Mada Center
Mada Center is a Qatar-based non-profit founded in 2010 operating a multi-platform ecosystem for digital accessibility and assistive technology, serving persons with disabilities, the elderly, government entities, and educational institutions across Qatar and the broader Arab region via portals, training, accreditation, and Arabic-language AI tools.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2010
- HeadquartersDoha, Qatar
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Mada Center does
Mada Center (legal name: Mada - Qatar Assistive Technology Center) is a private institution for public benefit, founded in 2010 and headquartered in the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology Tower in Doha, Qatar. The organization operates a multi-platform ecosystem for digital inclusion and assistive technology, serving persons with disabilities, persons with functional limitations, the elderly, government entities, educational institutions, and accessibility innovators in Qatar and the wider Arab region. Its mission centers on building Arabic-language accessibility infrastructure that is largely absent from the regional market.
The portfolio is built around a "portal-plus-portals" architecture: a central Digital Accessibility Portal sets WCAG-aligned standards and accreditation for Qatar's government websites, while the Mada Assistive Technology Portal, Nafath quarterly periodical (peer-reviewed, indexed in Google Scholar and Crossref), Innovation Program, Academy, Edge R&D portal, and specialized tools — BuHamad (first Qatari virtual interpreter for Qatari Sign Language, AI-avatar based), Jumla (sign language annotation), Unified Arabic Braille Portal, Tawasol Symbols (AAC), Mada FabLab, ICT-AID Competency Framework, and the newly launched Yusr Platform — collectively address access, training, research, and innovation. Notable technical capabilities include a 99%-character-accuracy Arabic OCR pipeline, Arabic TTS, 3D-avatar Arabic Sign Language translation, Federated Learning-based ASL recognition, AI-powered chatbots for inclusive education, and the MARSAD accessibility-evaluation tool, with AI/ML outputs documented across 30 issues of the Nafath periodical.
Commercially, Mada is structured as a non-profit operating primarily on Qatar government funding rather than transactional revenue; services are delivered at no cost to persons with disabilities, with multi-year engagement contracts covering accessibility accreditation, advisory, training (including the Qatar University-accredited Super Users program), and innovation grants to regional Arabic accessibility startups. Distribution combines self-serve portals with direct engagement to government ministries, educational institutions, and international partners (W3C, ITU, G3ICT, ESCWA, ATIA, ALECSO), and recognition has been secured at UNESCO and ESCWA levels.
Mada Center firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Mada Center
- Legal name
- Mada - Qatar Assistive Technology Center
- Website
- https://mada.org.qa
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2010
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Mada Center is a Qatar-based non-profit founded in 2010 operating a multi-platform ecosystem for digital accessibility and assistive technology, serving persons with disabilities, the elderly, government entities, and educational institutions across Qatar and the broader Arab region via portals, training, accreditation, and Arabic-language AI tools.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Mada Center industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Digital Accessibility and Assistive Technology Services
- NAICS
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (54), Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), Other Computer Related Services (541519)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Assistive Technology (AT) & Accessible Learning Tools (EDALAGAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- AT Device Setup, Integration & Technical Support (MDM, IT, Interoperability) (EDAKAIAK), AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) Devices, Apps & Training (EDAKAIAB), AT for Reading, Writing & Learning (Literacy/Executive Function) Tools & Training (EDAKAIAC), AT Funding, Procurement & Compliance Support (IEP/504 Documentation) (EDAKAIAJ), Accessibility & Assistive Technology IT Support (EDALAMAJ), Assistive Technology-Enabled Instructional Content (AAC, Switch, Eye-Gaze Compatible) (EDAGAMAC)
Keywords
Where Mada Center is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Doha
- HQ country
- Qatar
- HQ region
- Middle East
Offices1 record
Markets served
Mada Center business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Government/Public Funding: As a private institution for public benefit and initiative under Qatar's government, Mada Center operates primarily through public funding and government support rather than commercial revenue generation
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Services provided at no cost to persons with disabilities and eligible organizations |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
Mada Center product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Mada Center operates an integrated digital accessibility and assistive technology ecosystem delivered through multiple specialized portals, programs, and advisory services. Its core offerings include website and digital service accessibility accreditation (WCAG 2.1 alignment), assistive technology information and resources, training and capacity building (Mada Academy, Super Users), advisory services to government and educational institutions, an innovation grant program for Arabic accessibility solutions, and a peer-reviewed research periodical (Nafath). The portfolio also includes proprietary tools such as the BuHamad Qatari Sign Language virtual interpreter, the Unified Arabic Braille Portal, Tawasol AAC symbols, and a FabLab for 3D printing assistive technology.
