Latest news with #ResearchandInnovation
Mint
2 days ago
- Business
- Mint
India's new space revenue driver: surveillance satellites
New Delhi: India's private space firms may be getting the revenue boost they hoped for: Thanks to geopolitical tensions, several countries have tapped them to build satellites as demand for space-based surveillance grows. Bengaluru-based Ananth Technologies, a long-time engineering partner for the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), has been executing an order from Australia for defence surveillance satellites over the past year. Peer Digantara is also part of this contract under the Mission for Australia-India's Technology, Research and Innovation or Maitri programme. Norway, Hungary and Poland, besides nations from West Asia and the global south, are also engaging with multiple Indian space firms, including Adani Defence and Aerospace-backed Alpha Design, according to at least five industry executives Mint spoke with. Most of these countries do not have their own satellite programmes, but changing geopolitical alignments and global tensions have amplified the need for space surveillance. And while revenue generated from such projects has still not reached hundreds of millions of dollars, India's friendly relations are offering local space startups an opportunity to drive growth through such partnerships. Moreover, surveillance satellite giants in the US, such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, focus mostly on large contracts, according to Chaitanya Giri, space fellow at global think-tank, Observer Research Foundation. Since most of the contracts coming India's way range from $5-25 million per year, Giri said these 'are too small for the American behemoths, but cumulatively could add up to a significant boost for India". Satellite assembly line Ananth Technologies and Digantara will offer end-to-end design and manufacturing of satellites and provide surveillance data to Australia. While neither divulged the exact size of the deals, both said the multi-year pactsare leading to monetization of their business models in India. 'We have three satellite manufacturing and design engineering centres across Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Thiruvananthapuram, where we build and design high-resolution surveillance, imaging and earth observation satellites based on requirements from clients," Subba Rao Pavuluri, chairman and managing director of Ananth Technologies, told Mint. The company has the reputation to back it, having manufactured surveillance satellites for India. These are in orbit and operated by Isro. In FY24, Ananth Technologies, incorporated in 1992, earned operating revenue of ₹270 crore, according to data from the ministry of corporate affairs. Digantara, incorporated six years ago, earned ₹3.2 crore and projects its revenue to increase to ₹250 crore by FY27 on surveillance satellite data and manufacturing contracts. Over ₹100 crore of Digantara's revenue growth is set to come from through its contract with India's ministry of defence, Mint reported on 13 June. Anirudh Sharma, chief executive of the Peak XV-backed startup, is also setting up the company's own satellite assembly line. Mint visited the company's headquarters in Bengaluru. The startup will offer satellite observation and data analytics services to paying customers. 'We're currently working with other clients, too, including the government of India as well as interested parties from the European Union," Sharma said. 'There is an increasing demand for sovereign surveillance capabilities around the world, for which we are offering white-label services to various governments." Surveillance as a service Beyond manufacturing for other nations, Indian space startups are looking to put their own surveillance satellites in orbit, and offer high-resolution surveillance data to countries. GalaxEye Space, a four-year-old, Chennai-headquartered startup, announced earlier this month that it will place its first, owned surveillance satellite in orbit as part of its business expansion plan. '...the current rise in interest for surveillance satellites is also boosting our case for innovation—where we are placing a high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (Sar) satellite that can observe the earth at up to 0.5 metres resolution," said Suyash Singh, founder of GalaxEye. 'We're already having early-stage conversations with hundreds of clients, which is what spurred our decision to build this satellite. In the next six to eight months, we'll offer a revenue projection for the coming years, launch the satellite in orbit, and raise funds for our next phase of operations." The company's early-stage demand is largely coming from West Asia and the global south, Singh said. One year ago, the government of Australia signed an $18-million contract with Isro's commercial business unit, NewSpace India Limited (Nsil), to use its satellite launch services. Speaking with Mint on the sidelines of 2025 Indian Space Congress in New Delhi on Wednesday, Philip Green, high commissioner of Australia to India, said that space is an active area of collaboration between the two nations. 'We actively leverage the strength that each of us have in our nations to collaborate in various fields, including technology. In space, Australia is a global innovation leader—we bring this to India and tap its massive engineering talent pool with private firms that are highly skilled in niche areas. In turn, this helps both the geographies prosper and grow—Australia, leveraging this, is seeing its space economy already grow at 10% per annum," he said. 'With a strategic partner such as India, we can collaborate across the line and the ecosystem, and do so more intensively. That's where the India-Australia space collaborations are at the moment," Green said. ORF's Giri calls this a 'natural evolution". 'The US has moved on from manufacturing a long time ago, and Europe's markets are too expensive to manufacture at scale," he said. 'With the current geopolitical balances at play, India's biggest strength lies in leveraging this position to emerge as a default choice for global satellite manufacturing." Giri expects these contracts to help India's private space firms reinforce their reputation in the global market. 'With space and surveillance being seen as key areas of engineering and innovation, India is in a strong position to leverage its relations globally—and help private firms expand globally as critical infrastructure providers."
