As one of the region’s leading tech conferences, Web Summit Qatar brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors from around the globe. For our students, it was more than just an event—it was a gateway to explore breakthrough technologies, connect with startup ecosystems, and engage with world-class thought leaders shaping the digital future.

This experience reflects MEC’s ongoing commitment to:
Immersive learning beyond the classroom
Fostering entrepreneurial mindsets
Building global exposure for our students

By participating in high-impact platforms like Web Summit, our students gain real-world insights, sharpen their industry understanding, and broaden their professional networks—essential steps in becoming enterprising, resilient, and impactful contributors to the world of work.

We are proud to support such transformative journeys and will continue investing in opportunities that elevate our students’ academic and professional potential.

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Imagine a world where education isn’t just about absorbing facts, igniting curiosity, fostering innovation, and nurturing a dynamic entrepreneurial mindset. Welcome to the future of learning, where the fusion of startup culture and education revolutionises how students engage, explore, and excel.

In this new era, students are not just passive recipients of information; they are active participants in their learning journeys. This transformative approach empowers them to think boldly, embrace challenges, and develop the entrepreneurial skills necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world. Integrating startup culture into education creates an environment where innovation, creativity, and exploration are at the forefront, preparing students for success in their academic and professional lives.

Key elements of Startup Culture in Education

1. Empowerment and Innovation – Picture a classroom buzzing with excitement, where students are the architects of their own learning journey. Startup culture thrives on empowerment and innovation, and when these principles are woven into the fabric of education, magic happens. Educators craft environments where flexibility, collaboration, and student choice are the norm. This atmosphere of innovation inspires students to think boldly and embrace entrepreneurial ideas that could change the world.
2. Collaboration and Communication – In the vibrant world of startups, collaboration is the lifeblood of success. Modern communication tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams bring this spirit into the classroom, enabling students to collaborate seamlessly on projects. Imagine students from different disciplines coming together, sharing ideas, and creating solutions that are greater than the sum of their parts. This cross-pollination of perspectives fuels creativity and fosters a deeper understanding of diverse subjects.
3. Embracing Failure and Learning – In the realm of startups, failure isn’t a setback; it’s a stepping stone to success. Educational institutions that embrace this mindset encourage students to learn from their mistakes through post-mortem analyses and hands-on projects. Think of students experimenting with business concepts, receiving feedback, and iterating on their ideas. This process builds resilience and offers invaluable lessons in perseverance and problem-solving.
4. Diverse Learning Resources – Startup culture thrives on diversity and adaptability. By incorporating a wide range of learning resources—workshops, online courses, hands-on experiences—education becomes a personalized adventure. Students can explore their passions at their own pace, drawing from a rich tapestry of materials that cater to different learning styles and interests.
5. Mentorship and Coaching – Imagine a world where every student has a mentor guiding them, offering wisdom and support. Just as startups rely on seasoned advisors, educational settings benefit from mentorship programs that pair students with teachers, industry professionals, and peers. This nurturing environment accelerates growth, cultivates entrepreneurial skills, and provides a safety net for students to explore and innovate.
6. Experiential Learning – Bridging the gap between theory and practice, experiential learning immerses students in the entrepreneurial process. Real-world business projects allow students to apply theoretical concepts in practical situations, gaining firsthand experience in navigating challenges and embracing opportunities. This hands-on approach not only enhances their understanding but equips them with skills to thrive in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship.

Impact on Educational Institutions

• Alignment with community needs – Higher education institutions are embracing their “third mission” of community engagement, addressing economic, social, and environmental issues for the benefit of society. Universities are becoming hubs of innovation, with programs designed to foster community engagement and drive societal advancement. This shift underscores the crucial role of education in shaping a better future.
• University-Industry Partnerships – As technology continues to evolve at lightning speed, educational institutions are forming partnerships with industry leaders. These collaborations bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application, providing students with cutting-edge technologies and insights. The result? Students who are well-prepared to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape and drive technological innovation.
• Curriculum development challenges – Integrating entrepreneurship into education isn’t without its challenges. Educators must balance traditional academic content with contemporary subjects like digital literacy and social-emotional learning. This balancing act is essential for creating relevant, adaptable programs that meet the diverse needs of students and society. Curriculum design must continually evolve to keep pace with technological advancements and educational goals.
• Promoting a culture of innovation – Entrepreneurship in education isn’t just about theory; it’s about fostering a culture of innovation. Through hands-on experiences like business plan development and startup incubators, students immerse themselves in practical learning environments. These experiences ignite their entrepreneurial spirit and prepare them to tackle real-world challenges. Institutions that prioritize experiential learning contribute to a vibrant ecosystem of innovation that benefits both academia and society.

