Eight Omani technology companies have been chosen as participants in the inaugural U.S. Market Accelerator Program Numo. This program will provide one-on-one consulting, business readiness assessments, and targeted introductions for a year to prepare these companies for entry into the U.S. market.
Details of the Accelerator Program
This program is implemented in collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Oman and the Numo program at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology of Oman (MTCIT). Its goal is to assist founders in assessing the competitiveness of their products and services and preparing for meetings with potential customers and partners in the U.S.
The selected companies include Octopus Cybersecurity, Masarrah Stays, Sayyar, iON, Orki, ManaraAI, NeoSec AI, and Smart Bus. These companies operate in areas such as cybersecurity, enterprise software, governance and compliance, accommodation technology, and student transportation.
Support and Consulting Process
The program assigns each company a senior member from the Technology and Artificial Intelligence Committee of the Chamber of Commerce. Members of this committee represent major companies such as Microsoft, Dell Technologies, and Vodafone. Support begins with a business readiness assessment, which includes identifying target customers, product positioning, pricing, and sales approach.
Founders and advisors will use this assessment to set priorities and review progress. Introductions will be selected based on sector, development stage, and each company's business needs, including potential customers, trial partners, and investors.
Participants will also benefit from guidance related to accelerator and innovation opportunities in the U.S., including programs like Harvard Innovation Labs and Y Combinator. This guidance helps founders identify suitable opportunities and understand what documentation is required to participate in these programs.
Ali Dawood, President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Oman, announced that this program places the Chamber's business relations at the service of Omani companies looking to expand their activities in international markets. He added that Omani technology companies need to understand how they can compete and connect with relevant buyers and investors.
Sheikh Saif Al-Hosni, Chairman of the Technology and Artificial Intelligence Committee of the Chamber, also emphasized the importance of focusing consulting on the business questions of founders when entering a new market. He stated that a strong product is a starting point, but founders must be clear about their customers and how to deliver value through their solutions.
