Muscat, Sultanate of Oman: Omantel Innovation Labs has announced nine technology startups joining Cohort 8, marking the latest chapter in its efforts to support promising technology ventures, foster entrepreneurship and create opportunities for growth and market expansion.
Of the nine startups joining Cohort 8, seven were selected following an application and evaluation process, bringing together solutions across fintech, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, industrial technology, food technology and advanced manufacturing. The cohort also welcomes two startups from stc’s inspireU portfolio in Saudi Arabia, adding a regional dimension to the initiative and creating further opportunities for startups to access new markets, networks and industry connections.
- Al Ankaa: Ankaa Space and Technologies Company delivers advanced technical solutions for government, commercial, and civil sectors using low/No-code development and artificial intelligence.
- CardO: A corporate card and expense management platform for SMEs that replaces petty cash with instant virtual cards, real-time spend controls, and greater visibility over business expenses.
- DR3K: An AI-powered mobile app security testing platform that uncovers vulnerabilities, validates their real-world risk, and helps organizations secure their apps before attackers strike.
- Innotech: Transforming concrete industries in construction and artificial reefs with 3D printing, cutting costs, speeding up delivery, and reducing carbon footprint through automated, scalable manufacturing.
- MisMar: A startup participating through stc’s inspireU accelerator, and it is automotive technology company digitizing and reengineering the vehicle after-sales experience, offering a wide range of services for consumers and businesses, from complex vehicle repairs to routine maintenance such as oil changes.
- Modern Zone: An AI-enabled operational intelligence platform for industrial plants and distributed infrastructure connecting existing equipment and operational data into a unified monitoring layer, giving operators real-time visibility, identifying abnormalities, reducing unnecessary manual inspections, and improving operational efficiency. Initially focused on the water and wastewater sector, the technology is designed to expand across critical industrial infrastructure.
- Nabt: A technology-enabled fresh produce company founded in Riyadh in 2022, contracting farms across Saudi Arabia and delivering graded, traceable produce on cold chain from its Riyadh and Jeddah hubs.
- OCO: A subscription-based platform connecting customers with restaurants across Oman through buy-one-get-one deals and discounts, while enabling order-ahead pickup and meal gifting. Restaurants can use OCO to promote offers, attract new customers, and manage redemptions through its POS terminal.
- SEE360: An Arabic-native intelligent system of record for tracking stakeholder commitments on Oman’s mega-projects, which results in engagement records that survive every team change, approvals that move faster, and decisions you can defend.
The inclusion of MisMar and Nabt in Cohort 8 marks a new step in the collaboration between Omantel Innovation Labs and stc’s inspireU in Saudi Arabia. Through the partnership, the two inspireU startups are gaining exposure to Oman’s market and business ecosystem. Separately, Octopus Cybersecurity, from Omantel Innovation Labs’ portfolio, is exploring opportunities in Saudi Arabia through inspireU. This two-way exchange extends the value of the initiative beyond the local market, creating new pathways for startups to access regional networks, partnerships and growth opportunities.
Commenting on the launch of Cohort 8, H.H
Commenting on the launch of Cohort 8, H.H. Sayyida Ghada Jaifar Al-Said, General Manager of Omantel Innovation Labs, said: “Cohort 8 reflects the continued evolution of the technology startup landscape and the growing ambition of ventures seeking to address real market needs. Through Omantel Innovation Labs, we are focused on enabling startups to strengthen their market readiness, build meaningful industry connections and pursue opportunities for growth and expansion. We are pleased to welcome the new cohort and look forward to working closely with the founders as they develop their businesses, explore new markets and build valuable partnerships.”
Over the past seven cohorts, Omantel Innovation Labs has supported technology ventures at different stages of their journey, with participating startups securing investment, entering new markets and advancing solutions across a range of sectors. Cohort 8 carries this momentum forward with a stronger regional outlook, creating wider opportunities for founders to connect with markets and innovation ecosystems beyond Oman.
About Omantel Innovation Labs:
Omantel Innovation Labs continues to serve as a dynamic hub for fostering startup growth and technological breakthroughs. By providing mentorship from local and international experts, strategic networking opportunities, and invaluable re create a pipeline of investments for the joint fund managed by Omantel Innovation Labs for Omantel and Future Fund Oman
Omantel has succeeded, through the integration of its operations, processes, and extensive expertise in the field of communications and digital technology, in establishing itself as a premier telecom leader in Oman and beyond by delivering advanced solutions for consumers and businesses. Driven by a commitment to exceed customer expectations, the company aligns with Oman Vision 2040 by investing in emerging technologies like cloud, AI, cybersecurity, and smart solutions to foster innovation.
