Omantel has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ericsson to foster thought leadership and technology innovation initiatives through the Omantel Innovation Labs.

Announced in July 2021, the Omantel Innovation Labs leverages Omantel’s expertise, partnerships, reach, and access to technology to contribute to Oman’s Vision 2040 and promote innovation and entrepreneurship in new and emerging technologies.

Located in a 1100m2 facility at Omantel headquarters in Muscat, the key focus of the Omantel Labs is to cultivate entrepreneurial skills among the youth and accelerate the growth of relevant Oman-based technology startups across five technological verticals: 5G, Internet of Things, Cybersecurity, Customer Experience Technology, and Big Data.

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Based on a shared vision to engage the entrepreneurial community to contribute to Vision 2040, the MoU will see Omantel and Ericsson work together to support digital transformation and innovation in the country by expanding the enterprise market’s capabilities through 5G and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Using the Omantel Innovation Labs as a platform, Ericsson’s regional innovation hub, local, regional, and international experts will provide thought-leadership to start-ups and innovators in Oman. Ericsson and Omantel will also host multiple activities to bring together innovators to develop technology solutions in line with Oman Vision 2040.

Talal Said Al Mamari, Chief Executive Officer of Omantel, says: “We are committed to equipping Omani entrepreneurs with the right tools to develop meaningful solutions and are delighted to be partnering with Ericsson to add more value to the local startup ecosystem. We believe that the collaboration with Ericsson will open new doors to technology innovators and entrepreneurs across the Sultanate and will be focusing on several technology areas to drive the value of 5G and innovation in the country and contribute to Oman Vision 2040.”

Abdullah Al-Balushi, Country Manager of Ericsson Oman, says: “Our collaboration with Omantel will support in accelerating their digital transformation journey. Supporting Omantel in nurturing innovators and entrepreneurs through our expertise in 5G presents the vast talent in Oman with an opportunity to build on skills to bring to life Oman Vision 2040. We have many activities lined up and are looking forward to working together and bringing innovation to fruition.”