OIA Invests
in Biopolymers Field

Muscat, 10
Mar (ONA) — As part of its strategy to invest in advanced technologies, Oman Investment
Authority (OIA) has announced its investment in the US based company Tidal
Vision, a leading innovator in the field of biopolymer technology.

This
investment was made during Tidal Vision’s Series B funding round, in which the
company successfully raised over $140 million from strategic investors,
according to its recent announcement. Through such international investments,
OIA aims to localize innovative solutions to meet domestic market needs.

Founded in
2014, Tidal Vision specializes in converting renewable natural resources into
sustainable, eco-friendly materials. The company develops biopolymer solutions
based on chitosan, a natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic biopolymer derived
from crustacean shells such as shrimp and crabs. Tidal Vision has successfully
commercialized the large-scale production of chitosan using a zero-waste
extraction process, offering a higher-quality and lower-cost alternative
compared to competitors. The company is also committed to sustainability by repurposing
byproducts from the fishing industry, reducing waste, and supporting the
circular economy.

Chitosan-based
solutions have applications across various industries, particularly in
addressing pollution and climate challenges. The material is widely used in
water treatment, agriculture, textiles, and fertilizers as a natural
alternative to conventional chemicals such as aluminum sulfate, activated
carbon, pesticides, and plastic films. Additionally, in the oil and gas sector,
chitosan can be utilized for treating high-salinity water, a significant
challenge given that industrial operations in this field produce approximately
nine barrels of saline water for every barrel of oil extracted. Its use in
agriculture also presents opportunities for seed coating and biopesticides,
contributing to greater sustainability in the sector.

OIA
continues to invest in innovative, environmentally friendly technologies and
products through its Future Generations Fund (FGF). By investing
internationally, OIA seeks to localize advanced solutions to serve the Omani
market. Furthermore, OIA remains committed to investing in economically
promising companies to enhance FGF’s revenues and ensure sustainable returns
for both present and future generations.

—Ends/AG