Product overview
Mada Center (Qatar Assistive Technology Center) operates as a multi-platform ecosystem for digital inclusion and assistive technology. The core offering spans digital accessibility services, assistive technology portals, research publication, innovation acceleration, and inclusive education — all coordinated through a platform-plus-portals architecture. Key platforms include the Mada Digital Accessibility Portal (standards, widgets, WCAG tools, and ICT score reports for Qatar), the Mada Assistive Technology Portal (AT resources and vendor access), and the Nafath Periodical (peer-reviewed quarterly journal in Arabic and English). These are supported by specialized portals: the Accessibility and AT Glossary (bilingual terminology), Tawasol Symbols (AAC communication symbols, including 3D), the Unified Arabic Braille Portal (Arabic Braille standards), the Inclusive Digital Education and Culture Portals (accessible learning and cultural participation), the Mada ICT Accessibility Policy Portal (regulatory resources), the ICT-AID Competency Framework (professional skill standards with an OER Hub), Mada Edge (R&D insights), BuHamad (AI-powered Qatari Sign Language virtual interpreter), Jumla (sign language annotation tool), Mada Academy (training), and the Super Users Program (accredited AT capacity building). The Mada Innovation Program and Mada Innovation Award drive AI-powered accessibility innovation regionally. The portfolio also includes the Yusr Platform and Mada FabLab (3D printing/scanning for AT). A unified branding update introduced new logos in late 2025. The center was founded in 2010 and is a private institution for public benefit.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Mada Digital Accessibility Portal
Quantifiable outcome
- 30 issues of Nafath periodical published, indexed in Google Scholar and Crossref
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Mada Center
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Mada Center technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability12 records
Feature9 records
Mada Center partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Digital Incubation CentercorePartnership with Qatar's Digital Incubation Center supporting technology startups and innovators in developing accessibility solutions through the Mada Innovation Program
- SeedstarscoreGlobal investment platform partnering with Mada to promote Arabic assistive technology solutions and support accessibility startups in Qatar and the Middle East
- QBICcorePartnership supporting business incubators and accelerators in Qatar, collaborating with Mada Innovation Program for accessibility-focused startups
- Stars of SciencecoreQatar Foundation's innovation program partnering with Mada to encourage and support innovators in developing Arabic solutions for persons with disabilities
- ALECSOminorArab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization partnership supporting regional ICT accessibility initiatives and Arabic content development
- W3C (World Wide Web Consortium)coreInternational standards organization membership ensuring Mada's accessibility standards align with global WCAG guidelines and web accessibility standards
- ITU (International Telecommunication Union)coreUnited Nations specialized agency membership supporting international telecommunications and digital accessibility standards development
- G3ICTcoreGlobal Initiative for Inclusive ICT membership supporting advocacy and implementation of accessibility policies worldwide
- ESCWAcoreUnited Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia partnership supporting regional digital accessibility initiatives and policy development
- ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association)coreIndustry association membership providing access to assistive technology standards, research, and industry best practices
- Qatar UniversitycoreAcademic partnership providing formal academic accreditation for Mada's Super Users capacity building program and training courses
- World Federation of the DeafminorInternational NGO partnership supporting sign language recognition and deaf community accessibility initiatives
- ISKMEminorInstitute for the Study of Knowledge Management in Education partnership supporting Open Educational Resources and knowledge sharing in accessibility
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Mada Center competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- WebAIM: US-based non-profit providing web accessibility training, evaluation, and WCAG consulting to organizations. Closely comparable to Mada's Digital Accessibility Portal and advisory services, both offering accessibility audits, training, and resources on a non-commercial basis.
