Innovation Factory, Oman’s first digital manufacturing plant, is set to announce two new educational programmes at an event by Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM). 
The two programmes will be sponsored by BP Oman and are aimed at meeting the rapid changes in science and technology to help to empower the youth through the creation of an ecosystem that supports the passion for innovation.
The initiatives will introduce young adults to the fundamentals of innovation through a series of educational activities, coaching and support. The objective is to encourage the youth to consider the science of the future and contribute to the welfare of the Omani society by developing innovative solutions for problems.
“We believe that innovation is a key driver for our businesses. Supporting Innovation Factory’s initiatives is in line with our belief that innovation/technology can have a great impact on people’s lives,” said Shamsa Ahmed Al Rawahi, BP Oman’s Social Investment Programme Officer. “We hope these new initiatives will equip young Omanis with the skills to become leading innovators.”
The first programme called ‘The Exploration’ intends to investigate future technologies and will start with a projection mapping show about Oman, which was developed by a group of Omani youth, hailing from various technical backgrounds. The programme targets 24 young inventors falling in the age group of 18 to 35, involving four activities, namely, Project Mapping, Soft Robotics, Aeroponic Garden and Wave Energy.
Meanwhile, the second initiative, ‘The Core’, aims to develop the innovation skills of the youngsters. Created for children aged nine to 15, the Core aims to attract 500 participants. It comprises four activities — Water Rocket, Composite Materials and Recycling, Mini Maker and the Amazing Science Show, which will be conducted twice a week, one for schools and one for the general public.
The launch of the programmes will be held under the patronage of His Highness Dr Faris bin Turki Al Said, and will be attended by representatives from the Ministry of Education, Information Technology Authority, Public Authority for SME Development, National Youth Committee, BP Oman and KOM.
“We believe that success and innovation starts with the right platform; therefore, we designed the Exploration and the Core programmes, driving the possibility to educate, train and enhance the talents of our youth,” said Firas Khamis Ahmed Al Musafir, founder and chief executive officer of the Innovation Factory.
“The initiatives we plan promote, sustain and use innovation in various fields of our society. This makes it a good enough motive to study and teach innovation and apply this knowledge for the economic development and well being of our nation,” he added.
