Graduation of the first cohort from Business Accelerator Programme

The OQ Centre for Research, Development and Innovation held a graduation ceremony for the first cohort of its Business Accelerator Programme.

The event saw the presentation of innovative projects by 13 start-ups to specialists in entrepreneurship and energy from Oman and abroad.

The featured projects covered various fields, including sustainable energy, clean technology, artificial intelligence and energy facility efficiency.

The programme forms part of OQ Group’s efforts to support the growth of entrepreneurship and stimulate technological advancement, by providing an integrated environment to accelerate start-up development and enable market entry.

Investors from Oman, Europe, Asia and South America had the opportunity to explore the solutions presented by the entrepreneurs and discuss prospects for joint investment and expansion, contributing to a more dynamic innovation environment.

The ceremony also witnessed the signing of an agreement between the OQ Centre for Research, Development and Innovation and ITHCA Group (formerly known as Oman Information and Communication Technologies Group). The agreement aims to facilitate investment in the outcomes of the Business Accelerator Programme and connect start-ups with initiatives and opportunities offered by both entities.

Ammar Alojaili, Vice President for Innovation at OQ Group, said that the graduation of the first cohort marks a significant milestone, reflecting the Business Accelerator Programme’s success in establishing start-ups that offer innovative solutions for the energy sector.

Maha Albalushi, Director General of Investment Funds Management at ITHCA Group, said that the collaboration between OQ and ITHCA will help drive a qualitative leap in the development of technological solutions and their integration into areas related to the telecommunications and information technology sectors. She added that it would open new opportunities for expansion in local and regional markets and foster innovative solutions that strengthen Oman’s position as a regional hub for technology and investment.

The agreement reflects the two groups’ commitment to continuing support for the private sector and fostering an entrepreneurial environment that contributes to sustainable economic growth.

Both groups affirmed the importance of this collaboration in building a strategic partnership focused on investing local resources and talent to generate added value for the national economy.