The event follows an intensive eight-week bootcamp focused on enhancing the participants’ entrepreneurial skills and transforming their innovative concepts into actionable projects. Throughout the bootcamp, participants began establishing startups which allows them to benefit from support programs provided by to launch in the market.

The Mashroo3i program is aimed at empowering Bahrainis to enter the field of entrepreneurship through equipping them with the knowledge, guidance and resources required to successfully launch their businesses in line with a broader objective of enhancing the contribution of Bahrainis in economic development in addition to fostering a new generation of innovators capable of leading the future of entrepreneurship in Bahrain.

63 teams participated in the bootcamp, undergoing an extensive two-phase qualification process which includes project ideation and feasibility assessment as the first stage while through the second stage specialized consultations were provided to refine participant skills and expand their professional networks. Following the process, 12 finalists were selected to take part in the final pitch event.

The Mashroo3i program plays a critical role in enabling Bahrain’s creative entrepreneurs, equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary to transform innovative ideas into successful businesses. Through Mashroo3i Tamkeen works to create a positive impact by generating quality employment opportunities for local talent, while delivering innovative solutions that contribute to the growth and diversification of the national economy, through highlighting entrepreneurs who are capable of turning their pioneering ideas into successful thriving businesses that create high-value job opportunities.

The demo day featured innovative concepts across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, tourism and entertainment, and transportation and logistics. The proposed solutions aimed to address existing challenges, enhancing their chances of success and sustainability.

Empowering the growth of the Startup ecosystem in Bahrain is one of Tamkeen’s main objectives as it continues to provide the necessary support for Bahraini startups, with 2,780 startups receiving support last year through various programs to launch operations in the private sector. Additionally, Tamkeen collaborates with leading financial institutions to offer tailored financing solutions. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represented almost 52% of all funding requests, reaffirming Tamkeen’s dedication to fostering the growth and sustainability of this vital sector.

Launched in 2012, the Mashroo3i program has played a critical role in helping Bahraini entrepreneurs launch innovative ideas and new projects in the local market. Since its launch, the program has shown many success stories, underscoring the importance of supporting entrepreneurship from the earliest ideation phase. The program provides aspiring entrepreneurs with the opportunity to refine their business ideas, access specialized support and secure the financial support required to turn their innovative concepts into sustainable businesses.

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While StartUp Bahrain aims to promote entrepreneurship by providing startups with a supportive ecosystem, access to resources, and opportunities for growth, Brinc brings its extensive expertise in accelerating startups across various sectors. Through their comprehensive acceleration programs and investment initiatives, Brinc has successfully supported numerous startups in their journey from early-stage concepts to market-ready businesses.

This strategic partnership will provide startups in the Kingdom and the broader MENA region with access to Brinc’s world-class acceleration programs and global network of mentors and industry experts. The collaboration aims to strengthen the local startup ecosystem by providing founders with the tools, funding, and connections needed to scale their businesses globally.

“Partnering with StartUp Bahrain represents a new, significant step in our commitment to fostering innovation in Bahrain,” stated Hussain Haji, Regional Head of Corporate Innovation. “By combining our global acceleration expertise with StartUp Bahrain’s local ecosystem knowledge, we aim to create a powerful platform for startups to scale and succeed regionally, and then, internationally.”

“This partnership with Brinc marks an exciting new chapter for the local startup ecosystem,” remarked Maryam Malik, Project Manager at StartUp Bahrain. “With Brinc, we hope to provide local startups with more opportunities and access to global markets, reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a leading innovation hub in the region.”

StartUp Bahrain and Brinc are committed to driving innovation and supporting Bahraini startups in achieving global success. For more information about upcoming initiatives and acceleration programs, visit StartUp Bahrain and Brinc’s websites.

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A jury evaluated entries based on the following criteria: progression of applicants’ entrepreneurial journey; robustness of their business metrics; digital presence; and demonstrated ability to problem-solve confidently. The members of the jury included: Ali Bailoun, Regional General Manager at Visa, Suzy Al Zeerah, COO of Bahrain FinTech Bay, Fatema AlAlawi, Acting CEO of Bahrain Islamic Bank, Marwa Al-Eskafi, Director of Partnerships at Tamkeen, and an Award-Winning Businesswoman, HE Huda Janahi.

