Othman Al Mandhari, Co-founder and CEO of Innotech, explains that a passion for robotics and automation drives the company and is revolutionizing construction with 3D printing. Enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and education is crucial to Oman’s technological advancement.
What inspired you to establish Innotech, and how has the company evolved since its inception?
The inception of Innotech was driven by our deep-rooted passion for robotics and automation, which stemmed from our background in Mechatronics engineering. While working in the oil and gas sector, we realized that our true interest lay elsewhere—specifically in the untapped potential of concrete 3D printing. Recognising a significant opportunity in this emerging technology, we made the bold decision to pivot towards revolutionising the construction industry with automation. Our ambition was clear from the start: to position Innotech as the leading concrete 3D printing company in the MENA region.
Our journey began with a small-scale pilot project in our first year. However, our determination and innovative approach quickly propelled us forward. By our second year, we had successfully constructed 30 buildings using our proprietary 3D printing technology. This rapid growth not only validated our vision but also attracted the attention of investors. Today, we are proud to have secured investment from three prominent venture capital firms across three different countries, further solidifying our position in the market.
How does Innotech leverage 3D printing technology to address key challenges in the construction and manufacturing sectors?
One of the most pressing challenges in the construction industry is the high cost and lengthy timelines associated with traditional building methods. At Innotech, we have successfully mitigated these issues by leveraging automation through concrete 3D printing. This technology allows us to significantly reduce construction costs while expediting project completion times.
Beyond cost and speed, another major concern in modern construction is energy efficiency. We have actively worked on addressing this by innovating with sustainable construction materials that enhance thermal insulation and reduce energy consumption in buildings. By continuously refining our 3D printing processes and materials, we ensure that our solutions contribute to a more sustainable and cost-effective construction ecosystem.
What unique value does Innotech bring to Oman’s technology ecosystem, particularly in automation and sustainability?
Innotech’s core mission aligns closely with Oman’s Vision 2050, which aims to transform the nation into a net-zero carbon economy. One of the primary ways we contribute to this vision is by significantly reducing the carbon footprint of construction projects. Traditional construction methods rely heavily on cement, a major contributor to CO₂ emissions. Our 3D printing technology optimizes material usage, reducing the need for cement while maintaining structural integrity.
Moreover, by automating construction processes, we help minimize labour-intensive practices, which not only cuts costs but also enhances safety and efficiency. Our innovations in automation and sustainability position us as a key player in Oman’s technological transformation, making construction more eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Can you share examples of how Innotech’s solutions have successfully improved efficiency and reduced environmental damage in projects?
One of our most successful projects involved reducing construction costs for a client by 8% through the implementation of our 3D printing technology. This cost efficiency was achieved by minimizing material waste and streamlining labour requirements. Additionally, we have made substantial progress in reducing environmental impact. Our 3D printing solutions use 15% less Portland cement than conventional construction methods, which significantly reduces CO₂ emissions.
By integrating smart construction materials and sustainable design principles, we continue to set benchmarks in environmentally responsible building practices. Our commitment to sustainability ensures that every project we undertake benefits our clients and contributes positively to the environment.
In the field of educational technology, what role does Innotech play in preparing the next generation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution?
Beyond our contributions to construction, Innotech is deeply invested in the educational sector. We believe that the future of Oman’s technology ecosystem depends on equipping the next generation with essential skills in automation and robotics. To support this, we have established a mobile educational lab, funded by BP Oman and operated in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.
This mobile lab travels across the country, introducing students to the fundamentals of robotics and automation through hands-on training. To date, we have provided practical training to over 1,200 students, inspiring a new wave of young engineers and innovators. By nurturing this talent pipeline, we are helping Oman transition into a knowledge-based economy.
What challenges have you faced in scaling your business and adopting advanced technologies in the region?
Scaling a business that introduces disruptive technology comes with significant hurdles. One of our biggest challenges has been navigating regulatory frameworks to secure permits for our innovative construction techniques. Since 3D printing in construction is still a relatively new concept in the region, obtaining approvals has been a time-consuming process.
Additionally, securing venture capital (VC) funding for hardware startups in the GCC has been another challenge. Unlike software startups, which generally require lower initial investments, hardware-focused companies demand substantial capital for research, development, and scaling. Despite these obstacles, our persistence and strategic partnerships have enabled us to overcome these barriers and continue our growth trajectory.
How does Innotech balance innovation with maintaining cost-efficiency for its clients in competitive industries like construction and manufacturing?
We believe that the key to making advanced technology affordable lies in vertical integration. Unlike traditional companies that outsource various aspects of their production, we made the unconventional decision to manage everything in-house. This includes research and development, material production, and manufacturing. While it was a bold and resource-intensive move, it has allowed us to drive down costs and ensure full control over quality and innovation.
By keeping all operations under one roof, we can rapidly iterate on our technology, reduce dependency on external suppliers, and pass on cost savings directly to our clients. This approach has been instrumental in making our 3D printing solutions accessible to a broader market.
What are your long-term goals for Innotech, and how do you envision its role in shaping Oman’s technological and educational future?
At Innotech, our long-term vision is to fully automate construction processes, making homeownership more affordable and environmentally sustainable. We envision a future where advanced robotics and AI-driven automation will significantly reduce the cost of building homes, making sustainable housing accessible to everyone.
Moreover, we aim to expand our educational initiatives, ensuring that future generations are equipped with the skills required to lead Oman’s technological revolution. By fostering innovation in both construction and education, we hope to play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s future as a leader in automation, sustainability, and technological advancement.
