Oman’s drive to cultivate a homegrown startup ecosystem took a step forward as the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), through its Center for Entrepreneurship and Industrial Relations, hosted the “Bussala Riyadia” (Entrepreneurial Compass) event. The initiative, organized in collaboration with the Omani Association for Entrepreneurship, focused on critical early-stage challenges, including securing funding and attracting investors, while showcasing a new wave of student-led ventures.
Quick Facts
- 16 student companies showcased their projects.
- Focus on funding, investment, and future skills.
- Sectors included tech, sustainability, and energy.
Bridging Academia and Venture
The “Bussala Riyadia” event served as a direct link between academic innovation and the commercial market. A central panel discussion addressed key hurdles for student companies, dissecting funding sources and strategies for attracting investor interest.
The event also featured specialized consulting sessions led by experts from the Omani Association for Entrepreneurship. This gave the student teams a valuable opportunity to receive direct feedback and practical guidance, helping them refine their business models and improve their chances of long-term success.
A Platform for Diverse Innovation
The showcase highlighted the breadth of ideas emerging from the university’s various branches. The 16 participating student companies presented projects across a wide range of sectors, including the environment, agriculture, energy, modern technologies, sustainability, and educational and social services. This diversity points to a growing spirit of initiative among the university’s student body, tackling challenges in multiple key economic areas.
Aligning with Oman Vision 2040
Dr. Rih bint Rashid Al-Amri, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Industrial Relations at UTAS, emphasized the event’s strategic importance. She stated that the initiative is part of the university’s broader effort to embed a culture of entrepreneurship and empower student-led companies.
“The university is keen to transform promising student projects into established companies capable of competing in local and global markets,” Al-Amri noted. She added that UTAS is focused on creating a stimulating environment for innovation that sharpens students’ entrepreneurial skills. This effort directly supports the goals of “Oman Vision 2040” by contributing to economic diversification and the development of a knowledge-based economy.
About The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS)
The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) is a public university in Oman. Through its Center for Entrepreneurship and Industrial Relations, it actively works to support student innovation, foster an entrepreneurial culture, and help transition academic projects into viable commercial enterprises that contribute to the national economy.
Source: Oman Daily
