Muscat – Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation launched a hackathon called ‘Gimathon’ on Sunday with the participation of 105 innovators from academic and research institutions across Oman.

Divided into 21 teams, the participants will work over three days to develop solutions for national technology challenges in education, research, sustainability and entrepreneurship.

Gimathon serves as a national platform connecting students, researchers and entrepreneurs in a competitive environment aimed at creating digital solutions that advance Oman’s digital transformation and sustainable development goals.

Muneer bin Nasser al Battashi, Director of Oman Research and Education Network (OMREN), said the hackathon is one of the key events of this year’s Oman Research, Education and Technology Summit, which begins on Monday under the theme ‘Artificial Intelligence as a Driving Force for Scientific Research and Education’.

He noted that the event goes beyond competition, providing a space for creativity and innovation that enables young people to apply emerging technologies to enhance education and research.

Participants are developing technology-based projects in areas such as smart learning, digital research analysis, educational inclusivity, sustainability and entrepreneurship. The challenges were identified in coordination with government institutions to ensure that the proposed solutions address real national needs.

The opening day included an orientation session, workshops and idea-generation activities, followed by tours of an exhibition showcasing national innovations and emerging technologies. Over the next two days, participants will take part in training sessions and expert-led reviews before presenting their projects to a judging panel at the closing ceremony.

The outcomes of Gimathon are expected to support Oman’s digital transformation efforts and strengthen collaboration between higher education institutions, the public sector and private enterprises, in line with the National Strategy for Scientific Research and Innovation.