9 Startup Programs Open in Oman Right Now (June 2026)

June is a strong month for Oman-based founders to take action. A wave of new programs has opened across the startup ecosystem, including Omantel's freshly launched AI co-creation platform, active government-backed accelerators with real capital, and soft-loan programs that require no collateral. Whether you are building an AI product, a sustainability venture, or a traditional SME, there is a program designed for your stage.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Omantel launched a dedicated AI Startups Program in May 2026, offering infrastructure, data environments, and co-development access inside Oman's largest telecoms operator
Cohort 7 of the Omantel Innovation Labs Accelerator is running now; Cohort 8 applications are expected to open later in 2026
The OTF Techween pre-seed program offers $50,000 for 7% equity over 12 weeks
The OQX Accelerator offers up to $450,000 for energy and AI startups, with a separate Omani-only pre-accelerator track linked to Future Fund Oman
Government programs from Riyada and the Al Raffd Fund provide rolling access to incubation, training, and soft loans across all governorates

🤖 AI Startup Programs

For founders building AI solutions, Oman's ecosystem now extends well beyond mentorship. The programs below offer infrastructure access, seed capital, and routes to commercialization within active corporate and government partners.

1. Omantel AI Startups Program

Organizer: Omantel Innovation Labs
Type: AI co-creation and commercialization program
Deadline: No published deadline. Contact Omantel directly to express interest
Eligibility: AI-focused technology startups, particularly those with working prototypes or proven traction in relevant sectors
What's offered: Access to Omantel's advanced infrastructure, integrated data environments, specialized technical expertise, and a network of regional and international partners. Startups co-develop and scale AI products across telecoms, financial services, energy, healthcare, and government services
Contact: Muna Al Maamri, Manager of Digital Press and Media. Phone: +968 24242743. Email: muna.almaamri@omantel.om

As GlobeNewswire reported on May 15, 2026, the program currently supports five startups from Omantel's accelerator alumni: Decoil, Remedy, ORKI, DeepAstra, and Wiya. New participants are expected to join as the program scales through its broader AI Centre of Excellence.

"We are building an integrated innovation ecosystem that brings together technology startups, operational expertise, and real-world implementation environments."

- Aladdin Baitfadhil, CEO, Omantel

2. Omantel Innovation Labs Accelerator (Cohort 8, Opening Soon)

Organizer: Omantel Innovation Labs
Type: Corporate technology accelerator
Deadline: Cohort 7 launched in April 2026. Cohort 8 applications are expected to open later in 2026. Monitor the Omantel Innovation Labs page for announcements
Eligibility: Technology startups across AI, fintech, cybersecurity, health-tech, energy, logistics, and smart solutions
What's offered: Technical and strategic mentorship, access to Omantel's corporate ecosystem, and collaboration with local and international partner organizations. The program is housed in a 1,000 m² facility at Omantel headquarters in Muscat
How to apply: Applications open via the Omantel Innovation Labs website when the next cohort is announced

According to The Arabian Stories, Cohort 7 selected eight startups from hundreds of applications, including Nursel (a nursing professional training and placement platform), Taqa Mate (smart energy management), and Wasaq (a digital marketplace for excess container capacity).

3. OTF Techween (Pre-Seed Fund)

Organizer: Oman Technology Fund (OTF)
Type: Pre-seed accelerator, 12 weeks
Deadline: Rolling. Visit otf.om for the current cohort status
Eligibility: Early-stage pre-seed startups with at least two team members, including at least one founder with technical capabilities. Oman-based teams preferred
What's offered: $50,000 in pre-seed funding for 7% equity, co-working space in Muscat, 12 weeks of structured coaching and mentorship, learning sessions on lean startup methodology and growth hacking, and an investor showcase at program end
How to apply: Online application via OTF's website

4. OTF Wadi Accelerator (Seed Stage)

Organizer: Oman Technology Fund, in partnership with 500 Global
Type: Seed-stage accelerator, 3 months
Deadline: Check otf.om for the current open cohort
Eligibility: Post-MVP startups from the MENA region with at least two founders. Preference for technology-driven business models with demonstrated market validation
What's offered: $100,000 seed investment plus $30,000 in-kind support, mentorship from experienced founders via 500 Global's network, and access to Oman's investor community. Ten startups accepted per batch
How to apply: Applications via OTF's website and the F6S platform

