As part of its strategy to invest in cutting-edge technologies, the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has announced its investment in Tidal Vision, a US-based company renowned for its innovations in biopolymer technology.

Source: GulfNews

This investment was made during Tidal Vision’s Series B funding round, where the company successfully raised over $140 million from strategic investors, as stated in their recent announcement.

Through these international investments, OIA aims to adapt innovative solutions to fulfill domestic market demands.

Founded in 2014, Tidal Vision specializes in transforming renewable natural resources into sustainable, eco-friendly materials. The company develops biopolymer solutions using chitosan, a natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic biopolymer derived from crustacean shells like shrimp and crabs. Tidal Vision has successfully commercialized the large-scale production of chitosan through a zero-waste extraction process, providing a higher-quality and more cost-effective alternative compared to its competitors. The company is also dedicated to sustainability by repurposing byproducts from the fishing industry, minimizing waste, and supporting the circular economy.

Chitosan-based solutions are versatile and can be applied across various industries, particularly in tackling pollution and climate-related issues. This material is commonly used in water treatment, agriculture, textiles, and fertilizers as a natural substitute for traditional chemicals like aluminum sulfate, activated carbon, pesticides, and plastic films.

Moreover, in the oil and gas industry, chitosan can be employed to treat high-salinity water, which poses a significant challenge, as industrial operations in this sector generate approximately nine barrels of saline water for every barrel of oil extracted. Its agricultural applications also include seed coating and biopesticides, enhancing sustainability within the sector.

OIA remains committed to investing in innovative, environmentally friendly technologies and products through its Future Generations Fund (FGF). By pursuing international investments, OIA aims to adapt advanced solutions for the Omani market. Additionally, OIA is focused on investing in economically promising companies to boost FGF’s revenues and ensure sustainable returns for both current and future generations.