Latest news with #OmanResearchPortal
Observer
3 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman exerts efforts to support innovation
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is making dedicated efforts to support research and innovation, which has positively reflected in its advancement by 10 positions in the Global Innovation Index (GII) issued by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) over four years — rising from 84th to 74th place. Additionally, Oman improved its ranking in innovation outputs by 23 spots, moving from 109th to 86th. Dr Saif bin Abdullah al Haddabi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation for Research and Innovation, affirmed that the recent commendation by the World Bank for Oman Vision 2040 — which places significant emphasis on human capital development, education quality enhancement, and fostering a culture of research and innovation — reflects the concerted efforts of all relevant stakeholders working diligently to achieve the vision's goals. He explained that the innovation index is one of the most critical indicators as it influences competitiveness and other key metrics. The index is measured by WIPO, drawing data from the World Bank, Unesco and 13 other global institutions. At the national level, he noted, the index is measured through infrastructure and digital framework programmes. This includes research centres such as the Muscat Innovation Complex as an established infrastructure, as well as Oman Research and Education Network, which covers nearly 99% of institutions and connects all universities and colleges in Oman, offering over 23 services. He highlighted the development of digital infrastructure through Oman Research Portal, an integrated digital platform managing research programmes — evaluating, funding and tracking their performance. Additionally, efforts are underway to establish a research equipment platform cataloguing and classifying research tools used by academics, industrial institutions and other stakeholders. - ONA
Observer
18-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
Bridging the gap between academia and entrepreneurship
Oman's commitment to transforming student graduation projects into innovative startups marks a significant milestone in integrating academia with entrepreneurship. Through targeted initiatives, the Sultanate of Oman aims to foster economic diversification by equipping students with the tools to turn academic research into commercially viable businesses. With a focus on cutting-edge fields such as fintech, water technologies and emerging digital solutions, this strategic effort strengthens Oman's role in global problem-solving while enhancing its economic resilience. A key component of this vision is the 'Upgrade' programme, initially launched in 2018 to support the development of ICT startups. Originally designed to encourage innovation in smart city solutions, IoT applications, e-government services and information security, the initiative has evolved to include broader technological sectors. By expanding its focus, Oman continues to invest in a knowledge-driven economy, ensuring that its graduates contribute to sustainable development and technological advancement. The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation has now opened registration for the 8th edition of the Upgrade programme, running until May 31, 2025. This edition includes three competition tracks: Emerging Technologies, Water and Financial Technologies (Fintech). Winning teams will receive incubation, specialised training and business development support to help bring their ideas to market. Eligible applicants must be final-year students or recent graduates from higher education institutions in Oman. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Oman Research Portal. The Upgrade programme assesses 300+ student projects annually, aiming to convert at least 1% into successful startups. It collaborates with TRC, Omantel, SAS for Entrepreneurship, Riyada and Ibtikar Development Oman. The 2024-2025 cycle offers seed funding, business incubation, networking opportunities and international internships, empowering young entrepreneurs to scale their ventures. The initiative is supervised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation in collaboration with key public and private sector partners, including Omantel, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the Public Authority for SME Development, Nama Water Services, Daleel Petroleum, the Industrial Innovation Academy, the Central Bank of Oman; and the National Bank of Oman. After registration, a jury of programme partners selects the best projects for further development. Beyond startup incubation, Oman is actively integrating AI and advanced digital technologies into its national agenda. The National Programme for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies (2024-2026), led by MoTCIT, aims to position Oman among the top 50 AI-ready nations. The Oman AI Summit 2025 will further strengthen collaboration between industry leaders and policymakers, reinforcing Oman's commitment to a digitally competitive future. The Upgrade programme follows a three-stage evaluation process, where experts select the most promising student-led startups for incubation. Participants receive extensive business and marketing mentorship, with key stakeholders — including the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Omantel, the Oman Technology Fund (OTF), the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth; and the Authority for SME Development — offering financial, commercial and strategic support. Twelve projects have already transformed into thriving startups, fostering self-employment and strengthening Oman's entrepreneurial ecosystem. By fostering innovation and equipping students with essential resources, Oman is paving the way for a knowledge-driven future. As digital transformation accelerates globally, initiatives like Upgrade play a crucial role in positioning the Sultanate of Oman as a leader in the evolving digital economy. With a focus on cutting-edge fields such as fintech, water technologies and emerging digital solutions, this strategic effort strengthens Oman's role in global problem-solving while enhancing its economic resilience. The writer is a Pakistan-based researcher and financial analyst.
Muscat Daily
08-03-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman launches Upgrade Programme for students' projects
Muscat – The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation has announced the launch of registration for the 8th edition of the Upgrade Programme, an initiative that transforms outstanding graduation projects into successful startup companies. Open to Omani and resident students from higher education institutions (university diploma and above), the registration is open till May 31, encouraging young innovators to turn their ideas into market-ready businesses. The latest edition includes three specialised competition themes: Emerging Technologies, Water Innovation, and Financial Technologies. Participants will benefit from comprehensive incubation, mentorship, and professional development, equipping them with the necessary tools to establish and sustain successful startups. The initiative also aims to enhance Oman's knowledge-based economy and improve its ranking in global innovation indices. Students in their final academic year or graduates within the past two years are eligible to apply. All applications must be submitted electronically via the Oman Research Portal in Arabic or English before the deadline. Each participant can submit only one project, and late or non-electronic submissions will not be considered. Under the supervision of MoHERI, the programme will be held in partnership with Omantel, Nama Water Services, Daleel Petroleum, Industrial Innovation Academy, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Public Authority for SME Development, Central Bank of Oman, and National Bank of Oman.
Times of Oman
06-03-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman launches 8th Edition of Student Startup Programme
Muscat: The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation has announced the launch of the 8th edition of its programme aimed at transforming student graduation projects into successful startups. Online registration is now open to Omani nationals and residents of Oman who are students in higher education institutions, from university diploma level upwards, and will remain open until May 31st. The programme seeks to stimulate researchers and innovators, supporting the conversion of ideas into innovation-driven startups that contribute to sustainable economic development. It also aims to foster a culture of scientific research and innovation, empower student innovators, and achieve excellence in the field of entrepreneurship. The programme's objectives include ensuring the growth and sustainability of startups in the market, contributing to building a knowledge-based economy, and improving Oman's ranking in global indicators. It also aims to enhance partnerships with the private sector and provide diverse, strategic, and sustainable funding sources. This year's edition focuses on three tracks: Emerging Technologies, Water, and Financial Technologies. Winning teams will benefit from a comprehensive programme of incubation, development, support, and specialised training, designed to build leadership and professional capacities. The programme also provides diversified project participation options and innovation tracks aligned with the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. Eligibility for the programme includes students in their final year of university level education or graduates within two years of obtaining their graduation certificate. Applications must be submitted electronically through the registration link on the Oman Research Portal, available in both Arabic and English. No applications will be considered if submitted after the registration period or outside the electronic system. Each participant is limited to one application and one project. The programme is overseen by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, in collaboration with partners from both the government and private sectors, including Omantel, various ministries, and several key financial and industrial organisations. Submitted projects will be evaluated after the registration period closes by a judging panel composed of programme partners, through a multi-stage process to select the best winning projects for the incubation and development phase.
