Muscat – September 30, 2025 – The Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has announced a strategic investment in Salience Labs, an Oxford-based company developing next-generation optical chips, through its Future Generations Fund. The move highlights Oman’s growing role in the global artificial intelligence (AI) value chain and supports the development of advanced digital infrastructure.
Salience Labs’ optical chips use light to transmit data rather than converting it into electrical signals, enabling faster data transfer, improved data center performance, accelerated AI training, and reduced operational costs. The company also provides software tools to monitor power consumption and thermal efficiency, addressing critical needs in modern data center operations.
Strengthening AI Value Chains
The investment builds on OIA’s existing partnerships with Oxford Science Enterprises and Cambridge Innovation Capital, where it also holds active stakes. OIA stated that this expansion reinforces its commitment to fostering international collaborations in AI while ensuring Oman becomes a recognized player in global innovation networks.
Broader AI Portfolio
OIA has steadily expanded its investments in AI and advanced technologies, which already include:
- xAI – focusing on foundational AI models.
- Sense – developing AI-powered energy management solutions.
- Gradiant/Turing – applying AI to enhance water desalination and data management.
- Crusoe Energy – building clean-energy-powered data centers for AI model training.
National Vision and Innovation Strategy
According to OIA, these strategic investments aim to create a comprehensive AI ecosystem spanning software, infrastructure, and emerging technologies. They also align with Oman’s vision to become a regional hub for AI and innovation, supporting the country’s broader agenda of economic diversification and technological advancement under Oman Vision 2040.
