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Muscat Daily
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Muscat Daily
Omani student-led startup develops algal car air purifier
Muscat – An Omani student-led startup has developed a smart air purification device powered by natural materials, including live algae, offering a sustainable solution to improve air quality in enclosed spaces, particularly vehicles. Developed by startup Baalil, the innovation aims to provide a sustainable alternative to conventional air filters by using natural, biodegradable materials that reduce environmental impact and cost. 'The idea was born from a painful real-life incident – the death of a child inside a vehicle due to high temperatures and accumulation of toxic gases,' said Hajar bint Jumaa al Amri, CEO of Baalil. 'This prompted us to think of a real solution to prevent such incidents and improve air quality inside vehicles.' Founded in 2023 under the Injaz Oman student entrepreneurship programme, Baalil has since become an official startup, secured a patent and undergone scientific evaluation. The product's distinguishing feature lies in its filter, which relies on algae – organisms that absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. 'These algae are effective in purifying air and can be cultivated locally, which enhances environmental and economic sustainability,' Hajar said. 'Our device also includes cooling and fragrance functions and doesn't rely on disposable artificial filters.' The device is powered with a Type-C port and requires minimal electricity. The team is currently working on adding a solar charging feature. A built-in temperature sensor automatically activates cooling and purification when the interior temperature exceed a certain threshold. 'The filter is easy to replace and requires no technical intervention,' Hajar added. Baalil's multidisciplinary team includes nine members with expertise in engineering, technology, environment, design and marketing. 'We received guidance from professors on technical and sustainability aspects,' she said. Among the challenges Baalil faced was the absence of specialised local factories for production. The team developed several prototypes before finalising a stable version. Support for the project came from Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. Omani Startup Accelerator guided the team from inception through finalisation. Hajar believes the device can reduce harmful in-car emissions and improve respiratory health. 'It contributes to environmental conservation because it uses natural elements,' she said. The team is exploring applications in enclosed spaces such as classrooms and offices, and is conducting experiments to adapt the technology for home ventilation systems and public buildings. Baalil has received investment offers and signed international agreements to expand into global markets. 'We are working to enhance sustainability, integrate smart technologies and improve product efficiency to better meet market needs,' said Hajar. She added that local support plays a crucial role in the project's success. 'Trusting the capabilities of young people, supporting local products and promoting these within the community open up opportunities for cooperation and partnership between universities and industry.'
Times of Oman
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Times of Oman
Omani startup develops safe air purifier based on natural product
Muscat: Student innovations are emerging as a key driver for the sustainable future. From the heart of Omani universities, Balil Company developed a smart and safe air purifier based on natural, effective, biodegradable, and environment-friendly components, such as algae. The company began its journey from an idea to developing a prototype and beyond, combining environmental science and bioengineering to provide a practical and environmental-friendly solution. Hajar bint Jumaa Al Amri, CEO of Balil Company, said: 'The idea was born from a painful real-life incident: the death of a child inside a vehicle due to high temperatures and the accumulation of toxic gases. This prompted us to consider a real solution to prevent such accidents and improve air quality inside vehicles. We began working on developing a smart and safe air purifier based on natural and effective components.' Al Amri stated that the company was established in 2023 as part of its participation in the Injaz Oman Student Entrepreneurship Programme. After support and guidance, it became an official startup and obtained a patent and scientific and technical evaluation. These natural organisms are effective in absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, making them ideal for natural air purification. Furthermore, they can be easily cultivated in the local environment, reducing reliance on imported resources and enhancing the product's environmental and economic sustainability. She noted that the technology not only purifies the air but also adds cooling and fragrance features. Furthermore, the device does not rely on industrial filters, so it does not require frequent replacement, making it more sustainable and less expensive in the long run. Regarding the device's operating mechanism, Hajar Al Amri explained that it combines technology and sustainability. The device operates with a natural filter containing algae for purification. It is charged via a Type-C port or a rechargeable battery, and requires no significant power to operate. The team is currently working on adding a solar-powered charging feature to make the device more autonomous and environmental-friendly. Al Amri stated that the device contains a temperature sensor that measures the interior temperature of the vehicle. Once it exceeds a certain threshold, it automatically begins cooling and purifying the air, providing additional protection, especially in closed vehicles during peak traffic hours. Maintenance is also easy and does not require technical intervention; the filter must be replaced after a period of use. Hajar Al Amri stated that the academic environment has helped her receive support, consultations, and guidance from experts and academic professors regarding technical and sustainability aspects. Regarding laboratory experiments, the CEO of Balil Company said that it started in the laboratories of Sultan Qaboos University during preparations for 20th Science Festival. This provided an opportunity to conduct initial scientific experiments and analyse the performance of the filter and the natural materials used. Regarding the team members and the disciplines that collaborated to achieve this innovation, she indicated that it consists of nine members from diverse disciplines, including engineering, technology, environment, design, and marketing. This facilitated the project from all angles, from scientific research and development to design, manufacturing, and promotion. The innovation journey was not without challenges. Hajar Al