العربية
Sohar University students have achieved a remarkable new milestone, winning first place in the Entrepreneurship Competition organized by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority. The student team secured the top position for their innovative project titled “The Smart Trap for Detecting Red Palm Weevil,” presented by Saaf Company. This achievement highlights the exceptional creativity and technical skills of Sohar University students in innovation-driven fields.
The award-winning project offers a novel solution to one of the most dangerous agricultural pests threatening palm trees in the region. The innovation relies on Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) through the development of a smart, mobile trap mounted on a drone. This system detects early signs of red palm weevil infestation and sends real-time data to a cloud platform for analysis and prediction of potential outbreak zones. This integrated system helps reduce agricultural losses and supports early-intervention strategies, contributing to the protection of this vital agricultural resource.
The achievement reflects the students’ dedication and the University’s commitment to collaborative, research-driven learning. Under the supervision of Dr. Mahmoud Al-Bahri and Prof. Ahmed Kaid, the team was able to transform their concept into an innovative and practical prototype that combines technology and AI to support the agricultural sector in Oman.
The winning student team includes:
- Reem Saeed Khasib Al-Maqbali
- Ali Hussein Ali Al-Ajmi
- Abdulradha Ali Salem Saeed Al-Siabi
- Hamza Talib Said Al-Qanubi
- Muath Hamad Salem Al-Shibli
- Montasir Ali Khalfan Al-Roshdi
- Mahmoud Gharib Al-Kayoumi
The team members expressed their pride in this accomplishment, which marks an important step toward turning their project into a real-world product that supports the agricultural sector and contributes to national efforts to combat the red palm weevil.
This victory reflects Sohar University’s vision in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, encouraging student participation in local and international competitions, and empowering them to develop practical solutions that address societal needs and support key sectors in Oman. It also demonstrates the University’s commitment to providing an academic environment that nurtures scientific research, innovation, and the development of advanced technological projects.