Rosneft has opened an international research and development (R&D) center in Qatar, which will become a full-scale representative office of the company. The new office will perform scientific and technical activities, as well as promote the company’s business in the region.

The research and development center will be located at the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), which is a part of the Qatar Foundation (QF).

QSTP is one of the world’s leading science incubators that provides a unique economic environment for enterprises engaged in the development and the implementation of new technologies, including those in the energy sector.

In light of Rosneft’s strategic objectives in developing petroleum and gas chemistry technologies, Rosneft’s R&D center will develop innovative solutions for the production of engineering plastics and gas processing, as well as the creation of new catalysts, polymers, and oils. Studies in the field of integrated geological and engineering software, as well as 3D designing and modeling in refining and petrochemistry will be key focus areas. Cooperation will also be carried out in the field of shipbuilding, including the possibility of a joint project for the construction of ships and the creation of equipment at the Zvezda shipyard.

One of the areas of cooperation between Rosneft and the QF will be the joint financing of high-priority Russian and international research projects with access to venture funding. In addition, the partners will collaborate in the field of oil and gas education with the aim of integrating the two scientific and educational schools, the Russian school and the international school. As part of cooperation, the parties will promote the development of modern innovative technologies, as well as scientific and technological exchange*between the two countries.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, the vice chairperson and chief executive officer of Qatar Foundation, said, “We are delighted to sign this important agreement with Rosneft and look forward to welcoming and working with company researchers to further develop areas of shared interest within the energy sector. At QF, we believe research and development are among the most important elements of a competitive and diverse economy. R&D is a key priority for empowering and activating innovation in Qatar, as well as with the company’s partners worldwide.”

Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a part of Qatar Foundation Research and Development (QF R&D), is a Free Zone, an accelerator, and an incubator for tech-product development in Qatar. The park fosters innovation and an entrepreneurship ecosystem in Qatar that works to accelerate the commercialization of market-ready technologies to realize Qatar’s national diversification drive.

QSTP’s focus ranges across four overarching themes, comprising energy, the environment, health sciences, as well as information and communication technologies.