Latest news with #SERB
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Omani startup targets onboarding of 5,000 drone pilots
MUSCAT: Omani drone startup SERB, backed by the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) through Future Fund Oman (FFO), plans to onboard 5,000 drone pilots as part of its mission to build a comprehensive drone management ecosystem in the Sultanate. One of the most prominent drone-based service providers in the country, SERB is currently partnering with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in the development and operation of the 'SERB Platform', a centralized system for drone registration and management. Formally unveiled by the CAA on January 28, 2025, the platform aims to enhance air navigation safety, regulate drone usage, and streamline the permitting process for drone operators. On the first anniversary of its launch, FFO highlighted its partnership with SERB as a model of high-impact economic growth. 'SERB is leading the transformation of drone management in the Sultanate. With support from FFO and strategic collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority, SERB aligns closely with Oman Vision 2040—aiming to enhance airspace safety, foster innovation in drone technology, and support the broad use of drones across the economy,' FFO noted in an Impact Report compiled by Oxford Business Group. As part of its strategic goal to foster skills development and industry growth, SERB aims to initially onboard around 5,000 drone pilots. It has also laid the groundwork for collaboration with 13 government entities to build the regulatory framework underpinning the platform. Once fully operational, the SERB Platform will offer a range of services including safe zone identification to help drone operators locate authorized areas for activities, a registration portal to simplify drone registration and permit acquisition, air traffic management capabilities to ensure safe integration into existing airspace, and environmental protection compliance mechanisms to uphold safety standards for people, property, and the natural environment. Looking ahead, SERB has ambitions to expand its regional footprint. 'SERB aims to extend its operations to regional markets, including Abu Dhabi, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. It plans to onboard major players in drone delivery, broaden the platform's capabilities, and position itself as a leader in technological innovation and ecosystem acceleration,' FFO added. Oman's domestic drone industry has seen strong momentum in recent years, attracting tens of millions of dollars in investment. A wave of startups and tech ventures now specialize in areas such as aerial inspection, precision agriculture, logistics, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure surveying. An increasing number of government ministries, oilfield operators, and logistics companies are partnering with local drone firms to implement innovative services—for example, deploying pesticide-spraying drones in date farms. Regulatory bodies, including the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), have introduced technical standards and frameworks to nurture innovation within the sector. The continued growth of the drone ecosystem also supports youth entrepreneurship and the integration of advanced technologies—such as AI-powered logistics and smart agriculture—into national development strategies. 2025 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
2 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Omani startup targets onboarding of 5,000 drone pilots
MUSCAT, JULY 28 Omani drone startup SERB, backed by the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) through Future Fund Oman (FFO), plans to onboard 5,000 drone pilots as part of its mission to build a comprehensive drone management ecosystem in the Sultanate. One of the most prominent drone-based service providers in the country, SERB is currently partnering with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in the development and operation of the 'SERB Platform', a centralized system for drone registration and management. Formally unveiled by the CAA on January 28, 2025, the platform aims to enhance air navigation safety, regulate drone usage, and streamline the permitting process for drone operators. On the first anniversary of its launch, FFO highlighted its partnership with SERB as a model of high-impact economic growth. 'SERB is leading the transformation of drone management in the Sultanate. With support from FFO and strategic collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority, SERB aligns closely with Oman Vision 2040—aiming to enhance airspace safety, foster innovation in drone technology, and support the broad use of drones across the economy,' FFO noted in an Impact Report compiled by Oxford Business Group. As part of its strategic goal to foster skills development and industry growth, SERB aims to initially onboard around 5,000 drone pilots. It has also laid the groundwork for collaboration with 13 government entities to build the regulatory framework underpinning the platform. Once fully operational, the SERB Platform will offer a range of services including safe zone identification to help drone operators locate authorized areas for activities, a registration portal to simplify drone registration and permit acquisition, air traffic management capabilities to ensure safe integration into existing airspace, and environmental protection compliance mechanisms to uphold safety standards for people, property, and the natural environment. Looking ahead, SERB has ambitions to expand its regional footprint. 'SERB aims to extend its operations to regional markets, including Abu Dhabi, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. It plans to onboard major players in drone delivery, broaden the platform's capabilities, and position itself as a leader in technological innovation and ecosystem acceleration,' FFO added. Oman's domestic drone industry has seen strong momentum in recent years, attracting tens of millions of dollars in investment. A wave of startups and tech ventures now specialize in areas such as aerial inspection, precision agriculture, logistics, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure surveying. An increasing number of government ministries, oilfield operators, and logistics companies are partnering with local drone firms to implement innovative services—for example, deploying pesticide-spraying drones in date farms. Regulatory bodies, including the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), have introduced technical standards and frameworks to nurture innovation within the sector. The continued growth of the drone ecosystem also supports youth entrepreneurship and the integration of advanced technologies—such as AI-powered logistics and smart agriculture—into national development strategies.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
