SUHAR, OCT 26
Three emerging digital ventures addressing industrial safety, sports talent development and the creative economy have highlighted the potential of technology to generate practical business opportunities in Al Batinah North, as the governorate steps up efforts to turn digital innovation into sustainable economic activity.
The projects were recognised at the conclusion of Al Batinah North Governorate’s Digital Entrepreneurship Week, emerging from the Digital Lab 1 Hackathon, which challenged participants to develop technology-based solutions to real-world needs. Their selection has also drawn renewed attention to the support needed to move promising ideas from prototypes to viable businesses.
Centerx secured first place with a platform designed to strengthen industrial workplace safety by monitoring workers’ compliance with occupational health and safety procedures. Rising Talents came second with a system that uses smart wristbands to assess physical fitness indicators and respiratory capacity, helping identify and develop sporting talent. Brawaz took third place with a platform that brings together Omani artists’ works and promotes them locally and internationally in collaboration with the Oman Society for Arts and Talents.
The initiative brought together entrepreneurs, technology specialists, business owners and aspiring innovators to explore the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies across different economic sectors.
Eng Nasser bin Said al Mamari, Director-General of Administrative and Financial Affairs at Al Batinah North, said the aim was to make the digital economy a key driver of growth by building on the governorate’s logistical, industrial and service-sector strengths, in line with national strategic priorities.
“The ambition is to transform the digital economy into a key engine of growth, building on Al Batinah North’s competitive advantages while translating national strategic directions into practical opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development,” Al Mamari said.
Hamoud al Jabri, head of the initiative, said the focus had to move beyond awareness-raising towards practical outcomes for entrepreneurs and businesses. “Digital transformation is no longer an option for businesses seeking sustainable growth. Our ambition is to create an environment where innovative ideas can be developed into viable digital ventures through knowledge-sharing, strategic partnerships and access to the support entrepreneurs need to succeed,” Al Jabri said.
Alongside the hackathon, the programme featured discussions on the challenges and opportunities of digital entrepreneurship, the future of the digital economy and the role of innovation in building resilient business models. Training workshops covered digital marketing, AI applications in project development, e-commerce and sustainable innovation.
Recommendations emerging from the initiative focused on connecting outstanding hackathon projects with business incubators, accelerators and funding institutions. Further priorities included developing Digital Lab 1, activating an innovation portal to receive challenges and proposed solutions, and expanding cooperation among government bodies, private-sector companies, academic institutions and technology firms.
The programme also called for sustained practical training in AI, data analytics, automation and emerging technologies, alongside a proposed “Aware Digital Society” initiative promoting the safe and responsible use of digital tools.
For Al Batinah North, the next step is to establish clear pathways from innovation to implementation, linking promising ventures with investment, technical expertise and potential customers in support of Oman Vision 2040’s digital economy objectives.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
