Pact to accelerate Oman’s startup ecosystem

Pact to accelerate Oman’s startup ecosystem

Muscat – An Omani innovation hub backed by Oman Investment Authority’s (OIA) Future Fund Oman is set to give local startups direct access to one of the world’s leading innovation networks in a move aimed at helping entrepreneurs learn from international peers, attract investment and expand into global markets.

Terminal 11 has signed a strategic partnership with the Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC), a US-based organisation that develops and operates innovation hubs around the world. The agreement makes Terminal 11 part of the CIC Global Network, linking Oman’s startup ecosystem with entrepreneurs, investors, multinational companies, universities and public institutions across several countries.

The partnership is expected to help Omani startups gain exposure to international best practices, build global business connections and access new funding and market opportunities.

The collaboration began in December 2025, when Terminal 11 and CIC signed a Master Services Agreement. During an initial four-month advisory phase, CIC supported the design of the innovation hub, helped develop its operating model and provided guidance on community-building, programmes and long-term business planning.

The next phase will focus on developing innovation programmes, strengthening international cooperation, sharing expertise and connecting Omani entrepreneurs with global networks.

Abdullah Al Badi, Managing Director and Founder of Terminal 11, said the partnership marks an important step in building a globally connected innovation ecosystem in Oman.

“Joining the CIC Global Network gives our startups, entrepreneurs and partners direct access to one of the world’s most advanced innovation communities while enabling us to adopt international best practices and create programmes that connect local innovation with global opportunities,” he said.

Tim Rowe, Founder and Executive Chair of CIC, said the organisation sees significant potential in Oman’s innovation ecosystem and looks forward to strengthening its links with the global innovation community.

CIC operates innovation campuses in Cambridge, Boston, Miami, Philadelphia, Rotterdam, Warsaw, Berlin, Tokyo and Seoul. Its headquarters are in Kendall Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts, adjacent to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and widely regarded as one of the world’s leading innovation districts.

Terminal 11’s partnership with CIC is part of its long-term strategy to build international collaborations that give Omani technology companies greater access to global expertise, strategic partnerships, investment and overseas markets, while supporting Oman’s ambition to become a regional hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.