DUQM : The Digital Transformation Hackathon for multiple industrial sectors began in the Wilayat of Duqm, Al Wusta Governorate, under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Ahmed bin Muslim Al Kathiri, Governor of Al Wusta, and in the presence of H.E. Dr Said bin Hamad Al Rubaie, President of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), alongside representatives from the public and private sectors.

H.E. Al Kathiri affirmed the importance of transforming knowledge and ideas into practical solutions to address challenges facing the governorate’s industrial and economic sectors. The UTAS President noted that the hackathon reflects the partnership between the university and the governorate, linking educational outcomes and scientific research with advancement needs, in line with Oman Vision 2040.

The hackathon attracted around 500 participants across 127 teams, divided into four categories covering university students, postgraduate students, jobseekers, entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Participants worked on 12 challenges across various industrial and economic sectors.

The event’s patron inaugurated an accompanying exhibition featuring 12 shortlisted projects undergoing evaluation. The projects presented solutions in energy, environment, fisheries, healthcare, tourism and smart technologies. The opening was preceded by workshops covering intellectual property, innovation, licensing and pitching skills.