OIA Launches “Hamat” Program to Empower Innovators and Entrepreneurs

Oman Investment Authority Launches “Hamat” Program alongside Idea Makers Initiative

Muscat: The Oman Investment Authority (OIA) announced the launch of the “Hamat” program in conjunction with the Idea Makers initiative, as part of the “Together We Advance” Forum, in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers. The initiative comes within OIA’s ongoing efforts to support the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem and to empower national talents.

The program offers opportunities for Omani citizens and residents, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), startups, innovators and entrepreneurs to propose solutions to challenges presented by companies affiliated with the Oman Investment Authority. It enables participants to develop projects with sustainable economic and social impact.

The “Hamat” program comprises three main tracks.
The Governorates Track aims to highlight and promote tourism assets across the Sultanate of Oman, create innovative tourism experiences, and enhance the tourism and cultural role of governorates in supporting the local economy and sustainable development.

The Corporate Track focuses on addressing real challenges faced by OIA-affiliated companies in various sectors, including energy, logistics, tourism and other vital industries.

The Academic Track seeks to empower students, researchers and academics to develop innovative and practical solutions in collaboration with academic institutions, the private sector and the entrepreneurship ecosystem, thereby strengthening integration between scientific research and market needs.

The program will be implemented through several integrated phases. The first phase, scheduled from 1 to 27 January 2026, includes introductory tours across various governorates to present the program and its challenges, and to support participants in refining their ideas through workshops conducted with the participation of experts from OIA-affiliated companies and the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The second phase, from 1 to 5 February 2026, will feature a training camp and intensive workshops focusing on key themes such as problem identification, solution development, business model design, and the fundamentals of prototype development.

The third phase will coincide with the “Together We Advance” Forum, to be held from 8 to 9 February 2026, during which shortlisted projects will be showcased and honoured in recognition of their contribution to strengthening the national economy.

The program will conclude with a fourth phase, which involves incubating outstanding ideas for up to nine months, enabling their development into economically viable projects with sustainable national impact.

The Oman Investment Authority called on young people to participate in the “Hamat” program by registering through the official website and reviewing the program’s guidebook.