In conclusion, the integration of startup culture into education is a transformative journey. By establishing mentorship programs, promoting community engagement, and developing industry partnerships, educational institutions are enhancing the relevance and impact of their offerings. As this movement continues to evolve, the interplay between startup culture and modern education promises to reshape the landscape of learning and entrepreneurship for future generations. Get ready to embark on this exciting adventure where innovation, empowerment, and creativity know no bounds.

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Nisyaan: The All-In-One Mobile App not only predicts an individual’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease but also offers a range of research-based features designed to improve the condition and enhance the quality of life for patients and their families.

I am truly humbled and grateful for this accomplishment, as it represents the culmination of dedicated research and collaboration with incredible team members Abdulwahid Shariff, Zaid Sarguroh, and mentor Dr Smitha Sunil Nair, who worked tirelessly to turn our ideas into impactful research. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Dr Hamed Al Sinawi FRCPsych (Senior Psychiatrist at SQUH).

This award would not have been possible without his support; Alzheimer’s disease is a complex and devastating condition that affects millions of lives, and I look forward to continuing our research journey and pushing the boundaries of our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease. We believe that we can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by this condition through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative approaches. Let’s continue to explore the intersection of technology and healthcare to make a lasting impact.

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The QSCM programme has bridged the gap between academia and industry. As a result of regular workshops, seminars, and guest lectures from industry experts, I gained a deeper understanding of real-world challenges and the dynamic work environment. Through networking events and alumni talks, I was able to contribute significantly to my personal and professional growth.

The programme faculty supported me in obtaining internships at Naseer and Suliman Constructions, the Ministry of Education, and Oman Water and Wastewater Service Company, during my study.

Immediately after graduation, MEC provided me with a 6-month internship program at “AL-EZ Trading Transport & Contracting Company” with basic allowances. Further, exposure to real projects led me to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. These experiences equipped me with enhanced confidence and technical skills. I am very excited to share that the company has offered me a permanent position. I wholeheartedly endorse the MEC’s commitment to nurturing students with the right education, mentorship, and industry exposure.

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In spite of this, the mechanical engineering and other professional and support office staff helped me overcome the challenges and graduate with remarkable results.

Here, I should point out the accomplishment of my final year project and the unconstrained and priceless assistance provided by my project supervisor, Dr. Fiseha M. Guangul, an assistant professor at MEC, as well as other staff of the programme. ‘Experimental Study of Solar-Powered Automatic Water Generation in Oman’ was the project’s title. The experimental study and analysis of water production from ambient air was only one aspect of the investigation. In addition, I developed the experimental configuration for the test. The experiment results were quite informative and can be used as a foundation for more extensive research on a larger scale.

Based on the study’s findings, a proposal was submitted to the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MOHERI) for the Upgrade Programme 2023 call, which reached the final stage, with the goal of turning the graduating project into a successful business startup to enhance Oman’s socioeconomic situation.

The research results were also presented at ICACME 2022 (International Conference on Advances and Creations in Mechanical Engineering 2022). The conference proceeding focuses on the publication of the work in the International Journal of Ethics in Engineering & Management Education-IJEEE.

My experience at MEC was very rewarding and memorable. The Mechanical Engineering Lab has a fantastic infrastructure. I left the college not just with impressive successes on my resume but also with excellent subject-matter expertise, self-assurance, and a sincere sense of personal growth.

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I realised that pushing myself beyond my comfort zone was the key to growth and discovery. As I worked on practical tasks, the theoretical knowledge I had gained came to life. It was an opportunity to see the immediate impact of my efforts and learn skills. Throughout my internship, I relied on experienced mentors. They graciously offered their knowledge, commented, and encouraged me to succeed.

The internship provided a stimulating environment for networking and making connections. As a fresh graduate civil engineer, training in telecommunications was an exciting and exceptional experience dealing with major operators. Working in the procurement department allowed me to deal with contractors, vendors, and bidders.

Aside from professional development, the internship was a transformative self-discovery journey. It challenged me to examine my skills and limitations, encouraged self-reflection, and sparked an interest in lifelong learning.