By participating in the program, all women entrepreneurs gained access to practical insights from female leaders in Bahrain, as well as valuable tools and educational resources. These include Visa’s Practical Business Skills Program, designed to help them grow and develop their businesses.

Fatema AlAlawi, Acting CEO of BisB, commented, “It was an honor to participate in this incredible initiative for the second consecutive year, as part of our ongoing efforts to support female entrepreneurs in the Kingdom. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the remarkable winners for their impactful business ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. At BisB, we are dedicated to investing in women-owned businesses, providing them with a platform to thrive within their communities. We remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering women across various fields, contributing to the realization of Bahrain’s Vision 2030 goals.”

Mohamed Al-Subaiee, Director of Innovate for Bahrain, commented, “As Innovate for Bahrain, we are immensely proud to facilitate & host the She’s Next program and awards at our new hub in Riyadat Mall. This program highlights the incredible talent and innovation of women entrepreneurs in Bahrain, who are breaking barriers and redefining what it means to innovate and lead in today’s dynamic entrepreneurial challenges. Mabrook to Haya Al Jassim and Areej Matooq on their well-deserved wins, and we’re excited to engage all the program applicants and alumni through a series of initiatives planned in 2025 in partnership with Visa.”

According to Visa’s SMB Women Digitization Index in Bahrain, women-owned businesses rely on personal finances (43%) and angel investors (44%) to set up their companies. This underscores the importance of programs like She’s Next in providing essential financial support and resources for women-owned business to grow and succeed.

Ali Bailoun, Visa’s Regional General Manager for KSA, Bahrain, and Oman, commented, “At Visa, we believe in the potential of women to drive innovation and economic growth.  She’s Next program in Bahrain reflects our commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs by providing the resources, mentorship, and funding they need to thrive. We would like to extend our congratulations to this year’s winners and finalists for their remarkable contributions to Bahrain’s entrepreneurial landscape and look forward to supporting them through this program as they can continue to grow their businesses.”

Since its launch, the She’s Next program has provided over $3 million in grants and coaching to women entrepreneurs across the globe, empowering them to scale their businesses and contribute to economic growth.

The program also recognized outstanding finalists who showcased exceptional entrepreneurial vision and innovation. These included Muna Rabieh, Founder of A Wonder Within; Aqeela Abbas, Founder of Arabiquest; and Co-Founders Reem Al Jamea and Samar Eshaq of Campinya.

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The event, held at the bank’s headquarters in Manama, provided a platform for insightful dialogue and knowledge exchange, underscoring the bank’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting women in entrepreneurship.

During the session, participants shared key milestones from their entrepreneurial journeys, emphasizing using digital solutions and modern technology to develop innovative products and services that address evolving market needs. They also showcased aspects of their projects, explored strategies for growth and expansion, and discussed approaches to boost their presence in local and regional markets.

The discussion addressed challenges women entrepreneurs face, including liquidity constraints, marketing hurdles, intense competition, and access to financing. Additionally, the participants explored opportunities presented by emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and their potential to drive growth across diverse sectors.

The speakers warmly congratulated Bahraini women on the occasion of Bahraini Women’s Day, celebrated annually on December 1st, extending their best wishes for continued progress, leadership, and success. They also highlighted the vital contributions of Bahraini women to the nation’s development, underscoring their remarkable achievements across various fields.

Ten women-led startups have been selected for the fifth cohort of the “Women in Tech” program, representing a wide range of industries. These startups operate in sectors such as e-sports, B2B marketplaces, food technology, educational technology, human resources and employee wellness, event management platforms, restaurant management systems, health technology, and corporate rewards and loyalty programs.

The Standard Chartered Women in Tech Bahrain Incubation Program is conducted in partnership with Bahrain FinTech Bay and strategic collaborators, including the Central Bank of Bahrain, the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), the Supreme Council for Women, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain (UNIDO ITPO Bahrain). Since its inception, the program has supported over 40 local startups through mentorship and training, with 16 of these startups receiving financial awards totalling more than $230,000.

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Focusing on unlocking regional investment opportunities, the summit offered a platform for startups and investors to connect, exchange ideas, and explore collaborations. Around 300 participants from Bahrain, the MENA region, and beyond, including angel investors, venture capital firms, family business owners, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem specialists, attended the event. Over 20 tech startups pitched their projects to a panel of experts and investors, seeking funding and partnerships to scale their ventures.