- Perkins School for the Blind: US non-profit providing AT, education, and accessibility services for blind and deafblind individuals. Comparable to Mada's assistive technology services, Braille portal, and capacity building programs.
- International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP): Global non-profit offering accessibility professional certification and credentialing. Directly comparable to Mada's Super Users program and ICT-AID Competency Framework, both building accredited accessibility professional capacity with formal academic recognition.
- AbilityNet: UK charity providing digital accessibility services, AT advice, and training for disabled people, similar in mission and non-profit structure to Mada. Both organizations serve as national reference points for accessibility information, training, and inclusion services.
- CAST: US non-profit focused on inclusive education and Universal Design for Learning through research, policy, and innovative tools. Directly comparable to Mada's Inclusive Digital Education Portal, ICT-AID Competency Framework, and OER Hub initiatives.
- American Printing House for the Blind (APH): US non-profit manufacturing AT products (Braille, tactile graphics, accessible educational materials) for people with visual impairments. Closely comparable to Mada's Unified Arabic Braille Portal and AT portal offerings for blind users.
- Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation (Georgia Tech): US academic center providing accessibility services, AT, and inclusive design research. Comparable to Mada as a hub combining accessibility services, AT provision, and innovation/research output through university ties.
Broad incumbents
- G3ICT (Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs): Global advocacy initiative promoting ICT accessibility policies and implementation at the UN level. Directly comparable to Mada's Mada ICT Accessibility Policy Portal and ESCWA/ITU/W3C engagements, both operating at the intersection of policy advocacy and digital inclusion.
- Vispero (The Paciello Group): Commercial accessibility consulting firm offering WCAG audits, training, and AT products globally. Overlaps with Mada's accreditation and advisory offerings but operates on a commercial rather than non-profit basis.
Emerging players
- Tawasol (Communication Symbols Initiative): A Mada Center-owned symbol set for AAC. As an emerging Arabic AAC standard competing with global symbol libraries like ARASAAC and PCS, it represents a niche Arabic-language emerging player in a different geography from Mada's overall peer set.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Mada Center social profiles
Digital presenceMada Center compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Mada Center financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Mada Center leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Mada Center funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Mada Center M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Mada Center
What does Mada Center do?
Mada Center operates an integrated digital accessibility and assistive technology ecosystem delivered through multiple specialized portals, programs, and advisory services. Its core offerings include website and digital service accessibility accreditation (WCAG 2.1 alignment), assistive technology information and resources, training and capacity building (Mada Academy, Super Users), advisory services to government and educational institutions, an innovation grant program for Arabic accessibility solutions, and a peer-reviewed research periodical (Nafath). The portfolio also includes proprietary tools such as the BuHamad Qatari Sign Language virtual interpreter, the Unified Arabic Braille Portal, Tawasol AAC symbols, and a FabLab for 3D printing assistive technology.
Is Mada Center a public or private company?
Mada Center is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Mada Center founded?
Mada Center was founded in 2010. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Mada Center based?
Mada Center is headquartered in Doha, Qatar, in the Middle East region.
How does Mada Center make money?
One revenue line is on record: government/Public Funding.
Who are Mada Center's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are WebAIM, Perkins School for the Blind, International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP), AbilityNet, CAST, American Printing House for the Blind (APH) and Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation (Georgia Tech). Broad incumbents are G3ICT (Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs) and Vispero (The Paciello Group). Tawasol (Communication Symbols Initiative) is listed as an emerging player.
Does Mada Center have an API?
No public API is recorded for Mada Center.
What industry is Mada Center in?
Mada Center's product category is Digital Accessibility and Assistive Technology Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDALAGAB, Assistive Technology (AT) & Accessible Learning Tools, with a secondary code of EDAKAIAK, AT Device Setup, Integration & Technical Support (MDM, IT, Interoperability). Its NAICS code is 54 and its SIC code is 8300.