Omani innovator wins gold at International Invention Fair
Omani innovator Hajar bint Khamis al Azriya has been awarded with a gold medal at the 14th International Invention Fair in the Middle East (IIFME), for her innovation in generating green energy from pathological animal waste.
The fair - hosted in Kuwait from February 4 to 7 - stands as the Middle East’s premier event for inventions and innovations and is ranked as the world’s second most significant exhibition in this domain.
In an interview with Muscat Daily, Hajar revealed that she was nominated by the GCC Secretariat General to represent Oman at the annual expo, which draws top-tier inventors and innovators from the Middle East.
Her award-winning project, titled ‘Sustainable biofuel production from contaminated and pathological animal healthcare waste,’ offers a green alternative to fossil fuels by processing pathological animal waste into sustainable biofuel, minimising environmental harm. Hajar underlined the project’s dual focus on environmental sustainability and economic development.
“By transforming hazardous waste, typically destined for landfills, into valuable biofuel, the initiative seeks to mitigate environmental damage associated with waste disposal and capitalise on resources otherwise considered detrimental due to pathogens,” she informed.
Talking about the IIFME, she said that the fair provides a vital platform for showcasing inventions, fostering a culture of innovation in Arab countries, and facilitating networking among inventors and investors.
“The fair’s environment encourages inventors to present their ideas and products, bolstering cooperation and promoting the commercialisation of inventions.”
Hajar, who has also ventured into producing sustainable biofuel from algae, highlighted the need for financial backing to transform her project into a commercial success.