Manafa’a, a program specially developed and oragnsied by Mawarid, aims to provide Oman’s entrepreneurial and scientific community with the opportunity to pitch innovative and creative biodiversity based business ideas and help transform them into viable working models. In doing so, it gives Oman’s entrepreneurs and innovators an opportunity to address the threats associated with the global biodiversity crisis through the development of new ideas, products and services.

• Providing a platform for Omani and Oman-based innovators and entrepreneurs to present, discuss and refine ideas for new products inspired by our biodiversity.
• Encouraging start-ups that are based on applied research on national biological resources.
• Building public awareness of potential biodiversity investment opportunities.

The Manafa’a Ideathon Program is all about value-added products and services. In genetic resources, added value is usually achieved through an innovation that leads to the improvement of existing products and services, or creating new ones. Boasting a biodiversity unique in the region, Oman has a treasure trove of potential opportunities for the discovery and manufacture of value-added products.

Anyone aged above 18, who has an interest in Oman’s biodiversity and sustainable business, is invited to apply to take part in Manafa’a program. You don’t have to be a scientist and you certainly don’t have to be a biologist, chemist, physicist or mathematician to participate!