Omantel Innovation Labs and inspireU, the startup accelerator arm of stc group, have signed a strategic partnership during GITEX Global 2025 aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and accelerating the growth of technology startups across the Gulf region.
The collaboration seeks to connect innovation ecosystems in Oman and Saudi Arabia, promoting knowledge exchange, mentorship, and cross-border investment. Startups from both accelerators will gain access to expert guidance, technical support, and expanded market entry opportunities within the GCC.
Through the partnership, Omani startups will benefit from stc’s innovation network in Saudi Arabia, while Saudi startups will be able to access Omantel’s ecosystem and venture opportunities in the Sultanate of Oman.
Her Highness Sayyida Ghada Al Said, Senior Manager at Omantel Innovation Labs, said:
“This partnership represents a strategic milestone in our mission to empower innovators and advance the region’s entrepreneurial landscape. Together with inspireU, we aim to unlock new opportunities for startups to scale beyond borders and shape the future of business and technology in the region.”
Abdulrahman Al Zuhair, Director of inspireU at stc group, added:
“By connecting ecosystems, we are opening new investment horizons across the GCC and enabling startups to scale regionally and compete globally. This partnership strengthens our shared vision of building a robust digital innovation hub for the Arab world.”
Founded in 2021, Omantel Innovation Labs has supported over 60 tech startups and invested nearly 3 million OMR in emerging ventures through its joint fund with Future Fund Oman. Meanwhile, inspireU, established in 2015, has accelerated over 150 startups, attracting more than SAR 1 billion in investments and serving over 52 million users.
The partnership aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and Saudi Vision 2030, reinforcing the countries’ shared ambition to foster regional innovation leadership and digital transformation.
