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Omani youth turn innovation into market-ready ventures with national support

Tuesday, 3 February 2026 21:22

Muscat – Several Omani youth-led innovations are getting ready to be put on the market, backed by national support aimed at converting research ideas into viable businesses. Supported by the Research and Innovation Authority (RIA), young innovators participating in the Manafa’a programme are advancing projects within scientific incubators spanning plant-based leather, fish-derived protein, green batteries, […]

Muscat – Several Omani youth-led innovations are getting ready to be put on the market, backed by national support aimed at converting research ideas into viable businesses.

Supported by the Research and Innovation Authority (RIA), young innovators participating in the Manafa’a programme are advancing projects within scientific incubators spanning plant-based leather, fish-derived protein, green batteries, eco-friendly coatings and smart crop protection technologies.

Organised by RIA through the Oman Centre for Animal and Plant Genetic Resources (Mawarid), Manafa’a focuses on transforming research rooted in Oman’s biological wealth into commercially viable ventures. Its sixth edition placed special emphasis on increasing the added value of biological resources and preparing startups for market entry.

During a six-month incubation phase, carried out in cooperation with Sultan Qaboos University’s Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre, participating teams reported notable technical and commercial progress.

Among the projects, Nadhra has developed an environmentally friendly anti-fog coating suitable for vehicle windshields, eyewear and industrial equipment, with tests confirming its performance under simulated conditions. In the circular economy space, FBB is converting fish-processing waste into a high-quality protein powder and has progressed to pilot-scale production after demonstrating economic feasibility.

In agriculture, Jareed introduced an artificial intelligence-based system for early detection of red palm weevils, a major threat to date palms, with successful trials in controlled field settings. The clean energy sector features Filora, which has produced a battery derived from mesquite plants and completed operational testing alongside a preliminary marketing plan.

V-Leather is producing plant-based leather from local agricultural waste, targeting the fashion and furniture sectors in partnership with manufacturers.

According to RIA officials, the results highlight the growing maturity of Omani research-driven startups and the potential of these to compete in emerging green and technology markets. The programme is expected to help participants attract investors and forge strategic partnerships, in line with Oman’s broader push for economic diversification and innovation-led growth.

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