The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in Mussanah held the semi-final round of the Oman IoT & AI Challenge 2025 on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. The event was held under the patronage of H.E Dr. Juma bin Khalifa Al Busaidi, Member of the State Council, and was attended by leading academics, specialists, and entrepreneurs from various sectors.
The competition highlighted a diverse range of innovative projects in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). Participants competed across three main categories: Graduation Projects, Scientific Posters, and Startups. Each team had the opportunity to present their projects to a panel of experts, who evaluated them based on criteria such as innovation, quality, and practical application.
In her address at the event, Dr. Nihad Al-Zadjali, Deputy Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at UTAS-Mussanah, emphasized the significance of the competition as a platform for fostering technological innovation in Oman. She noted that it plays a pivotal role in promoting smart solutions that contribute to the country’s digital transformation. Dr. Al-Zadjali also highlighted the university’s dedication to supporting entrepreneurship and empowering young Omani talent in the rapidly evolving fields of technology. She further stressed that the competition aims to strengthen the collaboration between academia and industry, helping participants transform their ideas into commercially viable solutions.
The semi-finals showcased a series of impressive and practical projects, with the top teams from the Graduation Projects and Startups categories progressing to the final round, which will take place in the near future. The judging panel commended the high level of innovation and creativity displayed by the participants, noting that the projects demonstrate the technical capabilities and entrepreneurial spirit of Omani youth, positioning them to compete on a regional and international scale.
Many participants expressed their appreciation for the valuable opportunity to present their ideas to industry professionals and gain insightful feedback to improve their projects. This experience, they noted, has been instrumental in refining their work and advancing their careers.
The Oman IoT & AI Challenge 2025 marks an important milestone in Oman’s journey toward becoming a leading hub for technological innovation. The competition underscores UTAS-Mussanah’s commitment to empowering the next generation of Omani innovators and providing them with the tools and resources necessary to drive digital advancement in the country.
