National Bank of Oman (NBO) has kicked off registration for its most exciting tech event of the year, Innovation Incubator. A collaboration with the SME Development Authority, Oman Academy for SMEs, and Paradigm Consulting, the initiative will take successful applicants on a three-month long course that will challenge them to come up with ideas for a Fintech start-up.

The winners will then get the chance to pitch to investors. All IT students and fresh graduates with a head for Fintech and a passion for entrepreneurship are invited to apply through NBO’s website between the June 6 and June 20. With only 30 participants to be selected, the race is on to see who could be Oman’s next Fintech superstar, NBO said in a press release.

Sherifa al Maskari, head of brand at NBO, said, “We are excited to begin the selection process for our highly-awaited programme. Oman has a huge pool of young talent and this competition is going to find out what they’re made of. Fintech’s role is becoming more vital than ever, not only in the banking industry, but as part of the sultanate’s vision to be a technologically advanced nation. Innovation Incubator offers young people an unprecedented opportunity to learn more about it, get ahead of the game, and maybe even make it their career.”

As part of the bank’s active corporate social responsibility programme, the programme is aimed at college students and fresh graduates. Selected participants will go through a tailored programme delivered by specially trained NBO employees. At the end of the course, three out of the 30 will be selected to pitch their ideas to potential investors, connecting them to bigger opportunities.

With a range of youth-centred initiatives and programmes including Etimad, Outward Bound Oman, and the Hackathon, NBO continues to foster Oman’s young people and equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to contribute to the development of the nation.

Source: https://muscatdaily.com/Business/390996/NBO-begins-registration-for-Innovation-Incubator