العربية
Sohar – Under the patronage of Honourable Sheikh Dr. Hilal Hinai, Vice Chairperson of the State Council, the Research Council Oman (Research and Innovation Authority) announced, Tuesday, at Sohar University, the list of four innovators selected to represent the Sultanate of Oman at the International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX 2026), scheduled to take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia from 18 to 20 May.
The ceremony was attended by Dr. Hamdan Al Fazari, Vice Chancellor of Sohar University, along with several officials from the Authority, as well as academics, researchers, and individuals interested in the research and innovation sector.
Promising Results
the evaluation results led to the selection of four distinguished innovative projects:
- Cardio K by innovator Balqees Al Hakmani
- Sensi Glasses by innovator Nahia Al Hamdani
- A Therapeutic Bio-Platform to Accelerate Wound Healing for Diabetic Patients by innovator Zaher Al Alawi
- The Drone Lens by innovator Luqman Al Dhafri
A National Vision
In his opening remarks, Dr. Salah Al Zadjali, Director General of Programs and Capacity Building at the Authority, emphasized that the Sultanate of Oman places great importance on supporting scientific research and innovation, in line with the aspirations of Oman Vision 2040. He explained that such participations aim to transform research outputs into entrepreneurial projects that strengthen the knowledge economy and enhance Oman’s position in global competitiveness indicators.
Dr. Al Zadjali revealed that this edition witnessed intense competition, with 96 applicants, of whom 20 projects advanced to the final stage after meeting the requirements, including having a prototype and a registered patent or a submitted application. He also highlighted the role of the Capacity Building Department in developing innovators’ skills through various programs such as the “Falling Walls Lab” and the London International Youth Science Forum.
Academic Partnership
For his part, Dr. Hamdan Al Fazari, Vice Chancellor of Sohar University, stated that hosting this event reflects the University’s commitment to supporting the innovation ecosystem. He noted that the University continuously strives to transform research ideas into practical applications that serve society.
Dr. Al Fazari also recalled Oman’s achievement at ITEX 2025, where the Sultanate won three medals (two gold and one silver), including a gold medal awarded to an innovator from Sohar University’s scientific incubator.
A Global Platform
ITEX is recognized as one of the leading international platforms that has brought together inventors and investors since 1989, attracting participants from more than 20 countries who showcase over 1,000 inventions. Oman’s participation aims to empower innovators to market their innovations globally, build professional networks with industry experts, and compete for international awards, thereby raising the Sultanate’s profile in global technological arenas.