Muscat – Young innovators from Oman achieved a major international milestone after they secured four medals, including three golds and one silver, at International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX) 2026, which concluded on May 20 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The achievement, accomplished under the supervision of the Ministry of Education (MoE), came amid participation of more than 1,000 participants from 17 countries, highlighting the growing global presence of Omani innovators in advanced technology and scientific research.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, innovator Nahya bint Nasser Al Hamdani, who won a gold medal for developing smart glasses integrated with a mobile application for the visually impaired, said her project aims to improve mobility and safety for blind and visually impaired users.

“This achievement represents an important step towards employing technology to serve people with visual impairments. I hope to further develop the project into a practical product that enhances independence and quality of life,” she said.

Another gold medal – alongside the exhibition’s Best Invention Award – was awarded to innovator Luqman bin Sulaiman Al Dhofri for his project Drone Lens, an automated aircraft inspection system that uses drones powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies.

Al Dhofri said the recognition reflects the capabilities of Omani youth in emerging technologies. “We aim to transform this innovation into a practical solution that supports the aviation sector and improves the efficiency of inspection and safety operations.”

Zaher bin Salem Al Alawi also secured a gold medal for his project focused on an advanced bio-therapeutic platform designed to accelerate the healing of chronic wounds and diabetic ulcers using smart delivery technologies.

Al Alawi said the award would motivate him to continue biomedical research and develop innovative medical solutions capable of improving patients’ lives.

Balqees bint Salem Al Hakmani won a silver for her project involving a smart closed-loop system to regulate potassium levels for heart patients.

Balqees said her project was selected among only eight innovations presented in her category before international investors and global business accelerators from among more than thousands of participants.

“The experience opened important doors for future cooperation and international partnerships to test and implement the product.”

ITEX is regarded as one of the world’s leading annual exhibitions dedicated to inventions, innovation and technology, attracting innovators, entrepreneurs and investors from around the globe.

Oman’s success at ITEX 2026 reflects the sultanate’s growing momentum in research, innovation and advanced technology, in line with the objectives of Vision 2040, MoE stated.