Muscat – To strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem, foster innovation and invest in national talent, Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has launched a programme called ‘Hamat’ in collaboration with the Secretariat General of the Council of Ministers.
The initiative is part of the Idea Makers platform and falls within the framework of the Together Forward Forum. Through Hamat, OIA aims to harness the potential of Omani youth, residents, startups, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), innovators and entrepreneurs by addressing real-world challenges faced by OIA companies and enabling the development of projects with sustainable economic and social impact.
The programme is structured around three main tracks. The Governorates Track focuses on highlighting and enhancing Oman’s tourism potential by encouraging innovative tourism experiences that support sustainable local development and strengthen the cultural and economic role of each governorate.
The second track targets operational and sector-specific challenges faced by companies, particularly in strategic sectors such as energy, logistics and tourism. The third – Academic Track – is designed for students, researchers and academics, promoting collaboration between academic institutions, the private sector and entrepreneurs. It seeks to bridge the gap between scientific research and market needs through practical and innovative solutions.
Hamat will be implemented in four phases. Phase 1, from January 1 to 27, 2026 will include introductory tours across the governorates to present the programme and outline the identified challenges. Participants will receive guidance through workshops led by experts from OIA companies and the wider entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Phase 2 from February 1 to 5, 2026 will feature an intensive bootcamp covering key areas such as problem analysis, solution design, business models and prototyping fundamentals. Phase 3 will take place during the Together Forward Forum on February 8 and 9, 2026 where shortlisted projects will be showcased and recognised for the potential of these to contribute to the national economy.
The final phase will focus on incubating selected ideas for up to nine months, providing the necessary support to transform these into economically viable and nationally impactful ventures.
OIA has invited youth and aspiring innovators to participate in the programme and register via hamat.oia.gov.om, where a detailed programme guide outlining the tracks and challenges is also available. Participants may choose challenges aligned with their interests, attend orientation sessions and workshops, and submit project ideas for the opportunity to join the bootcamp and present their solutions to a judging panel.
The initiative underscores OIA’s commitment to nurturing innovation, strengthening cross-sector partnerships and supporting national development priorities in line with Vision 2040.
