Oman to nurture space tech startups with accelerator
Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) has introduced the 'Oman Space Accelerators' programme to fast-track the growth of Omani startups in space technologies and advanced sciences in collaboration with Ankaa Space and Technologies.
Speaking to Muscat Daily, Mohammed Salim al Riyami, Co-founder of Ankaa Space and Technologies, said, 'We have signed a contract with MTCIT to implement the Oman Space Accelerators programme, which aims to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in the space sector.' Mohammed Salim al Riyami
He added that the programme will provide startups with specialised training, mentorship from international experts, and access to investors and markets in the region and beyond. 'The programme's objective is to empower ten Omani startups working in the space and advanced technology sectors. It will help stimulate the national space ecosystem and connect it with global investment and technology networks,' Riyami said.
Set to launch in the third quarter of 2025, the programme will include a comprehensive training curriculum covering technical and commercial aspects aimed at enhancing the skills of local entrepreneurs. It seeks to attract investment, foster partnerships, and encourage the development of local products and solutions for the space sector.
Oman's National Programme for the Digital Economy has identified the space sector as a strategic priority, guided by MTCIT's National Centre for Space, Advanced Technology and Artificial Intelligence. Over the next decade, the sultanate aims to develop ground-based space applications, stimulate private sector involvement, and attract international investment in space-related ventures.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
an hour ago
- Observer
Omani-Chinese Friendship Forum discusses strengthening partnership
SALALAH: The third session of the Omani-Chinese Friendship Forum 2025, which began on Thursday in Salalah, discussed strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership and expanding cooperation and investment between the Sultanate of Oman and the People's Republic of China. The forum was organised under the theme: "Chinese Modernisation and Oman Vision 2040: Our Work and Proposals." It was an initiative by Al Roya newspaper, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Oman, and the Oman-China Friendship Association, with the participation of a number of officials, experts and specialists from both sides. The forum was inaugurated by HH Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar, who felicitated a number of speakers and participants. Hatim bin Hamad al Tai, Secretary-General of the forum and Editor-in-Chief of Al Roya newspaper, affirmed that the forum serves as a platform to deepen dialogue, enhance mutual trust between the two countries and explore new avenues for cooperation, in line with the shared potential and aspirations of Oman and China. Dr Saleh bin Said Masan, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry, delivered a speech in which he said that the forum is a unique opportunity to exchange expertise and explore promising investment areas that serve the development priorities of both countries. He pointed out that Oman Vision 2040 represents a road map for a comprehensive economic and structural transformation. Lyu Jian, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Sultanate of Oman, praised the strength of the historical relations between the two countries, which span over 1,200 years. He noted that diplomatic relations, since their establishment in 1978, have witnessed stable and fruitful cooperation based on equality and mutual respect. He clarified that the People's Republic of China is Oman's first trade partner with trade volume between the two countries reaching $36.7 billion in 2024. The People's Republic of China is also the third-largest investor in Oman. The ambassador highlighted prominent joint projects, including the launch of the first Omani satellite, investments in the energy sector and training programmes that have benefited over 1,200 Omanis. He also mentioned that the trade volume between the People's Republic of China and GCC countries reached $288 billion in 2024, with Chinese investments growing by over 30 per cent in the first half of 2025. He called for expanding cultural and humanitarian cooperation and launching direct flights between the two countries. Dr Khalid bin Salim al Saidi, Chairman of the Oman-China Friendship Association, said that the association is a vital link in strengthening relations between the two countries. He emphasised that its role has gone beyond organising meetings to building cultural bridges, humanitarian understandings, and informal cooperation initiatives based on shared values and mutual interests. The forum included discussions on four main themes: "Chinese Modernisation and Oman Vision 2040," "Cooperation in the Energy Sector," "Partnership in Innovation and Technology," and "Cultural and Humanitarian Exchange." The forum also featured a photo exhibition in cooperation with the Chinese Embassy in Oman, in addition to direct bilateral meetings (B2B) between business representatives from both countries to enhance partnership and investment opportunities. Over 30 business owners and representatives of Omani and Chinese companies participated in the forum, which also included a special exhibition for the participating Chinese companies. The current session of the forum sought to solidify the strategic partnership between the two countries and explore new avenues of cooperation that support the priorities of Oman Vision 2040, leveraging the People's Republic of China's experience in economic and social modernisation. - ONA
Observer
an hour ago
- Observer
Agricultural projects in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar reviewed
AL JABAL AL AKHDHAR: A meeting was held on Thursday in the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, chaired by Shaikh Hilal bin Said al Hajri, Governor of Al Dakhiliyah. The meeting was attended by Shaikh Sultan bin Mansoor al Ghufaili, Wali of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, and Masoud bin Sulaiman al Azri, Director-General of Agricultural and Fisheries Marketing at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. The meeting reviewed the initial concept of an investment project the ministry intends to implement in the wilayat. The project includes multiple facilities, most notably a "Honey Museum" with halls dedicated to the history of Omani bees, a sorting unit, a scientific laboratory and an environmental corner, in addition to other service facilities. The project also features a local rose farm, a rosewater distillation factory with an interactive viewing window, a dedicated area for workshops and a shop for rose products, along with other service amenities. Furthermore, the project will include an olive farm and a public park that promote integrated eco-tourism and agricultural concepts. These facilities will be developed under a corporate investment system in partnership with the private sector. - ONA
Observer
9 hours ago
- Observer
HM the Sultan meets UK Prime Minister
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik met with Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK). The meeting took place at the Prime Minister's Office in London today. The meeting reviewed aspects of existing cooperation between the two countries and underscored their mutual commitment to strengthening the foundations of their strategic partnership and expanding its horizons across various economic, investment, and trade sectors. This aligns with their shared interests and the aspirations of their peoples toward further progress and prosperity. The meeting also addressed several regional and international issues, as His Majesty the Sultan welcomed the United Kingdom's intention to recognize the Palestinian state, reaffirming the Sultanate of Oman's steadfast support for all efforts leading to a just and comprehensive peace in accordance with international legitimacy and the two-state solution. In this context, the UK Prime Minister expressed his country's deep appreciation for the constructive role of the Sultanate of Oman, under the leadership of His Majesty the Sultan, in advocating dialogue and peace, as well as enhancing regional and international security and stability. The meeting was attended from the Omani side by Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, Dr. Hamad bin Said Al Aufi, Head of the Private Office and Badr bin Mohammed Al Manthri, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, it was attended from the British side by Jonathan Powell, UK National Security Advisor and Dr. Liane Saunders, Ambassador of the UK to the Sultanate of Oman.
