'Isis Innovation', an Oxford University company, partners with Muscat University to implement academic, research and knowledge transfer programmes

Oxford, UK, April 27th 2014

A new innovative and entrepreneurial university is to be established in Muscat, Oman, by a group of prominent Omani business leaders.  Muscat University has been conceived as a private, not-for-profit institution and has appointed Isis Innovation Ltd, the University of Oxford's wholly owned technology transfer company, as lead consultant for the project.

The aim of Muscat University is to generate graduates who have the aptitude and skillset needed to assist the growth of the private sector. The curriculum will be designed with the requirements of the private sector as a central focus and is expected, in the long-term, to show a positive influence on the growth of employment opportunities within the Sultanate.

Commenting on the appointment of Isis Innovation, Dr Juma bin Ali al Juma, Chairman, Founders' Committee, said, "The vision for Muscat University is to create a centre of excellence, where academic achievement directly contributes to the development of an entrepreneurial culture in Oman and a positive force for the expansion of the private sector. We believe that these foundations will enable the University to ensure that the next generation of Omani youth is academically equipped to face the challenges of the future. We look forward to working with Isis Innovation who are global leaders in the fields of technology commercialisation and entrepreneurship education and who will help us to support the academic vision we have set out." 

The structures, facilities and staffing of the new university are being planned with a view to accepting the first Foundation Programmes students in September 2016, with the first intake of undergraduate students to follow in September 2017. Muscat University is being steered by a Founders' Committee which comprises stakeholders and active members with experience in this field who are aiming to establish Muscat University as the leading university in the region, with the highest standards of teaching and research.

As lead consultant, Isis Innovation will develop the framework of the University, advise on positioning in the regional context, and develop an implementation plan for academic programmes, research and innovation, together with an extensive knowledge transfer programme. Additionally, Isis will guide the implementation of the overall project plan, with project delivery, running in parallel with construction of the all new campus, forecast to take approximately three years.

Tom Hockaday, Managing Director of Isis Innovation, the Isis representative on the Project Advisory Board for Muscat University, said: "Isis is delighted to participate in such a major role for this project. The metrics for success include the establishment by Muscat University of strong business links and of spin-off companies, both areas in which we have extensive experience."

A Founders Committee has been established that includes senior international academics, university administrators from prestigious institutions including the University of Oxford and other leaders in innovation, and business leaders from Oman representing the shareholders of Muscat University.

-Ends-

For more information:
Renate Krelle
Isis Innovation Lt
renate.krelle@isis.ox.ac.uk
T: +44(0)1865280867

About Isis Innovation
Isis Innovation is the research and technology commercialisation company of the University of Oxford. We provide access to technology from Oxford researchers through intellectual property licensing, spin-out company formation and material sales, and to academic expertise through Oxford University Consulting.

Isis is the highest university patent filer in the UK and is ranked 1st in the UK for university spin-outs, having created more than 100 new companies in 25 years. In the last financial year we completed 395 licenses and consulting agreements with clients in 21 countries. The Isis Enterprise innovation management consultancy works with university, government and industrial clients from offices around the world.

For updates on innovations from Oxford, follow Isis on LinkedIn and Twitter or subscribe at www.isis-innovation.com

© Press Release 2014