Training at Oman Towers Company in the commercial side of engineering, the Procurement and Contracts Department, from August 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023. This training opportunity has qualified me to prepare RFQs from scratch to end (PO to PR cycle), which includes creating a purchase requisition, requesting a quotation, creating a combined evaluation (technical and commercial), writing the letter of intent or award, and issuing the purchase order. Evaluating tenders by assessing bidder performance based on cost and delivery time, vendor registration and management: registration, receiving payments, follow-ups, preparing certificates, meeting with vendors, and updating the database using the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.

My internship at Oman Towers Company was an exciting trip that moved me forward on my journey of self-discovery and professional development. It served as a platform for connecting the division between practice and theory, creating meaningful connections, and facing issues with tenacity. I advise all interns to seize this chance, take a risk, and begin on a path that will unlock their potential. This will influence their future success.

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EMBRACING THE UNKNOWN:

As I entered the internship, I was overcome with exhilaration and intimidation. New people, new responsibilities, and a dynamic working environment. However, after taking the first steps, I learned that pushing myself outside my comfort zone was the key to growth and discovery. My academic understanding came to life as I worked on practical projects. It was a chance for me to witness the immediate impact of my efforts and learn different abilities.

MENTORS & MILESTONES

Throughout my internship, I depended on knowledgeable mentors’ advice. They generously shared their knowledge, made comments, and encouraged me to succeed. During my internship as a ‘Site Engineer’, I supervised many buildings in their construction stage.

OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES

The following points illustrate my daily supervision work. First, I trained at Muscat Engineering Design Company as a (Site Engineer) for three months. I gained a lot of experience there, such as:

– Making daily site visits to ensure that workers make no building mistakes.

– Providing engineering consultancy to the client and workers.

– Ensure that the project is moving along as specified in the plan.

– Provide suggestions and solutions that benefit the client and the contractor in a dispute.

– Writing reports during each visit and delivering them to the employee in charge of the project.

As a student, my internship experience was a thrilling experience that moved me ahead on my quest for self-discovery and professional development. It served as a platform for bridging the gap between theory and practice, forging meaningful connections, and facing problems with tenacity.

I advise prospective interns to grasp the chance, take a risk, and begin on a path that unleashes their potential. This will influence their future success.

ABDUL RAHMAN ALBALUSHI

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I will cherish the memories of shared triumphs during various events for the rest of my life. My department’s unwavering support and guidance have enabled me to explore and refine my talents. Taking advantage of the opportunity to work within the department as a laboratory technician is assisting me in gaining the necessary job skills.

I have found my experience as a laboratory technician at a college to be exceptionally rewarding. As a trainee in this capacity, I was able to share my knowledge with budding engineers, guiding them through the experimental process. Witnessing their enthusiasm for grasping concepts and successfully completing tasks has been truly rewarding.

I felt an immense sense of pride in contributing to their educational journey and creating a secure and conducive environment for their exploration. This role not only enabled me to contribute to education but also facilitated my continuous personal growth and learning.

MIYSAA ALI HASSAN AL BELUSHI

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Moments of bliss on campus

The daily dose of exercise at the gym in the student hub, the fresh air and the scenic views of the Ibn Rushd Building (IBR) with high-class infrastructure for students in the student hub are the defining moments of my time at MEC, which define my highlight of every day. It was a wonderful climate in Rusayl throughout my time at Middle East College, with frequent rains and plenty of fresh air. Studying with my co-mates in the student lounges and food court left a lasting impression.

My second home is at the Ibn Rushd Building (IBR)

In class, I liked the classroom facilities and the building with a very aesthetically pleasing dynamic infrastructure. I enjoyed my private space to chill out with friends in the Poesia café on the ground floor. It was very comfortable having classes in a building surrounded by professors and printers to get feedback on my work, and it has helped me a lot.  The prayer room has a special connection to my inner peace so that I can stay confident, calm, and bold in the building.

Meeting my team

I’m lucky to have lifetime friends who have made me passionate about learning new languages and exchanging ideas. It’s fun to try different foods at the three canteens. All in all, focusing on these languages throughout the year was the perfect distraction from academics and a way to enrich my college experience. My favourite memories of my classmates are closely tied together. I’m most happy when we’re working on assignments together. I loved the coffee and energy drinks I had while finishing work.

This legacy will last a lifetime, so I’m more at ease leaving it behind.

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The internship opportunity I had during my major played a crucial role in connecting me with ILS and showcasing my abilities, ultimately leading to my recruitment as a full-fledged employee. Even after graduating, I have continued to receive tremendous support and guidance from my professors, enabling me to excel in my role and grow both personally and professionally.

I am sincerely grateful to MEC for providing me with the tools and opportunities that have shaped my success

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