Oman’s tech ecosystem is buzzing with activity as the second edition of the Artificial Intelligence Hackathon kicks off in Muscat, bringing together 20 startup teams to pioneer new AI-driven solutions. The four-day event is a strategic initiative organized by the Omani Promising Startups Program and Omantel Innovation Labs to empower early-stage entrepreneurs and transform local challenges into scalable, tech-enabled businesses.
Cultivating AI-Driven Solutions
The hackathon is designed to provide a comprehensive platform for innovators and founders to immerse themselves in artificial intelligence. Participating teams, comprised of idea-stage founders and early-stage startups from various sectors, are tasked with leveraging AI to develop novel solutions and viable business models. A key focus of the program is on practical application, guiding participants in identifying opportunities for AI integration, designing prototypes with no-code programming tools, and building sustainable commercial strategies under the mentorship of industry experts.
A Collaborative Ecosystem Effort
This initiative is a cornerstone of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority’s (Riyada) broader strategy to embed a culture of technology and innovation within the Sultanate’s entrepreneurial landscape. The event showcases a powerful public-private partnership, bringing together a supportive ecosystem to provide a hands-on experience that blends learning with direct application through specialized workshops. The hackathon serves as a critical step in building an integrated national ecosystem capable of equipping Omani startups with the resources needed for regional and global growth.
Beyond The Prize Money
While the top-performing teams will be awarded financial prizes of RO 3,000 each, the true value lies in the long-term support offered. Winning teams that present innovative solutions with tangible impact and high growth potential will gain access to the Omantel Innovation Labs accelerator ecosystem. This post-hackathon support is crucial for transforming promising ideas into impactful projects, contributing directly to Oman’s transition towards a knowledge-based economy and solidifying its position as an attractive hub for entrepreneurship.
About Omantel Innovation Labs
Omantel Innovation Labs is a core component of Omantel’s strategy to foster innovation and support the growth of the digital economy in Oman. It serves as an accelerator and incubator for tech startups, providing them with mentorship, resources, and strategic partnerships. The labs focus on nurturing early-stage companies in emerging technology fields, including AI, to help them scale and contribute to the nation’s technological advancement.
Source: Oman News Agency
