Muscat: Student innovations are emerging as a critical driver for a sustainable future. Balil Company, based in the heart of Omani institutions, created a sophisticated and safe air purifier that uses natural, powerful, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly materials such as seaweed.
The business began with an idea, evolved a prototype, and then expanded, combining environmental science and bioengineering to create a practical and environmentally friendly solution.
Hajar bint Jumaa Al Amri, CEO of Balil Company, explained: "The idea was born from a terrible reallife event: the death of a youngster inside a vehicle owing to excessive temperatures and the buildup of harmful fumes. This encouraged us to seek for a genuine answer to avoid these accidents and improve air quality in cars. We started working on developing a smart and safe air purifier that uses natural and effective ingredients.
According to Al Amri, the firm was formed in 2023 as part of its engagement in the Injaz Oman Student Entrepreneurship Programme. Following assistance and guidance, it became an official business and received a patent, as well as a scientific and technological assessment.
These natural organisms are excellent at absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, making them ideal for natural air purification. Furthermore, they can be readily grown in the local ecosystem, lowering dependence on imported supplies and improving the product's environmental and economic sustainability.
She mentioned that the gadget not only cleans the air but also has cooling and scent capabilities. Furthermore, the device does not use industrial filters, which means they do not need to be replaced on a regular basis, making it more sustainable and cost-effective in the long run.
Hajar Al Amri described the gadget's operational system as one that blends technology and sustainability. The system uses a natural filter containing algae for purification. It is powered through a TypeC connector or a rechargeable battery and consumes no substantial power to operate. The crew is now working on incorporating a solar-powered charging option to make the gadget more independent and ecologically friendly.
According to Al Amri, the gadget includes a temperature sensor that monitors the vehicle's inside temperature. When it exceeds a specific level, it automatically begins cooling and filtering the air, giving extra protection, particularly in closed vehicles during peak traffic hours. Maintenance is simple and requires no technological assistance; the filter must be replaced after usage.
Hajar Al Amri reported that the academic atmosphere has allowed her to get assistance, consultations, and counseling from professionals and academic instructors on technological and sustainability issues.
According to the CEO of Balil Company, the laboratory experiment began at Sultan Qaboos University in preparation for the 20th Science Festival. This allowed us to do initial scientific experiments and assess the performance of the filter as well as the natural components used.
She said that the team that worked to develop this innovation comprises nine individuals from a variety of sectors, including engineering, technology, environment, design, and marketing. This helped the project in every way, including scientific research and development, design, production, and marketing.
The path to innovation was not without difficulties. Hajar Al Amri stated that the absence of specialist local facilities to produce the company's product was one of the issues the team encountered, adding that they worked on creating and testing prototypes until they obtained a stable and successful product.
The CEO of Balil also stated that the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and the Ministry of Transportation, Communications, and Information Technology all contributed significantly to this innovation by assisting the team in overcoming obstacles and converting the concept into a successful business model.
The Omani Startup Accelerator was instrumental in assisting the team from conception through graduation from the program.
In terms of environmental and social effect, the company's CEO believes that the gadget will help minimize internal vehicle emissions and harmful gas levels, hence improving user health and reducing respiratory issues. It also promotes environmental sustainability by using natural ingredients.
Regarding the device's or technology's possible use in a variety of settings, she stated that the team has begun evaluating other applications in enclosed areas such as schools, offices, and factories.
Balil's CEO is now doing research to see if the technology may be used in home ventilation systems, public institutions, and factories.
Regarding expansion and development intentions, Al Amri said that the business has received various investment offers to support its project and that study into these possibilities is underway.
Furthermore, the business is working to create new solutions appropriate for home and industrial applications, promote sustainability in a variety of industries, incorporate smart technology, and improve product effectiveness in order to better address market demands and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.
Furthermore, the business has inked international agreements with worldwide partners, increasing its chances to develop and access new markets outside the Sultanate of Oman.
According to Al Amri, the most beneficial community tasks include trusting young people's talents, supporting local products, and marketing them within the community. These positions provide possibilities for collaboration and promote links between academia and the commercial sector, contributing considerably to the success of such initiatives.
It is worth noting that Baleel has earned numerous national honors in the field of air purification and environmental preservation, including first place for Best Idea in the Innovation and Technology Sector at the Youth Sustainability Camp, second place in the Elite Projects category at the Military Technical College, and fifth place at the First Annual Startup Forum. It is also one of the top 12 innovative ideas that qualified to represent the Sultanate of Oman at the Gulf Science Forum, qualified for the Injaz Oman finals from among more than 180 participating firms, and was nominated to represent the Sultanate of Oman at the LEAP Global Exhibition in Saudi Arabia.
