Oman’s Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, Riyada, recently hosted its “Safqat Riyada” event in the North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, creating a direct link between emerging Omani startups and potential investors. The initiative showcased seven companies from diverse sectors including industrial, agricultural, tech, and health, all pitching for funding and strategic partnerships to fuel their growth.
Quick Facts
- Event organized by Oman’s SME authority, Riyada.
- Seven startups pitched to investors and financiers.
- Focused on boosting the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Bridging the Gap for Omani Entrepreneurs
The “Safqat Riyada” initiative, themed “Ideas Grow, Opportunities are Made, and Investments Start Here,” provided a critical platform for founders to present their projects and business models to an audience of investors, financial institutions, and support organizations.
According to Salem bin Ali Al Hajri, Director of the SME Development Department in North Al Sharqiyah, the event was designed to improve the investment readiness of local startups. It aimed to sharpen their pitching, persuasion, and negotiation skills while enabling them to connect with decision-makers to secure new funding and commercial partnerships.
A Glimpse into Oman’s Emerging Tech Scene
The event featured pitches from seven distinct startups, each addressing a unique market need with an innovative solution. The lineup included:
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Khousa: An industrial startup producing biodegradable, single-use tableware from dry palm fronds, turning post-use products into organic fertilizer.
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GRIIV: An AgriTech company using a smart system that integrates soil sensors and drones to combat sudden crop death, helping farmers make data-driven decisions.
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Volt-i: A smart energy project that has developed a system to quickly and accurately diagnose electrical faults in residential, commercial, and industrial facilities.
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Fouh: A student-led environmental company that produces natural air fresheners and insect repellents from chemical-free ingredients.
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SpareHub: An e-commerce application using AI to streamline the buying and selling of vehicle and equipment spare parts, connecting suppliers and consumers on a unified digital platform.
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Scorleaf: A health-focused company developing an advanced natural treatment for scorpion stings using local plant extracts as a safe alternative to traditional antivenoms.
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AAYEN Platform: An e-commerce service built on a “try before you buy” concept, allowing customers to inspect products at home before payment to build trust and reduce returns.
Fostering a Nationwide Innovation Strategy
The event is a key component of Riyada’s broader strategy to strengthen Oman’s entrepreneurial framework across all governorates. By linking startups with viable investment opportunities, the authority aims to transform innovative ideas into productive economic projects that contribute to diversification, create sustainable jobs, and enhance local value.
The day also included a panel discussion on funding opportunities and business partnerships, focused on empowering startups to advance to more mature stages of growth and sustainability.
About Riyada
Riyada is Oman’s Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, the government body responsible for nurturing and developing the Sultanate’s SME and startup ecosystem. Through various programs, funding initiatives, and mentorship, Riyada works to foster entrepreneurship and support the growth of new businesses across the country.
Source: Oman Daily
