limits apply for participants in the Modernizing Charitable Sector call.
Are collaborative institutions outside Qatar allowed? Yes, but the submitting institution must be based in Qatar and include at least one affiliated Principal Investigator.
Can Qatar National Library staff be team members? No, they are ineligible as Lead PIs, PIs, or team members.
How is funding disbursed? In two instalments: initial advance upon signing the grant agreement, and reimbursement after final report acceptance.
What is the evaluation process? A one-step expert panel assesses scientific excellence, implementation, resources, valorisation, and research compliance.
Is there a required proposal template? Yes, all submissions must use the QRDI-approved research plan template.
Must all work be done in Qatar? Yes, all project effort and budget expenditure must take place inside Qatar.
Conclusion
The QRDIC & QFC Agentic Artificial Intelligence Call provides targeted funding to support research that enhances policy and regulatory frameworks in Qatar’s financial sector. It enables researchers to generate impactful, evidence-based solutions, strengthen domestic research capacity, and ensure that AI-driven innovations align with Qatar’s strategic objectives.
For more information, visit QRDIC.