The Programme of Omani Promising Startups (POPS) recently launched a “Startup Accelerator Initiative” with the goal of empowering owners of innovative ideas, supporting emerging Omani companies, and connecting them to business and investment opportunities to aid in their expansion both locally and globally. This initiative, launched under the auspices of HH Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said, Honorary President of the POPS, is in cooperation with various organizations such as the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED) and the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn). Additionally, the Industrial Innovation Academy and several regional and international partners are also involved.
The Initiative focuses on utilizing advanced technologies in various sectors and industries to provide opportunities for startups. It aims to offer financing opportunities, integrated training, guidance, and consultations necessary for the success and growth of these startups. The POPS programme places emphasis on activating the business accelerator through two main stages. The first stage, known as the “Idea Stage”, aims to support 20 innovative ideas across various economic sectors. The goal is to enable innovators and idea owners to develop unique solutions in advanced technologies, helping them transform their ideas into actionable products and services.
The second stage, identified as the “Pre-seed Stage”, targets 20 projects in vital sectors like health, tourism, real estate, food security, and public services. This stage serves as a strategic step to prepare these projects to face future challenges and achieve sustainability in both local and regional markets. The Accelerator offers a comprehensive set of services to meet the needs of startups. These services include mentoring and guidance by specialized experts, training covering entrepreneurship aspects, providing office spaces to enhance innovation and entrepreneurship environments, offering investment opportunities for regional and international expansion, and providing integrated marketing support through international and regional events and exhibitions.
Moreover, the Accelerator presents an exceptional opportunity for incubation post-graduation, creating an ideal environment for startups to test and develop their ideas. This helps transform these ideas into practical solutions that meet market needs. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to foster a supportive ecosystem for startups in Oman, enabling them to grow, succeed, and make a significant impact locally and globally. Through the collaboration of various organizations and partners, the Startup Accelerator Initiative aims to contribute to the development and growth of the entrepreneurial landscape in the Sultanate of Oman.