IIT-G event explores bone regeneration
Guwahati: Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati organised a one-day SERB(ANRF)-supported workshop titled "Engineered Hydroxyapatite: Bridging Bone Regeneration and Antimicrobial Protection" on July 19. The event brought together experts, researchers, and students to explore cutting-edge developments in biomaterials, particularly hydroxyapatite (HAp), a calcium phosphate compound renowned for its exceptional biocompatibility, bioactivity, and close resemblance to the mineral composition of human bone. The event was organised for the dissemination of knowledge about the SERB-sponsored project "Development of Fe and Zn co-doped Hydroxyapatite for the Treatment of Osteomyelitis". During the inauguration, Prof Utpal Bora, the chairman of the event and the head of the department of biosciences and bioengineering, IIT Guwahati, highlighted the significance of tissue engineering and its translation to real-world medical applications. The convenor of the event, Prof. Lalit M. Pandey, department of biosciences and bioengineering, IIT Guwahati, outlined the workshop's core objectives and agenda, focusing on the interdisciplinary applications of engineered HAp in both regenerative medicine and infection control. Prof. Pandey also presented a detailed discussion on the bottom-up synthesis approach for HAp-based nanomaterials, emphasizing how fine-tuning at the nanoscale can significantly modify the bulk properties of a biomaterial.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
After faculty overwhelmingly voted to unionize, Ohio University is suing them again
ATHENS, Ohio (WCMH) — More than one year, 600 ballots and plenty in legal fees after the process began, Ohio University faculty were approved to unionize. The university is appealing the state to stop it. 'To initiate this lawsuit at this time is a dishonest and disingenuous choice by the leadership of Ohio University, and we strongly object to their doing so,' John O'Keefe, communications director for United Academics of Ohio University, said. O'Keefe said this is the latest in a long string of delays from university leadership. In March, 70% of faculty voted in favor of unionization, but Ohio University challenged the election through the State Employment Relations Board. On May 7, SERB ruled in favor of the United Academics of Ohio University (UAOU). Despite initially indicating they would defer to the SERB ruling, the university is appealing the vote again, frustrating union members. Ohio could lose millions under Rubio's plan to revoke Chinese student visas Mike Courtney, university director of employee and labor relations, addressed the initial SERB challenge at a Faculty Senate meeting in April. According to meeting minutes, Courtney said the university received multiple complaints from faculty members about the unionization process, prompting the SERB filing. 'Did all faculty have equal opportunity to vote and participate? If SERB finds that the process was indeed fair and the results stand, we will accept that outcome and move forward,' Courtney said. But SERB did find the process was fair, and Ohio University appealed the decision on May 22 regardless, saying it does not believe SERB thoroughly investigated its concerns. The university also said it does not believe SERB adequately abided by its rules. Ohio University leadership alleges UAOU violated the unionization process by holding member-only meetings before the election and due to issues with mailing the ballots. 'SERB's decision fails to follow its own rules as written and instead improperly changes the regulations outside the required rulemaking process,' Ohio University alleged in its appeal. These meetings had both a member-only portion and an election portion, and the latter was open to all. SERB found although the meetings held before the election had member-only portions, any faculty could sign up as a union member at the door to attend. SERB ruled that without those guidelines, the union would not have been able to meet exclusively as it planned for the election. Lt. Gov. Tressel on DEI, governor's race Both UAOU and Ohio University agreed there were complications in delivering the ballots. Originally hoping to vote in February, UAOU had to extend the election deadline to allow people to request and submit replacement ballots. Ohio University argued these complications swayed members to vote in favor of unionizing, offering several emails from faculty complaining about the process. UAOU said the ballot issues negatively affected the union's efforts. 'Overall, the emails from OU show frustration with the delivery of the ballots, not with OU, and not with the Union. Union affiants collectively support this notion,' SERB said in its ruling. 'The post office delivery problems did not negatively affect the election in such a way as to require a re-run election.' Further, SERB found a supermajority participated in the election process, at 82% of eligible voters. Of those voters, 70% were in favor of unionization. SERB said even if every person who did not vote voted against unionization, the measure still would have passed by over 100 votes. How much Columbus home prices have risen since 2019 'The university is still trying to delay this process based on claims that haven't convinced the State Employment Relations Board, but we are ready to sit down and start negotiating a contract that will improve faculty working conditions, and therefore student learning conditions,' O'Keefe said. O'Keefe said despite the appeal, the union is working to begin contract negotiations. A university spokesperson said it would be premature to comment on the lawsuit but said the university is working with union representatives to arrange negotiations as the appeal moves forward. According to court records, a resolution should be announced on July 7. If it is unable to be resolved without trial or further arguments, the case will be extended. With UAOU's vote to unionize, only two of Ohio's 14 public universities do not have faculty unions: Ohio State University and Northeast Ohio Medical University. However, OSU does have AAUP Ohio State, an advocacy chapter that focuses on issues that pertain to OSU faculty and encourages national union membership. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
