Startup Weekend at Sohar University to foster innovation

SUHAR: Startup Weekend activities began at Sohar University in Al Batinah North Governorate, providing a platform for innovators to transform entrepreneurial ideas into real startup projects with guidance from mentors and experts.
Dr Mohammed bin Abdullah al Maqbali, Assistant Vice-Chancellor for Financial Affairs, highlighted that the event focuses on five key areas: artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, financial technologies, renewable energy and sustainability, innovation in education and healthcare, and e-commerce and logistics. He stressed the importance of equipping participants with skills in thinking, planning, and implementation based on global startup methodologies.
The first day featured pitching and team-building sessions, followed by workshops on gap analysis, business model development, and presentations on the second day. The final day involves intensive work on prototypes and concludes with presentations before a judging panel.
Winning projects will be announced at the event’s conclusion, with teams recognised for turning their ideas into promising ventures that contribute to economic development and entrepreneurship in Oman. — ONA