Muscat — Oman has unveiled plans for a National Innovation Centre, a flagship initiative led by ITHCA Group, the technology investment arm of the Oman Investment Authority (OIA). The centre aims to position Oman as a regional hub for semiconductor design, wireless communications, and AI-powered networks, aligning directly with Oman Vision 2040’s goal of building a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.
The announcement follows a $20 million strategic investment between ITHCA and US-based Movandi, a leader in advanced semiconductor technologies. According to Eng. Said bin Abdullah Al Mandhari, CEO of ITHCA Group, the new centre is not only a technological investment but also a human capital development initiative designed to empower Omani engineers and innovators.
“The innovation centre is about more than just technology; it’s about empowering people,” Al Mandhari said. “We’re cultivating Omani expertise to design and co-develop global-standard technologies, ensuring Oman becomes an active player in the digital economy rather than a consumer.”
The centre will collaborate with local universities, research institutes, and international tech firms to build a sustainable talent pipeline. It will serve as a bridge connecting the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia through Oman’s growing semiconductor and communications industries.
In addition to attracting global investors and technology companies, the initiative will also strengthen Oman’s intellectual property portfolio, with Movandi and Omani engineers co-developing and filing new patents from the Muscat-based facility.
Al Mandhari emphasized that this project is part of ITHCA’s long-term strategy under OIA ownership, focusing on future-oriented industries like semiconductors, AI, and smart connectivity.
“We’re creating an environment where foreign partners can base their regional headquarters in Oman, leveraging advanced infrastructure and local expertise,” he added.
The centre’s dual focus—developing human capital and exporting homegrown technologies—is expected to contribute directly to Oman’s GDP while bolstering its reputation as a trusted regional innovation partner.
