Mada Center

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.

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

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

• Digital accessibility services
• Assistive technology solutions
• ICT accessibility consulting
• Arabic sign language tools
• Inclusive education technology

Headquarters

HQ city

Doha

HQ country

Qatar

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. 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

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core 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

Named customers15 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability12 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Digital Incubation CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Qatar's Digital Incubation Center supporting technology startups and innovators in developing accessibility solutions through the Mada Innovation Program
• SeedstarscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal investment platform partnering with Mada to promote Arabic assistive technology solutions and support accessibility startups in Qatar and the Middle East
• QBICcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting business incubators and accelerators in Qatar, collaborating with Mada Innovation Program for accessibility-focused startups
• Stars of SciencecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerQatar Foundation's innovation program partnering with Mada to encourage and support innovators in developing Arabic solutions for persons with disabilities
• ALECSOminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization partnership supporting regional ICT accessibility initiatives and Arabic content development
• W3C (World Wide Web Consortium)coreTechnology or IntegrationInternational standards organization membership ensuring Mada's accessibility standards align with global WCAG guidelines and web accessibility standards
• ITU (International Telecommunication Union)coreTechnology or IntegrationUnited Nations specialized agency membership supporting international telecommunications and digital accessibility standards development
• G3ICTcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal Initiative for Inclusive ICT membership supporting advocacy and implementation of accessibility policies worldwide
• ESCWAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia partnership supporting regional digital accessibility initiatives and policy development
• ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association)coreTechnology or IntegrationIndustry association membership providing access to assistive technology standards, research, and industry best practices
• Qatar UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership providing formal academic accreditation for Mada's Super Users capacity building program and training courses
• World Federation of the DeafminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational NGO partnership supporting sign language recognition and deaf community accessibility initiatives
• ISKMEminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitute 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

Direct 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

• Xx.com/madacenterQatar
• GitHubgithub.com/madainnovation
• YouTubeyoutube.com/madacenterqatar
• Facebookfacebook.com/madacenterQatar
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mada-qatar-assistive-technology-center/jobs/?viewAsMember=true
• Instagraminstagram.com/madacenterqatar

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mada Center