The event underscored Bahrain’s vision of becoming a regional innovation hub. Participating startups, selected through a rigorous evaluation process, showcased innovations across various sectors, emphasizing the kingdom’s potential to attract early-stage investors and entrepreneurs.

A key highlight of the summit was a panel discussion featuring industry leaders, including:

• Suhail Al Gosaibi, Chairman of Tenmou and an innovation and entrepreneurship strategist.
• Hasan Haider, Managing Partner at +VC, specializing in venture capital for tech startups.
• Mohammed Al Wahaibi, CEO of AlJabr MENA, focused on startup development in the MENA region.
• Ali Al-Alawi, Co-founder of Unipal, a youth-focused platform collaborating with over 600 brands.

The panel explored topics like funding strategies for startups, navigating economic challenges, and the role of venture studios in providing critical resources for early-stage companies. The discussion emphasized fostering sustainable growth and transforming obstacles into opportunities.

Tenmou Chairman Suhail Al Gosaibi lauded the summit’s success, attributing it to strong collaboration with strategic partners and government support. He highlighted the event’s role in promoting Bahrain as a hub for angel investors and entrepreneurs, fostering a sustainable investment ecosystem, and driving economic growth.

“Angel investing plays a pivotal role in turning promising ideas into successful projects, creating significant value for local and regional economies. We remain committed to supporting startups and innovation-driven businesses,” Al Gosaibi said.

The summit concluded by reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a regional leader in entrepreneurship and innovation, setting the stage for future investment opportunities.

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The event showcased five innovative Bahraini startups that included: MedBuddy, a comprehensive healthcare management platform connecting patients with healthcare providers throughout the GCC and MENA regions; Academity, a platform transforming sports academy management through streamlined, technology-driven operations that enhance communication and effectiveness in Bahrain and beyond; Photon, a Bahrain-based company that is developing sustainable, cost-effective corrosion treatment systems for the global market; Tellsaleem, a Bahraini telemedicine platform connecting GCC and MENA patients to specialized healthcare worldwide; and Sleet Media, provider of digital out-of-home advertising which offers a fast, affordable, and data-driven platform that integrates with mobile apps.

After evaluating each startup, the judges announced TellSaleem, founded by Khalid Sater, as the first-place winner, while second place was awarded to Academity, led by Yara Ali. Reflecting on this remarkable achievement, Khalid Sater, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at TellSaleem expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their startup on a national stage, stating: “We had an extremely wonderful experience in the bootcamp that led to the event and learned a tremendous amount from the people that have provided continuous support for Bahrain’s ecosystem to grow! Winning the competition is a steppingstone in our journey and has only ignited our passion to continue growing our startup'”

The event featured an inspiring keynote speech that focused on entrepreneurship by judging panel member William Stadlen, Chief Investment Officer at Mayfair Technology Partners, who was joined by a number of experienced local and regional judges, including: Romain Assuncao, Partner at Antler; Joe Kobrianos Chief Strategy Officer at AstroLabs; and Khalid AlSeflan, Managing Partner at Sawadi Ventures.

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The report serves as an essential reference for individuals, institutions, and professionals seeking to enter this vital sector or who are currently employed within it in addition to demonstrating the emerging trends in the fintech sector, highlighting the evolving nature of job roles and career opportunities. It also identifies the core skills needed to align the workforce’s capabilities with market needs through a comprehensive overview of educational pathways and training programs available for those interested in joining or advancing within the fintech field.

Amer Marhoon, Managing Director of the Skills Bahrain initiative, said, “This report represents an essential step in strengthening Bahraini talent within the fintech sector by providing an in-depth analysis of future trends and required skills. This report will also assist us at Tamkeen in developing specialized programs and initiatives that align with the sector’s market needs and skills required, hence enabling Bahrainis to become more future ready.”

Bader Sater, Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain FinTech Bay, added, “Our collaboration with Skills Bahrain initiative on this report emphasizes our commitment to driving innovation and skill development within the fintech sector. We look forward to seeing this report serve as a beneficial tool for guiding individuals and institutions towards a future focused on innovation and sustainability.”

