Muscat – Efforts to build a thriving innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Oman are opening new doors for young people eager to transform ideas into successful ventures. 

Through a growing network of incubators, accelerators, research programmes and funding initiatives, the sultanate has made marked progress in nurturing innovation and supporting a new generation of entrepreneurs. Yet, despite these advances, many young innovators continue to face challenges that test their resilience and determination.

As Oman advances towards the goals of Vision 2040 and seeks to diversify its economy, experts believe that empowering youth through innovation remains one of the most effective pathways to sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness.

Ali Abdullah Al Maskari from the Research and Innovation Authority said the government has placed innovation at the heart of its development strategy, supported by legislative and institutional reforms designed to strengthen the national innovation ecosystem. He noted that educational institutions and research centres are central to these efforts, serving as platforms for developing talent and converting scientific research into practical solutions with commercial potential.

According to Al Maskari, investment in youth-led innovation can generate significant benefits for both individuals and the wider economy. He highlighted the authority’s continued efforts to expand programmes that support scientific research, entrepreneurship and technology development while strengthening collaboration between academia and industry.

“Scientific competitions, hackathons and start-up programmes have become important channels for encouraging young Omanis to develop creative solutions to national challenges,” he said.

For Dr Khulood bint Mousa Al Balushi, Assistant Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, innovation environment and academic incubators have become critical tools for helping young people transform concepts into viable projects.

She explained that innovation camps, workshops and mentorship initiatives provide participants with practical skills in design thinking, project management and problem-solving. More importantly, these programmes help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and market realities.

“Such environments offer a safe space for experimentation, learning and growth,” she said. “They encourage young innovators to test ideas, learn from failure and build solutions that address real needs.”

Despite these advantages, Khulood acknowledged that challenges remain. Access to finance, limited human resources and the difficulty of commercialising research outcomes continue to hinder many start-ups in their early stages. In addition, entrepreneurs must constantly adapt to technological advancements and rapidly changing market expectations.

Majid bin Fayel Al Ameri, Founder and CEO of Thawani, believes Oman’s innovation ecosystem has matured significantly in recent years. He said the focus has shifted from simply generating ideas to building practical, market-oriented solutions capable of creating real economic value.

“Today’s young entrepreneurs are more aware of the importance of understanding customer needs, analysing markets and developing scalable business models,” Al Ameri said. “Innovation is increasingly becoming a structured process supported by research, partnerships and experience rather than an individual effort.”

He added that incubators, accelerators and specialised training programmes have equipped young Omanis with valuable skills in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, data analytics and entrepreneurship.

Meanwhile, Rajaa bint Khalfan Al Rashdi, an innovator, stressed that preparing for the future requires continuous learning and the ability to anticipate change. She believes Omani youth are becoming more aware of the global shifts reshaping economies, industries and workplaces.

“The future is not something we wait for; it is something we create,” she said. “Young people must be equipped with knowledge, critical thinking skills and the confidence to turn ideas into meaningful solutions.”