Latest news with #TidalVision
Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Omani students turn seafood waste into eco-friendly product
Muscat – A group of 12 university students has developed a method to convert discarded shrimp and fish shells into chitosan – a biodegradable substance with diverse applications across several sectors. The project, named Qeshour, aims to promote sustainable practices while providing eco-friendly alternatives to conventional materials. It reflects the growing engagement of Omani youth in scientific research and environmental innovation. Chitosan, a fine white powder extracted from crustacean shells, is used in medicine, agriculture, water purification and the production of biodegradable plastics. Anwar Ahmed al Bimani, CEO of Qeshour Speaking to Muscat Daily, Anwar Ahmed al Bimani, CEO of Qeshour, said the team developed the substance using a series of chemical processes and precise drying techniques. 'Although the procedure appears simple, we went through many experiments and refinements before achieving the right formula,' he said. The team faced challenges related to funding and access to specialised materials. Bimani credited perseverance, teamwork and family support for overcoming these difficulties. 'We are seeking private sector partnerships to scale up production and bring chitosan-based products to the local market, with plans to explore regional opportunities as well,' he added. The initiative coincides with the Oman Investment Authority's recent investment in US-based Tidal Vision, which produces chitosan from crab and shrimp shells through an environmentally friendly, zero-waste process. Chitosan has broad industrial uses, including in water treatment, textiles and fertilisers as a natural alternative to chemicals such as aluminium sulphate, activated carbon, pesticides and plastic films. In the oil and gas sector, it can treat high-salinity water – a significant challenge given that operations produce around nine barrels of saline water for every barrel of oil. In agriculture, it offers potential for seed coating and biopesticides, contributing to greater sustainability. In a message to youth, Bimani said, 'Believe in your abilities, hold onto your dreams, work hard, and never give up. Every achievement begins with a single step and strong willpower.' He concluded by emphasising the urgency of sustainability. 'It is no longer a choice – it is a responsibility we all share.'
Zawya
11-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman sovereign wealth fund invests in US biotech firm Tidal Vision
Oman's sovereign wealth fund, the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), has invested in Tidal Vision, an American biotech firm specialising in biopolymers. The sultanate's investment arm, whose assets exceeded $49 billion in 2023, is one of the investors who participated in Tidal Vision's oversubscribed $140 million Series B financing round. The investment is part of the fund's strategy to capitalise on sustainable innovations that support localisation of products, OIA confirmed on Monday. Tidal Vision provides biomolecular solutions utilised in various industries like water treatment, agriculture and material science. It uses a natural alternative to traditional chemicals called chitosan, a polymer sourced from the shells of crustaceans like shrimps and crabs. The company is looking to expand its global footprint and is building new infrastructure in Europe, Texas and Ohio. (Writing by Cleofe Maceda; editing by Seban Scaria)
Zawya
11-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman Investment Authority invests in leading US-based biopolymers company
Muscat: As part of its strategy to invest in advanced technologies, Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has announced its investment in the US based company Tidal Vision, a leading innovator in the field of biopolymer technology. This investment was made during Tidal Vision's Series B funding round, in which the company successfully raised over $140 million from strategic investors, according to its recent announcement. Through such international investments, OIA aims to localize innovative solutions to meet domestic market needs. Founded in 2014, Tidal Vision specializes in converting renewable natural resources into sustainable, eco-friendly materials. The company develops biopolymer solutions based on chitosan, a natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic biopolymer derived from crustacean shells such as shrimp and crabs. Tidal Vision has successfully commercialized the large-scale production of chitosan using a zero-waste extraction process, offering a higher-quality and lower-cost alternative compared to competitors. The company is also committed to sustainability by repurposing byproducts from the fishing industry, reducing waste, and supporting the circular economy. Chitosan-based solutions have applications across various industries, particularly in addressing pollution and climate challenges. The material is widely used in water treatment, agriculture, textiles, and fertilizers as a natural alternative to conventional chemicals such as aluminum sulfate, activated carbon, pesticides, and plastic films. Additionally, in the oil and gas sector, chitosan can be utilized for treating high-salinity water, a significant challenge given that industrial operations in this field produce approximately nine barrels of saline water for every barrel of oil extracted. Its use in agriculture also presents opportunities for seed coating and bio-pesticides, contributing to greater sustainability in the sector. OIA continues to invest in innovative, environmentally friendly technologies and products through its Future Generations Fund (FGF). By investing internationally, OIA seeks to localise advanced solutions to serve the Omani market. Furthermore, OIA remains committed to investing in economically promising companies to enhance FGF's revenues and ensure sustainable returns for both present and future generations. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Muscat Daily