5. OQX Accelerator: Energy, AI, and Sustainability Watch for July Deadline

Organizer: OQX, the Research, Development and Innovation arm of OQ Group
Type: Dual-track corporate accelerator
Deadline: Check the OQ Accelerator page for the next cohort announcement. The first cohort launched May 2025 with 13 startups; a second cohort is expected
Eligibility:
- Pre-Accelerator (3 months): Exclusive to Omani startups at the concept or early prototype stage. Minimum two founders, full-time commitment required
- Accelerator (6 months): Open globally to growth-stage startups beyond the MVP phase. Full-time founders with relevant industry experience required
Focus areas: Renewable energy, artificial intelligence, water management, polymers, emissions reduction, and digital technologies for the energy sector
What's offered:
- Pre-Accelerator participants: Eligible for investment from Future Fund Oman of up to $100,000
- Accelerator participants: Grant of up to $50,000, with potential follow-on investment of up to $450,000 for startups that meet key milestones
How to apply: Programme enquiries via the contact form on the OQ website

As Oman Observer reported, the first OQX cohort backed 13 Omani startups developing sustainable solutions across energy, water, and industry. A second cohort represents a strong opening for founders in clean tech and AI.

🏢 General Startup Support Programs

Beyond the accelerator circuit, Oman maintains a network of incubation centers, government loan funds, and free training programs that are open to entrepreneurs at any stage. Most accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year.

6. National Business Centre (NBC)

Organizer: National Business Centre, under Madayn (Public Establishment for Industrial Estates)
Type: Business incubator
Deadline: Rolling admissions. Contact NBC directly for current availability
Location: Knowledge Oasis Muscat, KOM 4 building, fourth floor
Eligibility: Omani entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs
What's offered: Subsidized office and meeting room space, business development support and guidance, mentoring and training, and access to markets and industry experts
How to apply: Contact NBC directly via the Madayn portal or visit Knowledge Oasis Muscat in person

7. Riyada Business Incubation Centers

Organizer: Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Riyada)
Type: Business incubation, with 30 centers across Oman's governorates
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Omani nationals who are full-time founders, with fewer than four employees including the applicant. Must not currently be enrolled in another government incubation program. Must not own another company
What's offered: Subsidized workspace, business consultancy, mentorship, feasibility study support, and access to Riyada's financing programs and government procurement channels
How to apply: Apply through the Riyada online portal at sme.gov.om

According to Times of Oman, Riyada's 2026 plan spans more than 700 initiatives and training programs, with a commitment to finance at least 200 new projects across the sultanate this year.

8. Entrepreneur Readiness Program (Free Training)

Organizer: Authority for SMEs Development (Riyada)
Type: Free entrepreneurship training program
Deadline: Rolling. Apply online at any time
Cost: Free (0 OMR)
Eligibility: Anyone with a business idea, existing startup, or individual profession. Priority given to Riyada Entrepreneurship Card holders. Applicants should be compatible with Omani Development Bank financing requirements
What's offered: Structured training in entrepreneurship culture, business development, and financial readiness. Certificate issued on successful completion. Fully online delivery
How to apply: Register via the Gov.om service portal. A Gov.om account is required to start

9. Al Raffd Fund: Soft Loans for Omani Entrepreneurs

Organizer: Al Raffd Fund (government-backed financing entity)
Type: Soft loan financing
Deadline: Rolling applications throughout the year
Eligibility: Omani nationals seeking to establish or grow small businesses
Programs available: Mawred, Tasis, Riyada, and Taziz, each designed for a different entrepreneur category and business development stage
What's offered: Soft loans at a maximum interest rate of 2%, with no collateral required. Third-party training support and marketing assistance, including placements on Oman TV and outdoor advertising
How to apply: Contact Al Raffd Fund directly via their Muscat office or branches across the sultanate

🌍 Why This Matters for Oman

The breadth of programs available to Oman-based founders today reflects how seriously the country is investing in its post-oil future. The launch of the Omantel AI Startups Program in May 2026 is particularly notable: it represents a shift toward corporate-embedded innovation models, where startups are not just trained but deeply integrated into the commercial operations of major Omani enterprises. That is a meaningful step forward for an ecosystem that is still maturing.

The momentum is backed by strong structural foundations. As Arab News reported, Oman's government debt dropped from 68% of GDP in 2020 to just 36% in 2025, and Fitch Ratings upgraded the country to investment-grade status. The 2026-2030 SME expansion plan, aligned with Vision 2040, commits to sustained support across financing, incubation, market access, and innovation. These programs are not short-term experiments. For Omani founders, June 2026 is the right moment to make contact with program managers, confirm eligibility, and start the application process before summer cohort selections close.