OQ Accelerator Programme

OQX serves as OQ’s innovation hub, dedicated to managing research, development, and innovation (RDI) while deploying new technologies to deliver value to the company and address both current and future challenges.

With the launch of the accelerator programme, OQX aims to collaborate with start-ups to develop solutions that not only tackle existing company challenges but also explore potential opportunities, ensuring these start-ups have growth markets beyond OQ.

OQ Accelerator Programme

Deliver exceptional value to Oman and OQ by supporting start-ups that create innovative and sustainable solutions for Oman’s and the world’s energy challenges.

Programme Scope:

OQ Accelerator focuses on addressing Oman’s energy sector needs and tapping into future global scale-up opportunities.

Programme Focus Areas:

Technologies for Operation and Maintenance of Existing Energy Sector Assets
Polymers, Chemicals, and Catalysts
Digital Technologies in the Energy Sector
Energy Efficiency Technologies
Water Management Technologies for the Energy Sector
Emissions Reduction Technologies
Artificial Intelligence for the Energy Sector
Renewable Energy Technologies

Accelerator Paths

Acceleration Path (6 months):

Designed for start-ups beyond the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) stage, with a functioning prototype, initial customer traction, or a developed product. This programme propels businesses towards scaling and market dominance.

For start-ups showing substantial promise in the energy and sustainability sectors
Comprehensive overview of OQ’s strategy to support and expedite growth
Detailed sessions, resources, mentorship, market exposure strategies, and funding opportunities
USD 50k grant from OQ and potential follow-on investment of up to USD 450k from OQ

Accelerator Track Application Form

Pre-Acceleration Path (3 months):

For start-ups in the earliest stages, from concept to prototype. Ideal for founders starting to shape their product or service and seeking to validate their market fit.

Intensive journey for start-ups in the energy and sustainability sectors
Comprehensive business support, strategic acceleration, and transformative learning
Includes workshops, mentorship, and investor engagement preparation
Continuous post-programme support
Participants will also gain the opportunity to position themselves for potential investment from Future Fund Oman (FFO), subject to meeting the program’s investment eligibility criteria.

For Early Founders: Ideal for those shaping their first product and validating market fit.

Pre-Accelerator Track Application Form

Programme Benefits

Tailored Education & Expert Mentorship: Benefit from our comprehensive curriculum covering essential market, financial, and technical topics. Receive guidance from mentors and in-house subject matter experts with deep domain knowledge across 15+ clean energy sectors.
Unparalleled Access to Oman’s Ecosystem & Networks: Gain entry to our extensive community of staff, alumni, mentors, and investors. Uniquely positioned to connect you with Oman’s thriving ecosystem, offering local partnerships and market insights.
Funding Opportunities & Corporate Partnerships: Perfect your pitch through specialised workshops. Present at our demo day attended by aligned investors. Engage with our expanding list of industry leaders eager to pilot, support, or invest in innovative clean energy solutions.
Pre-Accelerator Investment Opportunities: Start-ups participating in the Pre-Accelerator track will be eligible to receive investment from Future Fund Oman (FFO) of up to USD 100,000, subject to meeting the programme’s investment criteria.
Accelerator Investment Opportunities: Start-ups that achieve key milestones may qualify for a grant of up to USD 50,000 and follow-on investment of up to USD 450,000 to scale their validated solution beyond the programme.

Eligibility

Full-time founders: Applicants must be full-time founders with relevant industry experience who are building an energy start-up focused on availability, affordability, and sustainability. Each start-up should have at least two members.
Alignment with focus areas: The start-up’s idea must align with the identified focus areas of the programme.
Evaluation process: Start-ups will undergo an intensive evaluation process to ensure the selection of the most promising ones.
Global applications: Applicants can apply from anywhere in the world. Programme location: Applicants must ensure availability to visit Oman for the programme duration.
Programme location: Applicants must ensure availability to visit Oman for the programme duration.

Evaluation Criteria

An intensive evaluation process for both programmes will ensure the selection of the most promising start-ups, guided and assessed based on:

Market Desirability: Demand for the start-up’s product or service in the market.
Financial Viability: The start-up’s business model, revenue streams, and financial projections.
Technical Feasibility: Practicality, scalability, and implementation of the start-up’s technology.
Innovation and Novelty: The uniqueness and originality of the start-up’s idea.

Terms & Conditions

Global Applications: Applicants can apply from anywhere in the world for the Accelerator track, while the Pre-accelerator track is exclusively for Omani start-ups.
Programme Location: Applicants must ensure availability to visit Oman for the programme duration.
Hybrid Format: The programme will include a mix of virtual and in-person workshops and sessions.
Founder Commitment: Each start-up must have at least one full-time founder dedicated to the programme for its entire duration, for both the Accelerator and Pre-Accelerator tracks.
Programme Location: Applicants must ensure their availability to participate in activities taking place in Muscat,Oman during the programme period.
Further details will be provided to founders once they reach the final stages of the selection process.