Salalah: In line with the principles of Oman Vision 2040, some student innovators from Salalah clinched top honours at the prestigious Innovation Vision competition outshining 48 competing teams in the fields of environmental conservation and business insight.
The two winning teams demonstrated dedication to innovation and sustainability, striving to refine their technologies for maximum impact. Through collaboration with stakeholders and a relentless pursuit of excellence, these budding scientists are paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future for Oman and beyond.
Their competitive journey began with over 50 teams from academic and industrial backgrounds vying for recognition in the competition, which was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, the Governor’s Office in Dhofar, and Salalah Free Zone.
Through a rigorous selection process, 20 teams with promising ideas advanced to the second round, where they underwent meticulous evaluations to scrutinise the value of their inventions. Ultimately, only 10 teams were selected to progress further.
Finally, two teams from Dhofar University clinched the top honours showcasing exceptional talent in environmental conservation and business acumen.
The Bioplastics and Rebactose teams -- both from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Dhofar University – were selected by the experts drawn from respective areas.
The teams worked under the guidance of Dr Mazhar ul Islam in the Biochemical Engineering Laboratory with co-supervision provided by research associates Dr Atiya Fatima and Dr Shaukat Khan.
The students involved in the project embarked on a mission to revolutionise environmental sustainability.
The Rebactose team comprised Fay Mohsin Said Almasahli and Fatima Khalid Mohammed Koofan. They introduced a groundbreaking product called Bacterial Cellulose (BC).
Derived from biological synthesis using accessible resources like food and industrial waste materials, BC boasts a wide range of applications, from medical items to eco-friendly clothing.
With a steadfast commitment to sustainability, the Rebactose team aims to tackle environmental challenges while promoting economic viability.
Other members of the Rebactose team included Monira Said Masoud al Amri, Ruiya Mohammed Almahandis Alyafai, Fatima Ahmed Saif Habis, Eisha Ahmed Ibrahim Mohammed, and Fatima Thamir Omar al Ibrahim.
Meanwhile, the Bioplastics team, comprising Mazoona Ali Ba Lahaf and Shaima Hamed Salim al Aamri, focused on developing biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics.
In the team were Muna Ahmed Habis, Wafa Ahmed Jaboob, Naema Mohammed Bawazir, Taif Mohammed Bawazir, Khaloud Mubarak alsaidi, and Gareeba Musallam Ahmed al Mashani.
By harnessing starch from local plants, algae, and waste materials, they successfully created a versatile bioplastic suitable for food packaging and beyond. Their efforts not only align with Oman Vision 2040 but also underscore the importance of utilising locally available resources to foster self-sufficiency and promote a circular economy.
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