UTAS–Ibra Hosts 7th Intercollegiate Meet: Innovatia 2026

Business

The University of Technology and Applied Sciences–Ibra proudly hosted Innovatia 2026, the 7th edition of its intercollegiate meet organized by the Department of Economics and Business Administration (DEBA), on Monday, April 20, 2026. The annual festival brought together undergraduate students from eleven higher educational institutions across Oman to showcase their talent, critical thinking, creativity, and analytical skills.

Dr. Habiba Al-Mughairi, Head of the Department of Economics and Business Administration, formally opened the program and welcomed the participants. She emphasized the importance of nurturing innovation among students in this world of artificial intelligence. Dr. G. Ramesh, Head of Section Accounting and Finance, delivered the events briefings, outlining the objectives and structure of the competition. Innovatia 2026 featured four flagship competitions, each designed to highlight different dimensions of student talent:

• InovAI - Students presented AI-based solutions addressing real-world challenges such as sustainable tourism, fraud detection, preventive healthcare, personalized education, and intelligent supply chain management.
• Finance Nexus – Students competed in a fast-paced finance challenge testing their speed, accuracy, and problem-solving skills in business.
• FutureHR Pitch - Students designed digital posters proposing innovative HR solutions to issues like AI integration, hybrid work, employee well-being, and digital transformation.
• Guerilla Genius – Students crafted low-budget guerrilla marketing campaigns for assigned brands showcasing their out-of-the-box thinking, strategic creativity, and demonstrating high-impact audience engagement.

Dr. Abdullah Khalfan Al-Azri, Deputy of the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, delivered the valedictory address. In his remarks, he extended heartfelt thanks to all the participants for their enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication, which made Innovatia 2026 a resounding success. He also expressed deep appreciation to the organizers, technical staff, and administrators whose tireless efforts ensured the smooth execution of the program. Dr. Al-Azri emphasized that events like Innovatia are not merely competitions but transformative experiences that enrich students’ academic life. He concluded by reaffirming UTAS–Ibra’s commitment to nurturing talent and innovation through platforms that inspire excellence and lifelong learning. A “Journey of Innovatia” video presentation highlighted the growth of the festival over the years.

Dr. Hafedh Said Abdullah Al-Rahbi, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Dr. Abdullah Khalfan Al-Azri, Deputy of the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Habiba Al-Mughairi, HOD – DEBA, honored distinguished guest Dr. Zuwaina Saleh Issa Al-Maskari, member of state council, for supporting and gracing the affair. The program concluded with the awarding of certificates and cash prizes to all participants and winners of each event.