Observer
5 days ago
- Observer
Technology conference aims to shape the future of learning
Muscat: In a major step toward transforming the educational landscape in Oman and beyond, Onsor organised the Educational Technology Conference under the theme 'Towards an Inspiring Educational Future Powered by Advanced Technologies.' The event was held under the auspices of Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. The conference brought together a lineup of international education experts, policymakers and tech innovators to explore the future of learning in an increasingly digital world. Central to the discussions was the transformative role of immersive technologies — such as virtual and augmented reality — and their potential to enhance creativity, engagement and real-world readiness among students. Moath bin Ahmed al Hinai, CEO of Onsor, emphasised the organisation's commitment to reshaping education through cutting-edge tools. 'At Onsor, we believe that education is the cornerstone of building a sustainable future,' he said. 'Immersive technologies offer a revolutionary tool to transform learning into a comprehensive and inspiring experience, enabling students to engage in realistic and safe educational scenarios.' The conference unfolded across three main pillars: The Educational Forum: A platform for in-depth dialogue on the latest digital innovation trends in education. Educational leaders shared global best practices and future-forward strategies for teaching and learning. Attendees explored how advanced technologies can transition traditional classrooms into vibrant, interactive spaces that promote active learning and creativity. Live demos showcased applications not only within academic settings but also across sectors such as healthcare, aviation, safety and vocational training. Participants and observers alike praised the event for reinforcing the importance of integrating technology across the learning spectrum. By creating experiential environments that mimic real-world challenges, immersive technologies were recognised as a key enabler of skill-building and career- readiness in the digital age. The conference also served as a catalyst for strengthening partnerships between governments, educational institutions, and tech innovators. Many noted the significance of aligning educational strategies with the broader objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and global digital transformation goals.
Observer
5 days ago
- Science
- Observer
Falaj systems foster social cohesion in Omani tribal communities
MUSCAT: A groundbreaking research project titled 'Aflaj Systems and Social Cohesion in Oman, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate', led by Dr Majid Labbaf Khaneiki, Assistant Professor and Unesco Chair on Aflaj Studies and Archaeo-Hydrology at the University of Nizwa — has shed new light on the integral role of traditional water systems in shaping Omani tribal society. Funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation's Block Funding Programme, the study explores how the falaj irrigation system serves not only as a means of water distribution but as a vital pillar of social cohesion and economic sustainability among tribal communities in northern Oman. Challenging Western anthropological views of tribalism as territorially rigid and isolated, Dr Khaneiki's research reveals a contrasting narrative. The falaj emerges as a unifying force, facilitating intertribal cooperation through shared water resources — a structure the researchers term 'hydro-tribalism.' Falaj systems foster social cohesion in Omani tribal communities Using an inductive qualitative approach, the team combined ethnographic fieldwork, in-depth interviews with falaj stakeholders, and comprehensive archival and literature reviews. Their findings underscore how the technical and geographic realities of water mobility encourage communities to transcend territorial boundaries, promoting collective governance and reducing conflict. Moreover, the falaj supports a broader hydro-economic network, enabling trade, standardised agricultural practices, and infrastructure investment — often sustained through waqf (endowments). However, urban expansion and environmental threats now endanger this centuries-old system, making its preservation essential for maintaining social and ecological balance. Dr Khaneiki advocates for viewing the falaj not just as a water system but as a cultural and social asset, offering a timeless model of sustainable development and resilience rooted in harmony and cooperation. The research was published in the Journal of Arabian Studies and GeoJournal, with contributions from Dr Abdullah al Ghafri, Amjad al Rawahi, Dr Khalifa al Kindi, Dr Nasser al Saadi, Zahra al Abri, and Ishaq al Shabibi.
Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Edtech event showcases immersive learning tools in Oman
Muscat – Onsor Technologies, an Omani startup specialising in emerging tech, hosted the Educational Technology Conference on Monday under the theme 'Towards an Inspiring Educational Future Powered by Advanced Technologies'. Held under the patronage of H E Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the conference brought together global education experts and decision-makers from the technology and academic sectors to discuss how immersive and interactive tools can enhance creativity and engagement in learning. In his keynote address, Moath bin Ahmed al Hinai, CEO of Onsor, said education remains the cornerstone for a sustainable future. 'Immersive technologies offer a revolutionary way to transform learning into a comprehensive and inspiring experience. Through these innovations, we aim to prepare generations that can meet future challenges with confidence and creativity, in line with Oman Vision 2040.' The conference featured an educational forum for dialogue on digital trends, an interactive exhibition of tech-enabled classroom environments, and strategic meetings to encourage regional collaboration in educational development. Participants engaged in panel discussions, live demonstrations and workshops highlighting how virtual and augmented reality can reshape traditional learning and vocational training. Experts said such technologies have strong potential in sectors beyond education, including healthcare and aviation, and called for cross-sector partnerships to ensure that Oman's education system keeps pace with global advancements and supports national development priorities.
Observer
7 days ago
- Science
- Observer
Training programme to improve quality of research, innovation output
Muscat: As part of its ongoing efforts to build national research and innovation capabilities, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI) has launched the second edition of its Research and Innovation Training Support Programme. This initiative aims to equip researchers and innovators across the Sultanate of Oman with the necessary skills and knowledge through specialised training programmes, developed in partnership with academic institutions. Ali Abdullah al Maskari, Director of Capacity Building at MoHERI, said that the programme was introduced to strengthen national research capacity through targeted training that promotes knowledge production and scientific excellence. "Our aim is to improve the quality of research and innovation output in Oman by providing high-level, specialised training courses in cooperation with academic institutions. This contributes directly to the Sultanate of Oman's global ranking in science and innovation indicators. Previously, each institution could only submit two proposals — one in research and one in innovation. Now, based on the size and research profile of each institution, universities are allowed to submit up to six proposals. This enables wider participation and diversity in training content,' Al Maskari explained. The programme targets a broad segment of society including students, academics, technicians, administrators, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, jobseekers and staff at higher education institutions. Both Omani and non-Omani participants aged 18 and above are eligible to apply. The supported fields this year include research and innovation project management, scientific research methodologies, proposal writing, grant and funding acquisition, Artificial intelligence and digital transformation in research. Applications are assessed against a set of criteria that ensure quality and relevance. 'We look at the quality and relevance of the content, the qualifications of the trainers, alignment with national research priorities, the proposed training duration, the training methods used, accessibility of the training location and the availability of essential facilities,' Al Maskari said. Reflecting on the first edition, Al Maskari shared that 18 academic institutions submitted 36 training proposals, of which 18 were funded. The programme attracted 489 participants from across Oman, achieving a satisfaction rate of 87 per cent. One particularly inspiring example was a group of four participants from the Wilayat of Ibri in Al Dhahirah Governorate who attended a three-week training in Al Buraimi without missing a single session — demonstrating extraordinary commitment and enthusiasm. The programme's inaugural cycle also revealed a number of challenges. One such issue was the inconsistent visual branding of the training materials. 'We resolved this by developing a unified template for presentations, posters and electronic materials to be used by all participating institutions,' said Al Maskari. Other measures included shortening some training courses and offering hybrid options (in- person and online) to increase accessibility and participation. Looking ahead, Al Maskari revealed that the ministry is working on launching a new initiative aimed at supporting Omani researchers and innovators to participate in international training programmes. 'This expansion will open new global learning pathways and will be launched in the last quarter of this year. It complements our current programme and directly supports the goals of Oman Vision 2040,' he said.
