Muscat – The Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn), represented by Industrial Innovation Academy and in collaboration with Oman LNG, launched Sur Oasis Incubator at Sur Industrial City on Wednesday.

The launch ceremony was held under the patronage of Dr Yahya bin Badr al Maawali, Governor of South Sharqiyah, in the presence of Hilal bin Hamad al Hasani, CEO of Madayn.

The launch of the incubator is in line with efforts to enhance the business climate in Madayn’s industrial cities through the establishment of accelerators in various governorates, which will attract innovators, entrepreneurs and SMEs owners, as well as connect these with the industrial sector, a press release said.

Being the first incubator to be managed and operated by the Industrial Innovation Academy outside Muscat governorate, Sur Oasis Incubator will act as an ideal entrepreneurship platform featuring a line-up of services and facilities for businesses and innovators. ‘These services include providing co-working space, private offices, advice, training programmes and technical support, among others. To enhance and expand business opportunities, the incubator will link the incubated companies to factories and companies in Sur Industrial City.’

The inauguration ceremony also marked the graduation of 30 participants of the Industrial Innovation Programme, financed and supported by Oman LNG. The programme targeted entrepreneurs and innovators in South Sharqiyah in the food and beverage industry.

Commenting on the value-add of Sur Oasis Incubator, Abdulqadir bin Salim al Balushi, director general of Sur Industrial City, said, “This incubator will serve as a leading centre for entrepreneurs, innovators and owners of SMEs in South Sharqiyah, and we will ensure linking the incubated projects with companies and factories operating in Sur Industrial City to expand their business opportunities.”

He informed that Sur Industrial City is currently working on launching the second edition of the Industrial Innovation Programme before the end of the year in cooperation with Industrial Innovation Academy. The forthcoming edition will focus on one of the strategic sectors related to technology.

On his part, Dr Amor bin Nasser al Matani, CEO of Oman LNG Development Foundation, said. “The launch of this incubator reflects Oman LNG’s constant efforts to support the Omani youth, develop the skills and capabilities of entrepreneurs, and provide training and advisory programmes to ensure the sustainability and long-term growth of SMEs.”