10-03-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
OIA invests in US-based biopolymer company Tidal Vision
Muscat – Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has announced an investment in the US-based company Tidal Vision, which uses an environmentally friendly, zero-waste process to turn discarded crab and shrimp shells into a valuable industrial chemical called chitosan. The investment was made during Tidal Vision's Series B funding round, in which the company successfully raised over US$140mn from strategic investors. OIA aims to localise innovative solutions to meet domestic market needs through such international investments, it stated. Founded in 2014, Tidal Vision specialises in converting renewable natural resources into sustainable, eco-friendly materials. The company develops biopolymer solutions based on chitosan, a natural, biodegradable and non-toxic biopolymer derived from crustacean shells. Tidal Vision has successfully commercialised the large-scale production of chitosan, offering a higher-quality and lower-cost alternative. The company is also committed to sustainability by repurposing byproducts from the fishing industry, reducing waste and supporting the circular economy. Chitosan-based solutions have applications across various industries, particularly in addressing pollution and climate challenges. The material is widely used in water treatment, agriculture, textiles and fertilisers as a natural alternative to conventional chemicals such as aluminum sulphate, activated carbon, pesticides and plastic films. Additionally, in the oil and gas sector, chitosan can be used for treating high-salinity water, a major challenge given that industrial operations in this field produce approximately nine barrels of saline water for every barrel of oil extracted. Its use in agriculture also presents opportunities for seed coating and biopesticides, contributing to greater sustainability in the sector. OIA continues to invest in innovative, environmentally friendly technologies and products through its Future Generations Fund.
Observer
10-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
OIA Invests in US-based Tidal Vision
Muscat - As part of its strategy to invest in advanced technologies, Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has announced its investment in the US based company Tidal Vision, a leading innovator in the field of biopolymer technology. This investment was made during Tidal Vision's Series B funding round, in which the company successfully raised over $140 million from strategic investors, according to its recent announcement. Through such international investments, OIA aims to localize innovative solutions to meet domestic market needs. Founded in 2014, Tidal Vision specializes in converting renewable natural resources into sustainable, eco-friendly materials. The company develops biopolymer solutions based on chitosan, a natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic biopolymer derived from crustacean shells such as shrimp and crabs. Tidal Vision has successfully commercialized the large-scale production of chitosan using a zero-waste extraction process, offering a higher-quality and lower-cost alternative compared to competitors. The company is also committed to sustainability by repurposing byproducts from the fishing industry, reducing waste, and supporting the circular economy. Chitosan-based solutions have applications across various industries, particularly in addressing pollution and climate challenges. The material is widely used in water treatment, agriculture, textiles, and fertilizers as a natural alternative to conventional chemicals such as aluminum sulfate, activated carbon, pesticides, and plastic films. Additionally, in the oil and gas sector, chitosan can be utilized for treating high-salinity water, a significant challenge given that industrial operations in this field produce approximately nine barrels of saline water for every barrel of oil extracted. Its use in agriculture also presents opportunities for seed coating and biopesticides, contributing to greater sustainability in the sector. OIA continues to invest in innovative, environmentally friendly technologies and products through its Future Generations Fund (FGF). By investing internationally, OIA seeks to localize advanced solutions to serve the Omani market. Furthermore, OIA remains committed to investing in economically promising companies to enhance FGF's revenues and ensure sustainable returns for both present and future generations.
