Startup Grind Muscat, in partnership with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) is proud to host a panel discussion as part of the Annual Student Startup Forum 2026.

This session brings students and aspiring founders face-to-face with founders who are actively building and scaling tech startups in the region—offering an honest look at what happens behind the scenes.

Event Theme

Behind the Scenes of Building Tech Startups

Building a tech startup is rarely linear. This panel goes beyond polished success stories to explore the real decisions, challenges, and lessons founders encounter in their journeys—from early ideas to execution and growth.

What You’ll Learn

Participants will gain practical, experience-based insights on:

• Identifying and validating real market opportunities

• Early-stage decision-making and execution challenges

• Mistakes, pivots, and lessons learned along the way

• Building credibility, resilience, and sustainable growth

• Advice for students transitioning from ideas to real ventures

Featured Speakers

Azzan Al Kindi
Founder & CEO, Rihal
Azzan leads digital transformation initiatives and has extensive experience building technology-driven solutions across organizations, offering valuable insights into scaling tech ventures and navigating real-world execution challenges.

Shamsa Al Salami
Founder, Zumr
Shamsa brings a founder’s perspective on building from the ground up, navigating uncertainty, and turning ideas into viable ventures within the local startup ecosystem.

Who Should Attend

• University students interested in entrepreneurship

• Aspiring founders and early-stage startup teams

• Anyone curious about the realities of building tech startups in Oman

Event Details

• Date: 22 January 2026

• Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

• Venue: Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC)

RSVP below!