OQ Accelerator Programme Welcomes 22 Startups in Second Cohort

OQ Group Advances Innovation with Second Business Accelerator Cohort

Muscat:  OQ Group today launched the second cohort of its Business Accelerator Programme, comprising 22 specialized startups from within and outside the Sultanate of Oman.

The initiative forms part of OQ Group’s ongoing efforts to support innovation by linking startups with operational and investment opportunities, while enabling them to develop technological, engineering, and environmental solutions in the fields of energy, sustainability, and advanced technologies.

The Business Accelerator Programme is one of the strategic initiatives through which OQ Group seeks to enhance In-Country Value (ICV) and support the transition toward a more diversified and sustainable economy, creating long-term impact on both the energy sector and the national economy.

Startups participating in the second cohort will focus on developing solutions in areas including artificial intelligence, the smart economy, energy efficiency enhancement, water desalination, corrosion management, and asset integrity. These solutions aim to improve operational efficiency, strengthen sustainability, and address key technical and operational challenges within the energy sector.

The second cohort recorded a notable increase in both the volume of applications and the level of competitiveness. The programme received submissions from 49 countries, with applications from within the Sultanate of Oman accounting for 81 percent of the total. International participation included startups from the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, reflecting growing awareness of the programme and its rising profile as a global platform for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The selection process was based on a rigorous methodology that assessed startup readiness, scalability, and strategic alignment with OQ Group’s priorities.

OQ’s Business Accelerator Programme offers an integrated platform for qualifying and enabling startups through a specialized training curriculum, technical and commercial mentorship, business development sessions, and capacity-building workshops. It also provides access to sector experts, OQ’s operational assets, and real-world testing environments, in addition to supporting startups in investment readiness, developing scalable business models, and connecting with investors and strategic partners.