Doha: Hamad Bin Khalifa University and the Gates Foundation signed an exceptional grant agreement in the region on the sidelines of the Doha Forum 2025. The agreement was signed by Dr. Ahmad M. Omar Hasnah, President of Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and Joe Searle, Managing Director of the Gates Foundation, in the presence of Bill Gates, Chairman and Board Member of the Gates Foundation.

Under the four-year agreement, the Gates Foundation will provide $1.8 million to the university. This grant will support pioneering research led by the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute at Hamad Bin Khalifa University to develop feed products from crop residues, thereby improving the productivity of small-scale livestock farmers.

Reflecting the university’s strategic focus on the relationship between climate change, human activities, and environmental impact in arid regions, these new solutions offer scalable innovation for producing animal feed at less than $100 per ton. In addition to supporting affordable, decentralized manufacturing, these solutions also address food security challenges, promote sustainable resource management, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance agricultural efficiency.

This strategic collaboration between the two parties supports their commitment to advancing development globally and serving the common good. For Hamad Bin Khalifa University and Qatar Foundation, this partnership supports Qatar’s long-term future and societal prosperity, while also enabling them to continue their role as catalysts for beneficial innovation that addresses local, regional, and global needs. Patented technology from Hamad Bin Khalifa University has contributed to solidifying Qatar’s leading position in sustainable animal feed production. For the Gates Foundation, this agreement reinforces their shared ambition to support innovations that improve lives, particularly in regions facing climate pressures and scarce natural resources.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s research directly contributes to building sustainable agricultural systems by reducing waste and maximizing the value of existing resources. By integrating scientific research, technological innovation, and collaboration with other institutions, the results of this research will address national priorities such as sustainable approaches to biodiversity and food security systems. Its positive impact will also extend beyond Qatar, as the lessons learned and innovative technologies will be applicable to agriculture in the Global South, including the Middle East and North Africa, South Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Joe Searle, Managing Director of the Gates Foundation, said: “The Gates Foundation is pleased to collaborate with Hamad Bin Khalifa University on this important research related to achieving food security. Farmers are responsible for providing agricultural and animal products to communities, but they work in unimaginably difficult conditions. Therefore, this project is vital to support them in converting crop residues into high-quality animal feed. We hope that, by working with farmers to develop this innovation, we can ensure the production of more food to feed people, and thus help build and strengthen a sustainable global food system.”

Commenting on the agreement, Dr. Ahmad M. Omar Hasnah, President of Hamad Bin Khalifa University, said: “We are pleased to collaborate with the Gates Foundation to develop innovative solutions that support sustainable food systems and contribute to enhancing economic growth in the State of Qatar in particular and the region and the Global South in general. This agreement represents an important milestone in the field of research led by Qatari universities, and it confirms Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s commitment to achieving tangible and positive results through its world-leading research.”

By combining the research capabilities of Hamad Bin Khalifa University with the global reach of the Gates Foundation in development, this agreement represents a significant step towards achieving food security and sustainable growth in some of the world’s most fragile regions. In the medium to long term, this partnership model can positively impact land use practices, food trade, public health policies, and future investment decisions.

About Hamad Bin Khalifa University:

Innovation that shapes tomorrow

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, is a leading innovation-focused university committed to advancing education and research to address the major challenges facing Qatar and the world. The university develops multidisciplinary academic programs and fosters national research capabilities that drive collaboration with leading global institutions. HBKU is dedicated to cultivating future leaders with an entrepreneurial mindset and developing innovative solutions that have a positive global impact.

About the Gates Foundation:

Based on the belief that every life has equal value, the Gates Foundation works to help all people live healthy and productive lives. In developing countries, we work with our partners to create impactful solutions that empower people to take control of their future and achieve their full potential. In the United States, we aim to ensure that everyone, especially those with fewer resources, has the opportunities they need to succeed in education and life. The Foundation is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, and is led by CEO Mark Suzman, under the guidance of Bill Gates and the Board of Directors.

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