This report showcases Bahrain’s readiness to adapt to the changes in global trends when it comes to the Fintech sector. It provides insights and data to identify challenges associated with these shifts in the sector, offering comprehensive perspectives on future skills and job roles. It also aims to enhance the ability of individuals and institutions to adapt to and leverage these changes to strengthen their competitiveness both locally and globally.

Skills Bahrain is an initiative that operates under the umbrella of the Labour Fund “Tamkeen” and aims to fill the skills gap of local talent resulting from the constant changes and development in the global labor market. Skills Bahrain works closely with employers, education & training providers, and the government, to bridge the skills gap by providing stakeholders with the necessary intelligence, sector-specific data, and necessary tools.  Skills Bahrain contributes to the transition from education to employment, and provides a clear path towards career development, therefore developing skilled and globally competitive Bahraini talent.

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This came as part of their participation in the second edition of the Gateway Gulf Investment Forum hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain. Under the theme of “Investing in a Rapidly Transforming Region”, the forum attracts international participation from top government officials, business leaders, and executives.

On this occasion, Her Excellency Ms. Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Chief Executive of the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), emphasized Tamkeen’s commitment to enhancing programs and initiatives aimed at training and developing national talent in various fields, especially in the fields that utilize latest tech advancements, therefore enhancing their competitiveness in the labor. These efforts further emphasize Bahrain’s position as a global innovation hub.

The training program aims to equip Bahraini nationals to become professional AI generalists, AI specialists, and AI startup founders. In addition to knowledge exchange on AWS’s best practices in cloud computing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

Through this initiative, Tamkeen and AWS will provide the opportunity for Bahrainis to obtain three main qualifications related to generative artificial intelligence, implementing machine learning technologies in production and operations, and utilizing technology to address various business challenges.

This partnership comes in alignment with Tamkeen’s 2024 strategic priorities focused on economic impact and the private sector under three pillars: increasing economic participation through new employment opportunities for new entrants, expanding career development opportunities available to Bahraini workforce, and further developing the private sector by supporting enterprises and boosting productivity and adoption of technology.

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The electrifying 54-hour weekend brought together over 200 founders, developers, designers, and marketers to build and launch startups over a single weekend under one roof, from ideation stage to MVP. 200 participants competed for grand prizes worth BHD 3,000 in total value, and received surprise perks from ecosystem enablers and organizations to further celebrate their achievements, and reward their hard work.

The keynote speech was delivered by none other than Ahmed Alrawi, serial entrepreneur, Co-Founder and CEO of Calo, who shared invaluable insights from his trailblazing journey in the startup ecosystem to the audience. Participants were also excited to receive insightful advice from Nathan Minns, seasoned trainer and facilitator renowned for his expertise in guiding startup initiatives worldwide, who reprised his role for the third edition.

The judging panel included world-class industry leaders in the likes of Brinc Regional Head of Corporate Innovation, Husain Haji, Partner at Pinnacle Capital, Moayed Almoayed; Hope Fund’s General Manager, Fajer AlPachachi; Executive Director and MP of Tajawoz, Hamad Alfahad; Head of HP Spring Studios – Bahrain, Zainab Khamis;  and Founder and Managing Partner of Plus VC, Hasan Haider.

The winning teams included, I Need You Bracelet, Safebites, and CarPal who respectively won first, second and third place. The first-place winner, Yaqeen Ebrahim, showcased their innovative idea of a bracelet made for parents who are a part of the deaf and mute community to communicate with their babies better to enhance their life quality. The idea received high engagement and appreciation from the judging panel and audience.

“Winning first place at StartUp Bahrain Weekend was nothing short of exhilarating! It’s incredible to see our hard work, passion, and vision come to life in such a rewarding way and in such a short amount of time. Knowing that our solution has the potential to make a real impact is truly thrilling,” shared Yaqeen. “We are deeply thankful to StartUp Bahrain, Tamkeen, and all the sponsors for creating this amazing platform that nurtures innovation and inspires entrepreneurs like us to push boundaries and achieve our dreams.”

In a special twist, a surprise fourth-place award titled General Assembly’s Choice Award was introduced, which recognized a startup with outstanding innovation and potential. The award was granted to Tryouts, a startup focused on providing a subscription service to try out various hobbies without commitment, connecting users to local venues and rewarding businesses with referral fees.

