Latest news with #UniversityofTechnologyandAppliedSciences
Mid East Info
2 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
NBO Enhances Financial Awareness Among Youth Across North Al Batinah - Middle East Business News and Information - mid-east.info
16 July 2025, Muscat: The National Bank of Oman (NBO) organised a series of workshops in collaboration with the North Al Batinah Governor's Office at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Sohar, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Shinas and the Vocational College of Al Khabourah. Titled 'My Financial Future', the workshops catered to young individuals aged 9-17 and complemented the Governor's Office's 'Summer of Leadership and Creativity' Programme by empowering participants with practical financial planning skills needed for the future. Several topics were covered throughout the workshops including smart saving, budgeting, investment fundamentals, alongside hands-on activities that encouraged students to apply what they learned in realistic scenarios. This marks NBO's second participation in the programme, underscoring its commitment to support the development of younger generations through initiatives that embed financial literacy in real, relatable contexts. Through its 'My Financial Future' workshops, NBO continues to align its community outreach with national priorities by promoting responsible financial behaviours and equipping younger generations with practical skills and knowledge to navigate real-world challenges.
Observer
2 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Students make toiletries, plastic alternatives out of 'menace' mesquite
IBRI: The student-led company "Greenova" from the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Ibri has achieved a breakthrough by extracting alternatives to plastic and advanced health products from the mesquite tree (Prosopis juliflora). This pioneering step merges green economy principles with biotechnology, embodying Omani innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship. The company has emerged as a leader in transforming what was long considered a "harmful plant" into a hub of environmental and industrial innovation. Badr bin Said al Azizi, CEO of Greenova, stated: "With over two years of experience in innovation and entrepreneurship, the company has established a national and global reputation by developing a mesquite-based alternative to plastic. This material is stronger, cheaper, shatterproof and more heat-resistant." He noted that the material's high efficiency has been validated by a credible report from the Plant Therapy Research Laboratory in China, supervised by leading scientists, reinforcing the innovation's credibility and the product's robustness. He said: "By extracting compounds from mesquite leaves, the company has produced 100 per cent natural hair wash, body wash and soap derived from a local tree. This Omani-made product meets global standards, competes in international markets and offers a safe, healthy alternative to existing options." The CEO emphasised that Greenova has achieved remarkable milestones in a short time. Sales of its plastic alternative raw material have captured 40 per cent of the Omani market in a single transaction, with a net daily profit of 35 per cent, reflecting the project's economic viability and environmental sustainability. This success followed extensive efforts, including a strategic agreement with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Al Dhahirah Governorate to utilise mesquite tree waste — which previously required millions of riyals in annual public tenders for disposal. Thus, an environmental burden has been turned into an economic opportunity, positioning Greenova as a model for circular economy practices. Elyas bin Abdullah al Hatmi from Greenova highlighted the company's participation in numerous entrepreneurial events, such as Start-up Weekend and national and international hackathons, where it secured first place in 2025. The company also competed in Qatar's 2024 championship and reached the finals of Oman's Injaz exhibition in 2025. Notably, Greenova won incubation support from Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Al Dhahirah under the "Dhakira Innovates" initiative, cementing its strong presence in sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship. — ONA
Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Omani student company turns invasive tree into green gold
Muscat – A student-led company at University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Ibri has developed an eco-friendly alternative to plastic as well as personal care products using the mesquite tree ( Ghaf al Bahri ), which is considered an invasive species in Oman. The students have extracted a raw material from the mesquite tree suitable for use in both the plastic and health products industries. The project, which combines environmental sustainability with biotechnology, is being hailed as a model for circular economy initiatives in the region. Badr bin Saeed al Azizi, CEO of GreeNova, said the company has spent more than two years in research and development to reach this milestone. 'We've created a product that is stronger, cheaper and heat-resistant using a plant once regarded as a burden,' he said. The innovation has been validated by a report from Plant Therapy Research Laboratory in China. GreeNova's focus is not limited to finding an alternative to plastic. The company also found that the mesquite tree contains compounds with medicinal properties. Extracts from the leaves are now being used to develop personal care products, including hair wash, body wash and natural soap. These items are marketed as 100% natural and locally sourced, with ambitions to compete in international markets. According to Azizi, the company has captured 40% of market share in Oman for alternative raw materials in plastic production. He attributes this to a partnership with Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Dhahirah, which gave the company access to mesquite tree waste – earlier a costly environmental problem for the government. 'Our project has turned a costly waste disposal issue into a profitable and sustainable business model,' he said. Elias bin Abdullah al Hatmi, another member of GreeNova, informed that the company has participated in several local and international entrepreneurial competitions and received awards for innovation. GreeNova is currently incubated under the Dhahirah Innovates initiative supported by Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Hatmi said the company's success lies in its ability to convert environmental challenges into economic opportunities.
