Oman backs 55 tech startups under Nomu programme
Muscat – Fifty-five technology startups have been accepted into the second edition of the Nomu Programme, an initiative by Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT) aimed at accelerating the growth of promising early-stage companies.
At an introductory meeting held by the ministry on Wednesday, participating startups were briefed on the programme's services, including workshops, one-on-one consultations, marketing support, and business development opportunities.
Representatives from key partner organisations – including the 'Madar' platform and the Capital Market Incentive Programme – gave presentations outlining the tools and resources available to participants.
The event also featured dialogue sessions with startups from the first edition of the programme, offering an opportunity to share experiences and insights. Ministry officials said the initiative is designed to build an ecosystem where startups in the initial and accelerated growth stages can thrive.
'The programme provides participating companies with the necessary knowledge and skills to grow and expand, both locally and regionally,' a ministry official said. Nomu targets startups with a functioning prototype and a proven user base, as well as those that have secured early-stage funding.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
a day ago
- Observer
Pact signed to build integrated public bus station in Al Buraimi
MUSCAT: Al Buraimi Governorate and national transport operator Mwasalat have signed an agreement to establish a modern, integrated public bus station in the Al Uqda Al Shamaliya area of Al Buraimi. The facility will span 56,000 square metres and aims to enhance the public transport network in line with Oman Vision 2040. The project will feature an eco-friendly design and provide both inter-city and intra-city transport services. Key components include a smart taxi hub, a micro-mobility station, air-conditioned waiting areas, dedicated bus bays, offices for transport operators, retail shops, logistics services, and ample parking for cars and buses. The signing ceremony was held under the auspices of Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Under-Secretary for Transport at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. The agreement was signed by Sayyid Dr Hamad bin Ahmed al Busaidi, Governor of Al Buraimi, and Engineer Badr bin Mohammed al Nadabi, CEO of Mwasalat. According to the agreement, Mwasalat will act as the technical lead, responsible for the station's design standards, supervision, and eventual operation and management. The governorate will provide funding for infrastructure works and facilitate administrative and regulatory processes, including land use modifications. The site will be designated as the exclusive hub for public transport services in the governorate. Governor Al Busaidi highlighted the project's economic and social impact, stating that the new station will cater to a large number of public transport users. Currently, around 12 daily bus services run on the Muscat–Al Buraimi route, along with cross-border services to Abu Dhabi via Al Buraimi. Mwasalat CEO Al Nadabi added that the agreement also includes investment opportunities, with a tender to be floated for private sector participation. Construction is expected to begin within three months, with completion targeted within three years. — ONA
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
Space Engineering Lab under development in Oman
MUSCAT, JUNE 3 The National Space Programme is currently developing a space engineering laboratory in collaboration with Sultan Qaboos University (SQ), according to a key official associated with the initiative. Dr Saud bin Humaid al Shueili, Head of the National Space Programme at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT), the Space Engineering Lab initiative underscores Oman's investment in local talent and research. 'Oman has the personal talent and the Universities in the country with the clear potential to deliver and sustain a space industry. The national space programme is working closely with Sultan Qaboos University to develop the Oman Space Engineering Laboratory. This is an important national project for developing domestic capability and building space skills for the Omani population. Oman has many excellent universities producing graduates in relevant science subjects,' Dr Al Shueili added in an interview featured in SpaceTech Gulf. The official also shared that the programme is working closely with academic establishments and the private sector to explore opportunities for incorporating space education into existing courses. 'The National Programme is working with private companies and universities to understand how we can further integrate space specific elements into existing courses such as engineers, data science, and GIS,' he added. Capacity building has been identified as a key pillar of the Oman Space Policy and Executive Programme, a 10-year framework aimed at positioning Oman as a regional and global hub for space applications. The policy outlines a national strategy to upskill graduates, embed space content into academic programmes, and strengthen academia-industry cooperation. It also encourages the creation of mentorship, business coaching, and technical training opportunities that reflect real market demand. Last September, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology unveiled a tender for the development of a space accelerator programme which aims to support entrepreneurs and local startups in the sector by providing resources, funding and guidance to help them expand and bring innovative products to the local and global markets. According to the ministry, the programme will focus on various activities in the space sector including communications, earth observation, geospatial analytics, drones, artificial intelligence and machine learning, big data processing, data storage and preservation, space sustainability and spacecraft simulation.
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
Insights for developing sustainable data centres in Oman
As artificial intelligence becomes central to modern economies, the global surge in high-performance data centres is driving significant increases in electricity consumption and carbon emissions. These digital facilities underpin technological progress but are among the fastest-growing energy consumers globally. With data centres accounting for 2 to 3% of global electricity use, and this figure is expected to climb with the expansion of AI applications, digital twins, and large language models, the need for sustainable infrastructure is more urgent than ever. Oman, with its strategic location in the GCC and abundant renewable energy potential, is well-placed to lead this sustainable digital revolution. Oman Vision 2040 outlines Oman's road map toward a diversified and knowledge-based economy. With vast potential in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, combined with its advancing hydrogen economy, CCUS (carbon capture, utilisation, and storage) initiatives, and LNG infrastructure, Oman can become a leader in sustainable digital transformation. The country can capitalise on its clean energy ecosystem to host AI infrastructure that is not only energy-efficient but also climate-aligned. Recent efforts by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT), including the establishment of the National Centre for Space, Advanced Technologies, and Artificial Intelligence, reflect a growing commitment to integrate AI across key sectors. Energy is a priority, and integrating AI with energy systems will be essential to ensure efficient, resilient, and scalable data infrastructure. In particular, AI-optimised energy management systems and predictive cooling models can minimise operational costs and reduce carbon emissions. From a technical standpoint, Oman must invest in sustainable thermal management technologies suitable for its arid climate. Innovations such as liquid immersion cooling, thermal energy storage systems, and advanced hybrid air-liquid systems should be piloted. These technologies not only reduce energy consumption but also enhance system reliability under high ambient temperatures. Coupling these with renewable-powered microgrids and smart grid integration can improve grid stability and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Additionally, research into AI-enabled fault prediction, load balancing, and real-time optimisation of cooling and power systems is crucial for operational efficiency. Strategically, a national R&D lab hosted at Sultan Qaboos University, supported by MoTCIT, industrial zones like Sohar and Duqm, and international technology partners, could serve as a testbed for future-ready data centre solutions. Such a lab would facilitate applied research, prototype demonstration, and the development of localised cooling and hydrogen-based power systems. This initiative would enhance in-country value (ICV), promote workforce development, and support capacity building in AI-energy convergence. Oman must view sustainable data centres as essential to its digital future and climate leadership. Beyond meeting regional digital demand, these centres can become engines for innovation, clean technology commercialisation, and economic diversification. By investing in targeted R&D, smart infrastructure, and public-private collaborations, Oman can position itself as a regional hub for clean energy-powered digital ecosystems aligned with Oman Vision 2040 and global net-zero targets.