The event, sponsored by Brinc Batelco, IKEA Bahrain, Tap Payments, Calo, General Assembly Middle East, Reboot Coding Institute, Diwan Hub, Spring Studios, Tenmou, The Collective Hub, Zain Bahrain, Little Caesars, Al Anwar Discount Centre, Etar Productions and Infinigence Consulting.

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The electrifying 54-hour marathon brings together over 200 passionate founders, developers, designers, and marketers to create and launch startups from the ground up in a single weekend. This high-energy event is filled with creativity, collaboration, and innovation, as participants compete for cash prizes awarded to the top three teams.

Redefining business norms in the Kingdom, StartUp Bahrain Weekend’s keynote speaker will be Ahmed Alrawi, the serial entrepreneur and Co-Founder and CEO of Calo, who brings invaluable insights from his trailblazing journey in the startup ecosystem. Additionally, Nathan Minns, a seasoned trainer and facilitator renowned for his global expertise in guiding startup initiatives, returns for the third time to offer mentorship and guidance to participants.

This edition’s panel of judges includes Brinc Regional Head of Corporate Innovation, Husain Haji, Partner at Pinnacle Capital, Moayed Almoayed; Hope Fund’s General Manager, Fajer AlPachachi; Executive Director and MP of Tajawoz, Hamad Alfahad; Head of HP Spring Studios – Bahrain, Zainab Khamis;  and Founder and Managing Partner of Plus VC, Hasan Haider.

Moreover, the event will include more than 20 Bahraini leaders in the field of entrepreneurship that will assist the participants under the guidance of Rami Jamal, Emad Al-Kooheji, Imran Al-Aradi, Ahmed Faraj, Ahmed Haji, Noora AlAskar, Lana AlAttar, Abdullah Alrayes, and many others.

Executive Director of Program Development and Partnerships at Tamkeen, Ali Hasan, emphasized Tamkeen’s commitment to championing entrepreneurship in Bahrain. He stated: “We are excited for the upcoming StartUp Bahrain Weekend following the success of previous editions. Being part of this event is aligned with our ongoing efforts to support entrepreneurship which include offering designated support and training for aspiring founders and business leaders. Events like StartUp Bahrain Weekend play a vital role in allowing entrepreneurs to showcase their groundbreaking ideas, turning concepts into successful startups, and boosting our local ecosystem.”

StartUp Bahrain is thrilled to have IKEA as one of their event sponsors, showing their commitment to fostering the Kingdom’s dynamic startup scene. Vincent van Herk, the Market Manager at IKEA Bahrain, said, “We are excited to be a part of an event that champions innovation and empowers entrepreneurs to bring their visions to life, positively impacting society. This partnership reflects IKEA’s broader mission to support community-driven initiatives and create spaces where creativity and entrepreneurship can thrive.”

Khaled AlRayyes, General Manager at Calo, stated his excitement to be part of the upcoming edition. “This event showcases Bahrain’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and it’s inspiring to see so many innovative ideas come to life in such a short amount of time. Calo is proud to collaborate with the organizers, to foster the growth of young, aspiring founders and support them on their journeys.”

Ahmed AlAradi, Managing Director of Tap Payments – Bahrain, expressed his enthusiasm saying: “Tap Payments is delighted to back StartUp Bahrain’s Weekend event, showcasing our dedication to support innovation and growth within Bahrain’s startup ecosystem and beyond. As a judge in the pitch competition, I’m eager to explore the dynamic ideas our local entrepreneurs will present. Our commitment is to help new businesses not just launch, but truly excel.”

Leila Rajab, Senior Marketing Manager of General Assembly Middle East, shared her excitement stating, “General Assembly is thrilled to support this event and witness the next wave of innovative youth entrepreneurship and skill development. The enthusiasm and creativity displayed by young entrepreneurs are truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to see what new ideas and ventures emerge from this dynamic event.”

Co-Founder of DesignEase and previous StartUp Bahrain Weekend winner, Ali Dairi, stated, “This was an incredibly uplifting experience, and I find myself encouraging everyone to join. The event inspired me in so many ways, particularly in seeing the remarkable talent that Bahrain has to offer.”

StartUp Bahrain Weekend has been the startup ecosystem’s event of the year and will continue to be so, showcasing innovative ideas, engaging discussions, and interactive networking opportunities. For more details and to secure your spot, visit startupbahrain.com/weekend.

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