Observer
6 days ago
- Business
- Observer
'Haseed' links Al Dhahirah farmers with retailers
SUHAR: A student team from the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Suhar has launched a digital platform named 'Haseed', designed to directly link farmers in Al Dhahirah Governorate with fruit and vegetable retailers. The initiative aims to streamline marketing processes, reduce waste and enhance the efficiency and quality of the local agricultural supply chain. Mahmoud al Harmali, a team member, explained that the project was inspired by the challenges farmers face in delivering their products to local markets within Al Dhahirah. Many are forced to sell individually at weekly markets or transport their goods outside the governorate, leading to spoilage and delayed sales, while most retailers rely on imported produce from other governorates. He noted that the team encountered several challenges during development, including difficulty accessing farm owners directly. Additionally, digital promotion proved challenging, prompting the team to adopt on-ground outreach by visiting traditional markets - particularly at dawn on Fridays, a peak time for Omani traders and vendors. The platform allows farmers to easily showcase their fresh and organic products, while retailers can source locally grown goods at fair prices with assured quality. 'Haseed' also features an organised delivery system transporting produce from farms to stores, along with smart surplus management technology to minimise agricultural waste and maximise crop utilisation. Available products on the platform include a variety of farm-direct offerings such as dates, onions, leafy greens, melons and guavas. The project secured third place in 'Al Dhahirah Hackathon', which saw over 200 participants and 40 student projects amid strong competition from colleges and universities nationwide, judged by experts in innovation and entrepreneurship. Moving forward, the team plans to collaborate with relevant authorities to expand the platform to other governorates, with the goal of evolving it into a commercial start-up that supports Oman's agricultural sector and empowers local farmers through innovative tech solutions. - ONA
Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Student-made platform links farmers with retailers in Oman
Suhar – A group of students from University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Suhar has developed a digital platform aimed at improving the agriculture supply chain in Dhahirah. Called Haseed, the platform seeks to connect farmers directly with fruit and vegetable retailers, enhancing market access and reducing produce waste. Team member Mahmoud al Harmali said the idea emerged after observing the logistical challenges farmers face in taking their products to market. Many resort to selling at weekly markets or transporting goods outside the governorate, often leading to spoilage and delayed sales even as most retailers rely on imported produce, limiting demand for local harvests. The team faced several challenges during development, including difficulties in reaching farm owners, many of whom delegate operations to expatriate workers. Online promotion of the platform also proved challenging, prompting a shift to direct field engagement, including early-morning visits to markets frequented by traders and vendors. Haseed allows farmers to list fresh, locally grown produce and enables retailers to source directly from producers at fair prices. The platform includes a structured delivery system from farms to points of sale using smart tools to manage surplus inventory, reduce waste and improve yield efficiency. All items are currently sourced directly from farms within Dhahirah. The project secured third place at Dhahirah Hackathon featuring more than 200 participants and 40 student-led innovations. The competition was evaluated by professionals in entrepreneurship and innovation. The team is currently working on expanding the platform to other governorates.
