Deadline: 15 October 2024
The OQ is inviting applications for its Accelerator Program to support startups addressing Oman’s energy challenges with innovative, sustainable solutions, focusing on local needs and global scalability.
The OQ Accelerator comprises two dynamic, independent paths designed to empower startups tackling critical energy challenges. These programs foster innovative, sustainable solutions that address local needs while offering global scalability potential.
Accelerator Paths
- Acceleration Path
- An acceleration path for startups 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 500k from OQ
- Pre-Acceleration Path
- Intensive journey for startups in the energy and sustainability sectors
- Comprehensive business support, strategic acceleration, and transformative learning
- Includes workshops, mentorship, and investor engagement preparation
- Continuous post-program support and take advantage of their perks package, offering partner services valued at over USD 250k
Duration
- Accelerator Path: a 6-month program
- Pre-accelerator Path: a 3-month program
Benefits
- Tailored Education & Expert Mentorship
- Benefit from their comprehensive curriculum covering essential market, financial, and technical topics. Receive guidance from quality mentors and in-house experts with deep domain knowledge across 15+ clean energy sectors.
- Unparalleled Access to Oman’s Ecosystem & Networks
- Gain entry to their 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 specialized workshops. Present at their demo day attended by aligned investors. Engage with their expanding list of industry leaders eager to pilot, support, or invest in innovative clean energy solutions.
Challenges
- 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
Eligibility Criteria
- Full-time founders with relevant industry experience that are building an energy startup attending to availability, affordability and sustainability.
- Accelerator Program: Fueling Growth. Designed for startups beyond the MVP stage, with a functioning prototype, initial customer traction, or a developed product. This program propels businesses towards scaling and market dominance.
- Pre-accelerator Program: Nurturing Innovation. For startups in the earliest stages, from concept to prototype. Ideal for founders just starting to shape their product or service and seeking to validate their market fit.
Evaluation Criteria
- Startups will undergo an immersive and intensive evaluation process for both programs, ensuring the selection of the most promising startups. 20 carefully chosen startups will be guided and assessed based on:
- Market Desirability
- Financial Viability
- Technical Feasibility
- Aiming for the highest quality applicants with significant growth potential and alignment with the accelerators’ mission and investment strategy.
For more information, visit OQ.