Amri explained that the lack of specialised local factories to manufacture the company's product was one of the challenges the company faced, noting that the team worked on developing and testing prototypes until it achieved a stable and effective product. The CEO of Balil also stated that the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology played a pivotal role in supporting this innovation, enabling the team to overcome challenges and transform the idea into a successful business model. The Omani Startup Accelerator also played a prominent role in guiding the team throughout its inception and until graduation from the program. Regarding the environmental and societal impact, the company's CEO believes that the device can reduce internal vehicle emissions and lower levels of harmful gases inside cars, improving user health and reducing respiratory problems. It also contributes to environmental conservation because it uses natural ingredients. Regarding the potential use of the device or technology in various spaces, she confirmed that the team has begun studying other applications in closed spaces such as classrooms, offices, and factories. The CEO of Balil is currently conducting experiments to expand the use of the technology in home ventilation systems, public buildings, and factories. Regarding expansion and development plans, Al Amri stated that the company has received numerous investment offers to support its project, and that work is ongoing to study these opportunities. Additionally, the company is working to develop innovative solutions suitable for domestic and industrial uses, enhance sustainability in various fields, integrate smart technologies, and improve product effectiveness to better meet market needs and support a cleaner, healthier environment. Furthermore, the company has signed international agreements with global partners, which enhances the opportunity to expand and reach new markets outside the Sultanate of Oman. Regarding the community role, Al Amri explained that trusting the capabilities of youth, supporting local products, and promoting them within the community are among the most effective roles. These roles open up opportunities for collaboration and encourage partnerships between universities and the industrial community, which contribute significantly to the success of such projects. It's worth noting that Baleel has won several national awards in the field of air purification and environmental protection, including first place for Best Idea in the Innovation and Technology Sector at the Youth Sustainability Camp, second place in the Elite Projects category at the Military Technical College, and fifth place at the First Annual Startup Forum. It is also among the top 12 innovative ideas that qualified to represent the Sultanate of Oman at the Gulf Science Forum, qualified for the Injaz Oman finals from among more than 180 participating companies, and was nominated to represent the Sultanate of Oman at the LEAP Global Exhibition in Saudi Arabia.
Times of Oman
02-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Student team converts coffee into clean biofuel
Sohar: The student company "Java Fuel" at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Sohar, North Al Batinah Governorate, has successfully developed an innovative project in sustainable energy by converting coffee waste into clean biodiesel using advanced artificial intelligence technologies. Tarteel Khaled Al Na'abi explained that the project offers an eco-friendly product that serves industrial sectors and government institutions concerned with environmental fields, presenting both an economic and environmental solution. The project targets the Omani and Gulf markets amid growing demand for low-emission fuel alternatives. She added that the project relies on collecting coffee waste from cafés and converting it into biofuel—a step that helps reduce waste and supports Oman's efforts to achieve the goals of "Oman Vision 2040" in clean energy. She emphasized that the project contributes to reducing carbon emissions and preserving the environment by providing a sustainable energy source that minimizes café waste and promotes biofuel use, thereby advancing environmentally and economically sustainable development. She noted that the company participated in the "Injaz Oman Student Companies Exhibition 2025" and was shortlisted among 60 student companies to the second phase, which included 41 companies. The project received significant engagement from participants, and the company won third place in the Cultural Innovation Competition in Al Musanaa in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship. She further stated that the company plans to participate in exhibitions and events organized by universities, colleges, and government and private institutions to promote and develop the project based on feedback from specialists and visitors, while also expanding its network with supporters and investors.
Observer
23-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
Student company manufactures solar cells using new technology
MUSCAT: Aura, a company from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), is the first student-led startup to manufacture perovskite solar cells. The cells are characterised by high efficiency, low cost, flexibility and environment friendly and aim to support the Sultanate of Oman's vision of relying on solar energy. Nour bint Mohammed al Mayyahiyah, the company's public relations manager, said that Aura specialises in developing and producing solar energy solutions, with a focus on perovskite technologies to enhance solar energy efficiency. The goal is to provide clean and efficient energy sources, reduce reliance on traditional solar panels, and contribute to achieving environmental and economic sustainability. She added that the idea to establish the company came after seeing the challenges faced by traditional solar energy technologies, such as low conversion efficiency, high production costs, and the difficulty in manufacturing. After research and study, we discovered that perovskite technology offers an innovative and more efficient solution. The company was established to develop this technology and transform it into practical products that meet market needs. Al Mayyahi said that there has been growing interest in our products and concept after we created a prototype and presented it to those interested in this field, particularly companies and institutions seeking clean and efficient energy solutions. "We are witnessing a significant growth in demand, and we are working to expand the scope of our services to better meet customer needs." She pointed out that Aura's most notable achievements include developing the first local prototype of perovskite solar cells, participating in numerous competitions, including Injaz Oman and the Science Festival, and attracting public and private sector interest in this product as a sustainable energy source. — ONA
