Page 19 - SAMENA Trends - January 2022

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Labs. While the Labs incubate, the Oasis
showcases the potential of frontier digital
technologies while the smart store is a
real-world application of innovation. I once
again congratulate Omantel as well as
the start-ups.” Talal bin Said Al Mamari,
CEO, Omantel said, “We are excited and
proud of these launches. The Omantel
Innovation Labs are a platform that will
channelize the Company’s resources in a
way that they are invested in the growth of
Oman’s tech entrepreneurial domain. We
are aligned with the goals of Oman Vision
2040. The Labs are a vital component
in our journey towards a digital future.
They will put expertise in the right and
deserving start-ups that are looking to
push the boundaries of economic growth
– Ecosystem, Innovation and Investment. Omani tech entrepreneurs and pave the through self-reliance, riding on technology.
It aims to create an ecosystem of partners way for Omani companies to lead the We wish the start-ups the best and I am
that can catalyze the rapid growth of digital transformation in the sultanate. sure that it will be a symbiotic relationship
technology start-ups in Oman; develop E-Dukaan at the Omantel headquarters where we learn and gain from each other.
a platform that can identify and support is powered by artificial intelligence and We look forward to more local innovation
relevant innovations in Oman to maintain IoT. It brings queue-free, cashless, grab- through Omantel Innovation Labs.” He
Omantel’s prominent position as the and-go shopping experience and is an added, “We want the world to know that
leader in technology and identify and example of how important sectors of the 5G has more applications than perceived.
invest in a portfolio of start-ups that economy can function seamlessly and E-Dukaan is an initiative Omantel is very
are strategically aligned with Omantel’s efficiently using IoT. Shoppers can walk proud of as it is the first smart store in
strategic growth plan. Participating start- out with their items, without having to the entire Middle East. Omantel provided
ups benefit from a 1,100 sqm space that get their purchases scanned for prices the necessary smart technologies while
inspires and promotes knowledge-sharing at the counter or having to deal with OOMCO introduced a mix of products
and co-working within themselves and physical money or bank cards. AI sensors compatible with the technologies used in
with Omantel teams. The space has automatically detect items in the shopping the store. We are certain that shoppers
nine well-equipped meeting rooms, a basket and bill the customer directly from will enjoy the experience.” Five Omani
community square, a hardware lab, co- his virtual wallet through an App. The store start-ups are already honing their market
working space and individual offices. The has no billing counters or cashiers. His preparedness under Omantel Innovation
space will not just host the tech start- Highness Sayyid Dr Fahad bin Al Julanda Al Labs’ Accelerator Program designed in
ups but also be the venue for multiple Said commented, “I congratulate Omantel collaboration with local and international
ecosystem activities that engage and link on these path-breaking launches. They are partners. The program is tailored to the
them with corporate partners, academia, yet another step towards realizing Oman’s needs of each participating start-up to
investors and government entities. The digital future and economic diversification ensure that they commercialize, grow
Omantel Innovation Oasis is a showcase objectives and align with Oman Vision 2040 rapidly, and scale effectively, while ensuring
of uses of 5G technology and other frontier objectives. Seeing these start-ups harness the technical feasibility, market desirability,
technologies. It complements the Omantel frontier technologies under Omantel and financial viability of their products and
Innovation Labs as a place where incubated Innovation Labs and contribute towards operations. The companies are Autoplant
tech start-ups can potentially showcase national growth while being examples of an AI and IoT solutions for the farming
their innovations in the future. The entrepreneurial spirit gives us immense industry to improve agricultural decision
Innovation Labs will organize, participate pride. I have complete faith and confidence making, Lamma, Oman’s first super app,
in, and host multiple activities to support in the sharp young Omani minds. They a unified communication platform with
Omantel’s internal innovation agenda by have the talent, and Omantel is playing payment integration, Mamun, an embedded
providing systematic spaces, approaches, the enabler by guiding and shaping their credit, payments & insurance platform,
events and activities that can accelerate ideas into successful, profitable ventures.” Pixel Tech, a subscription-based tool that
product conceptualization, prototyping, His Highness Sayyid Dr. Fahad bin Al allows sellers in the GCC to easily set up
testing and deployment of solutions to Julanda Al Said further said, “The parallel digital stores and sell their products online
Oman and Omantel-centric challenges. launch of Omantel Innovation Oasis and and Remedy.om, a platform that connects
Both the Innovation Labs and the Omantel E-Dukaan underscore their symbiosis patients with clinics and therapists.
Innovation Oasis will unable and empower and synergy with Omantel Innovation

19 JANUARY 2022