Produced by the Qatar Science & Technology Park, the program has spent nearly two decades fostering breakthrough technologies and entrepreneurial ventures. Season 18 introduces a revamped format that prioritizes venture-building and cinematic storytelling, shifting the focus toward the personal journeys of the founders as much as their technical inventions. Executive Producer Andrea Hamilton, known for her work on The Voice and So You Think You Can Dance, is spearheading this creative pivot in partnership with Zinc Media Group and its Doha-based label, The Edge.

Open to applicants aged 18 to 35, the competition targets a diverse array of fields, including artificial intelligence, robotics, climate innovation, and health-tech. Selected participants gain access to a comprehensive support ecosystem in Qatar, ranging from strategic mentorship to physical office space. By extending the application window, organizers intend to capture a broader range of talent, ensuring that promising founders from every corner of the region have the time to refine their submissions before the new July 10 cutoff.