Maher Hakim

Maher Hakim is a highly experienced professional specializing in innovation and entrepreneurship. Currently serving as the Chief Advisor for Innovation and Enterprise at the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council since October 2018, Maher is responsible for the implementation of Qatar's national RDI strategy. Additionally, Maher is a Partner at 212, a venture capital firm in Istanbul, and a Distinguished Career Professor at Carnegie Mellon University, focusing on teaching entrepreneurship and innovation. As the Founder and Managing Partner of Innovation Foundry, Maher leads efforts in advancing market-driven innovations. Maher also holds board member positions at several companies, including Stellic, Wellbees, and 123FormBuilder, and has been an integral part of the European Innovation Academy as a member of the council and head of mentors. Maher holds a Ph.D. in Computer-Aided Engineering and Management from Carnegie Mellon University, an MSc in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and a BSc in Engineering from Damascus University.