Startup Grind Muscat has officially partnered with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) to host the Student-Led Startup Forum, a specialized event designed to shift the entrepreneurial narrative from growth metrics to the raw, lived experience of building a business. The forum, held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), brought together over 30 student-led ventures and 30 strategic partners to align with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
Insights From Industry Leaders
The event featured prominent Omani entrepreneurs who shared the “unfiltered reality” of the startup journey. Key speakers included:
- Azzan Al-Kindi, CEO and Co-Founder of Rihal, who discussed navigating the inherent uncertainty of early-stage ventures.
- Shamsa Al Salami, CEO and Co-Founder of Zumr, who addressed the weight of leadership responsibility and the slow process of building trust through consistent delivery.
Shifting Focus To Human Capability
A core theme of the discussion was the move away from traditional “clarity” in business planning toward a model of constant learning and market-driven pivots. Participants emphasized:
- Human-Centric Growth: Investing in human capability and diverse perspectives was identified as the primary factor in overcoming operational stalls.
- The Weight of Leadership: Growth was characterized not just as an achievement, but as a “heavy” responsibility for people rather than just ideas.
- Practical Regulation: The forum explored how regulation manifests in day-to-day business decisions, rather than just abstract policy.
Empowering Oman’s Next Generation
The collaboration aims to equip student founders by reframing challenges as a standard part of the entrepreneurial process rather than signs of failure. This initiative coincides with a period of massive growth in the UTAS entrepreneurial ecosystem, which saw student startups increase to 364 companies in 2025—a 435% growth compared to the previous year. By fostering honest dialogue between established founders and students, Startup Grind Muscat and UTAS are working to accelerate the collective learning of the local ecosystem.
About Startup Grind Muscat
Startup Grind Muscat is the local chapter of a global community designed to educate, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs. The chapter focuses on strengthening the Omani startup ecosystem through monthly events, fireside chats, and strategic partnerships that bridge the gap between academic theory and practical business reality.
About University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS)
The University of Technology and Applied Sciences is a leading higher education institution in Oman dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Through its network of nine technical incubators and specialized innovation programs, UTAS works to transform student research into competitive economic entities that support Oman’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.
Source: Startup Grind Muscat
