Friday 03 / May / 2024
Muscat: Sumaya bint Saeed Al Siyabiyah of Oman won the grand prize at the Geneva International Innovation Exhibition while her compatriot Razan bint Hamad Al Kalbaniya bagged silver. The exhibition witnessed competition from more than 1,000 innovators from 40 countries around the world.
Sumaya Al-Siyabi explained to the Oman News Agency that her participation was aimed at showcasing her scientific innovation in the field of “bioanalysis of microplastics” using nanotechnology.
She pointed out that her innovative project offers a promising solution to eliminate and dispose of microplastics in a safe and environmentally friendly manner using microbial confinement and catalytic agent (nano zinc oxide).
For her part, Razan Al-Kalbani sadi: "My innovative project is a paint that absorbs X-rays from a natural component, 'lycopene', which is the red pigment found in tomatoes, watermelon, and red fruits and vegetables in general."
She added that the study of her innovative project is the first of its kind in the world to use a natural compound to shield the x-ray room, as the coating is characterised by 97 percent radiation absorption, 100 percent water and moisture resistance, and 95 percent heat resistance. It also prevents the formation of mold and bacteria.
Razan Al-Kalbani and Sumaya Al-Siyabi expressed their happiness with this achievement and for representing the Sultanate of Oman in this global forum, highlighting the interest they receive and the ability of Omani youth to innovate and compete globally.
It is noteworthy that the Geneva International Innovation Exhibition honours innovations that create solutions to a global problem and contribute to the advancement of innovation on a global scale for the economic and technological development of a country.
The Geneva International Innovation Exhibition is the largest global event for inventions, and is held annually in coordination with the World Intellectual Property Organization.
