In a move to bolster Oman’s digital ecosystem, Vodafone Oman, in partnership with the Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), recently concluded a three-day digital innovation hackathon. The event was designed to move beyond theoretical competition, focusing on generating practical and deployable solutions aligned with the Sultanate’s national digital transformation strategies.
The hackathon successfully gathered 121 participants from across Oman, including university students, early-career professionals, and technology practitioners. These individuals formed multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative startup concepts addressing key national priorities.
Fostering Practical and Scalable Solutions
The event’s core objective was to cultivate solution-oriented thinking by challenging participants to develop ideas that were not only technologically feasible but also socially relevant and scalable. The focus areas included digital government services, healthcare innovation, smart cities, cybersecurity, and digital solutions to support low-income households.
Sayyid Fahad Al Busaidi, Chief Corporate Affairs at Vodafone Oman, stated, “The hackathon was designed to push participants towards solution-oriented thinking, combining technical feasibility, societal relevance, and scalability. Over three intensive days, teams refined ideas through guided mentorship from academic specialists and industry experts, resulting in a set of concepts positioned for further development rather than one-off demonstration.”
Winning Innovations Emerge
At the conclusion of the programme, three standout ideas were selected for further exploration and potential development support from government and private sector entities.
First prize was awarded to Nudhum, a smart platform designed to transform existing system data into actionable insights, enabling better decision-making without complex system migrations. Second place went to Rasid, an AI-powered, real-time monitoring system that detects unauthorised objects in critical areas to enhance safety. The third-place winner was EnviroSense, a smart indoor air quality monitor for vehicles and elevators that uniquely uses algae to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen during emergencies.
Strengthening National Digital Capabilities
This hackathon is a key component of a broader strategic partnership between Vodafone Oman and Sultan Qaboos University. The collaboration is aimed at strengthening Oman’s national digital capabilities through targeted initiatives in research, talent development, and applied innovation.
The partnership also includes Vodafone’s sponsorship of a PhD scholarship in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, underscoring a long-term commitment to translating academic research into practical use cases that benefit both industry and society.
About Vodafone Oman
Established through a strategic partnership between Oman Future Telecommunications Company and Vodafone Group, Vodafone Oman launched its operations in March 2022 as the Sultanate’s only fully digital-first operator. Supported by a 100% cloud-based 5G network, the company provides a range of prepaid, postpaid, and enterprise solutions. Its award-winning My Vodafone App has surpassed 4 million downloads, offering a seamless digital experience. Aligned with Oman’s Vision 2040, Vodafone Oman is dedicated to fostering local talent and playing a pivotal role in the nation’s digital transformation.
Source: Zawya
