Muscat – Three Omani innovators have qualified to represent the sultanate at the global finals of the Falling Walls Lab forum in Berlin, Germany, from November 5 to 9, the Research and Innovation Authority (RIA) announced on Tuesday.

The finalists were selected at the conclusion of the 11th edition of the national competition, hosted by the University of Nizwa under the patronage of Dr Saif bin Abdullah Al Hadabi, Chairman of RIA and in the presence of Dr Ahmed bin Khalfan Al-Rawahi, Chancellor of the University of Nizwa. 

Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Alawi won first place for his project, ‘Breaking the Wall of Inequality in Medical Education Opportunities’.

Rayan bint Salem Al Sarmi took second place with ‘Breaking the Wall of Hair Loss Resulting from Chemotherapy for Cancer Patients’, while Ali bin Ahmed Al Zadjali was third for ‘Breaking the Wall of Circular Asphalt’.

A total of 20 researchers and innovators competed in the final round after qualifying from 158 participants in this year’s competition.

Each finalist was given three minutes to present their idea before a judging panel comprising experts, academics and business representatives, who assessed the projects and selected those to represent Oman internationally.

Nasreen bint Yahya Al Balushi, who oversees the Research and Innovation Capacity Building Department at the authority, said the competition aims to support Omani innovators and give them access to international platforms.

She said the initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040’s goal of developing a knowledge-based economy, while complementing programmes supporting research and innovation capacity in the country.

Dr Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al Harrasi, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies at the University of Nizwa, said scientific research should increasingly be translated into medicines, technologies and startups that address community needs and contribute to the national economy.

Falling Walls Lab is an international forum that connects researchers, academics, entrepreneurs and investors, with a focus on turning research and innovative ideas into practical applications.